What Tire Size Are You Running? Options for 360 Rims... | FerrariChat

What Tire Size Are You Running? Options for 360 Rims...

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by OldSkoolFool, Dec 31, 2021.

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  1. OldSkoolFool

    OldSkoolFool Karting

    Oct 26, 2012
    59
    Hi Everyone. I am happy to be back in the Ferrari game and picked up a new to me 1985 Mondial Cabriolet QV in pretty nice shape, black exterior and uncommon red interior. I am quite excited for this thing! It has 360 Modena rims on it (stock ones were not included), I like them very much, and plan to continue using them. They have the stock 360 tires on them, seem to fit very well in the wheel well, no rubbing, no issues with the lug bolts, etc.

    My biggest concern is the stock 360 tire size diameters (215/45/18 = 25.6", 275/40/18 = 26.7") are way off from the stock Mondial tire size diameter of 24.9". It looks like alternative tires size of 225/40/18 (25.1" diameter) and 265/35/18 (25.3" diameter) are much closer to the stock diameter. I am concerned the larger size stock 360 tires will negatively impact the driving experience such as impacting acceleration, handling, and the speedo accuracy, but am also concerned that if I go with smaller diameter tires the wheel gap will be even larger than it already is! It looks like there are quite a few great and reasonable options for doing a size of 225/40/18 and 265/35/18. Before purchasing a set in that size, I wanted to check in and see others thoughts and if I am missing something. Also, are there any suggestions for reasonable cost options for lowering the suspension just a bit (the wheel gap, in the front at least, seems large and I am concerned with going with the smaller diameter tires there will be even more wheel gap).

    Regards,
    Shane
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  2. stasha

    stasha Karting

    Sep 10, 2021
    124
    Full Name:
    steve steve
    No useful input re. wheel size and gap, but those wheels really do look good.
    Interested what some knowledgeable members say ref the tech points.
     
  3. gunn

    gunn Formula Junior

    Aug 30, 2021
    309
    Full Name:
    Gunn S
    I recently went through this tire sizing exercise with my 18" x 8.5" wheels and settled on the 225/40r18 tires as being the closest match to stock. There are abundant tire options at various price points and i picked some pirelli pzeros as a good starting point. We will see if it merits upgrading yo a stickier tire.

    One thing thats worth checking is to see if the width of your wheels will cause the tire wall to be stretched to much or not.

    My wheels are 8.5" wide. As per specs, this tire can be mounted on a 7"-9" wide tire. On an 8.5", the tire looks visually a little stretched to me but its within spec as its a similar angle to the original metric tires/wheels. Thankfully, we are not anywhere near the stupidity seen here
    https://www.stanceworks.com/forums/showthread.php?101274-How-To-Tire-Stretching-The-Ultimate-System-Guide

    Q: how wide are these rims?

    I found tiresize.com to be useful to compare alternative tire sizes.
    https://tiresize.com/tiresizes/225-40R18.htm

    I also found thay 245/45r18 would rub at opposite lock in the front so im surprised you never ran into issues with your existing tires.
     
  4. gunn

    gunn Formula Junior

    Aug 30, 2021
    309
    Full Name:
    Gunn S
    PS. Your shocks might be original. Eventually they will start to leak. When that happens, you can consider upgrading to coilovers and adjust the ride height as much as you want. You can even go for a carolina squat if you want.
     
  5. OldSkoolFool

    OldSkoolFool Karting

    Oct 26, 2012
    59
    #5 OldSkoolFool, Jan 1, 2022
    Last edited: Jan 1, 2022
    Stasha, I agree that the 360 wheels look quite nice on the Mondial QV. They do not stand out as too modern. Such a five spoke basic design is timeless enough I think. Normally I wouldn't want so much gap to see such small and basic brakes but the rims really do aid in the presentation of the car and make it feel more "fresh" whereas the original rims might make it feel more vintage.

    Gunn, thanks for the comments and links. Are you running 8.5" rims all around thus 225 at the back too? 245 is wide at the front from what I have seen others use. The 360 rims I am using are 7.5" wide at the front and 9.5" wide at the rear. Per the attached table 225mm front and 265mm rear tire widths are appropriate for the 360 rims. Share a picture if you don't mind of your set up. You are happy with how it rides and feels?
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  6. gunn

    gunn Formula Junior

    Aug 30, 2021
    309
    Full Name:
    Gunn S
    Im going with a square setup for ease of rotation for now. These tires are relatively cheap so if it doesnt work out, ill revisit my choice.
    My MPH will be calculated from GPS not wheel rotations/wheel sensors/RPM so im not wortied about the speedo being off, either.

    Pics including comparison vs stock wheels/tires.
    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/148278184/


    Car has no engine and is on a lift so i cannot comment on driveability.
     
  7. theunissenguido

    theunissenguido F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jan 21, 2004
    2,573
    Argent/Brasil
    Full Name:
    Guido
    Do you have your spare in the front boot ? His weight makes a difference in front height. Also, 18" seems a bit to big in order of the rest of the car...optic not right. My 2 eurocents....
     
  8. OldSkoolFool

    OldSkoolFool Karting

    Oct 26, 2012
    59
    Gunn, thanks for sharing and for the info.

    Theunissenguido, yes, the spare tire is in the boot.
     
  9. SaratogaCA

    SaratogaCA Formula Junior

    Sep 11, 2016
    319
    Saratoga, CA
    Full Name:
    Sam T.
    In 2017 I bought an 86 Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet which came with 360 starfish rims. Of course, given the lack of power steering, it was always a very tough to steer at low speeds.

    About two years ago, my tires needed replacement, and I decided to source original Mondial wheels. I was fortunate enough to find a set on eBay. I am very happy with the result. The car is much easier to steer.

    That will be $0.02 please. I accept bitcoin or Venmo.
     
    MvT likes this.
  10. srephwed

    srephwed F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 29, 2012
    7,005
    street,md
    Full Name:
    fred brown
  11. OldSkoolFool

    OldSkoolFool Karting

    Oct 26, 2012
    59
    Pretty car and excellent looking set up. I like the staggered look too. I bought tires... ended up going with the 225/40/18 and 265/35/18 Hankook Ventus Evo which it looks like you are running too. What size tire are you using? Do you have anything done suspension wise? You look to have less wheel gap than mine. I won't know how it rides for a few months until the snow here in Wisconsin goes away.
     
  12. srephwed

    srephwed F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 29, 2012
    7,005
    street,md
    Full Name:
    fred brown
    I put adjustable coil overs from a 348 on it. My frame is 5 inches off the ground. Who cares how it rides!
     

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