Well, this is a bit technical; I've been looking around and was unable to find something to clear this up. If you don't know me, I'm the crazy latino resurrecting a 308 GTBi that was headed for the crusher. (http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/308-328-sponsored-yellow-compass-group/359739-chassis-37313-resurrection-308-gtbi.html) I was recently able to get a couple of Cromodoras 14 x 7 1/2 rims for the project, and will start to look around to get another couple of 14 inch rims. What has been puzzling me was that, the other day, I was looking at the parts book, and I saw there were at least 4 options for the 14 inch rims. 2 where Cromodoras and 2 were Campagnolos. Now, since Cromodora is what I already have, I'd search for a couple of the same kind of rims... BUT... I don't know if should look for 14 x 7 1/2 rims (same as the ones I already have) or 14 x 6 1/2 rims (the other Cromodora option at the parts book) Were there different size rims for the front and the rear of the car? Or where they the same? Should I look for the narrower or wider wheel?
All the 14 inch 308 wheels I looked up are 7 1/2 inch wide F+R. Ferrari has often had contracts with multiple wheel manufacturers for the same wheel for the same car, sometimes at the same time. It is a matter of getting enough wheels to keep supply going, not usually a mater of different styles or sizes. Ferrari is a small enough company that many suppliers are not going to give them precedence in production so cannot commit to being able to keep up with even the small production demands.
Daniel, Scroll down this page to paragraph 5: 308-328.com All four wheels should be the same width; originally, the 6 1/2 were standards, and the 7 1/2 an option. Rgds
Excellent! Now, another question; tyre size was still the same for both 6 1/2 and 7 1/2? 205/70 VR14? Or was the wider rim fitted with a wider tyre?
It is interesting how 14" wheels got 205 profile on all four corners, TRX wheels got 220 profile on all four corners yet 16" wheels got 205 in front and 225 in back. I understand that swaybar specification stayed the same throughout. The consequence to a 308 with 16" wheels is increased understeer. While understeer is better for most drivers, staggering the wheel widths would move the car away from its original suspension tune. I wonder why they staggered the wheel widths? Appearance? Safety? Other? You'd think they would have changed spring rates or swaybars.
You want the 7 1/2", except for maybe the spare, where a 6 1/2" would "be smaller". The Chromo vs. Campy vs. Speedline, one would think they are "all the same", but each company made it's own mold, so to the subtle eye one can see the difference. I have posted side by side pictures before. Hey, I have something for you, so PM your address I will send it on. Not a wheel, but certainly wheel related, and it will make your life easier!! Alan
There is a radical difference in tire pressures, in the OEM 14" sets. Fronts are way low, soft, and rears are higher, to break away first... So they were effecting rear traction and over/understeer that way. I think by the time of the wider rears, the pressures equalized. You would have to spend some time in the parts book, on the shocks, and sway bars. I would wager they WERE changed....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ferrari-308-GTB-S-or-308-GT4-7-5-X-14-Cromadora-5-Spoke-wide-Wheel-/122205968153
$1,600USD EACH???? Man, my mom has a fortune in the closet of her garage?? I have paid as little as $65 for a single rim...
Those were the days, Alan... those were the days! LOL! However, that listing is really waaaay off the actual price for these. I was already able to source a couple for around $300 each. I'm saving the pennies to place an order now... ;-)
