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Why such big gap at the arch when installing bigger rims and lower profile tyres ?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Skindiver, May 9, 2007.

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  1. Skindiver

    Skindiver Karting

    Apr 22, 2004
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    #1 Skindiver, May 9, 2007
    Why does the gap between the arch and the wheel seem so big when one has installed larger mags and lower profile tyres, especially if you took care to maintain overall OD ?
    Overall OD is overall OD. The amount of meat in the wheel well is the same.
    So why the bigger gap ?

    I have 18's on my 328 and the OD with lower profile rubber is exactly the same as the origional 16.s OD with higher profile rubber. Big huge gap.

    Skin.
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 Steve Magnusson, May 9, 2007
    I believe it's a natural visual effect. With your new set-up, the gap is now a larger percentage of the tire sidewall height so it "appears" larger (I really notice this on the ricers and Euro rockets with 19"~20" wheels -- unless they are lowered like a DTM car, the gap looks too big). You'll have to lower the coachwork ;)
     
  3. WaltP

    WaltP Formula 3

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    #3 WaltP, May 9, 2007
    I wonder the same, the gap on my car (1980 308) went to almost 4" when I changed to the 16" wheels. I lowered the front using QA-1's, gap in now less than an inch.
     
  4. chris marsh

    chris marsh F1 Veteran
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    #4 chris marsh, May 9, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

    I agree particularly if your new wheels are more open. With my 308 here their is actually .38" more gap but not as noticable. On my mustang here also increased the gap by .38" but much more noticable.

    Personally I think 308/328 do not look good with modern open wheels.
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  5. WaltP

    WaltP Formula 3

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    #5 WaltP, May 9, 2007
    I'll try to remember to take and post some pictures of my 308 tomorrow.
     
  6. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 Bullfighter, May 9, 2007
    +1

    The OEM wheels are best, IMO, but those '80s BBS wheels look right as well.
     
  7. Skindiver

    Skindiver Karting

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    #7 Skindiver, May 9, 2007
    I also really do like the older 328 OEM wheels but my 89's are just yugh!!
    So we are forced into doing something about it :)

    skin.
     
  8. WaltP

    WaltP Formula 3

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    #8 WaltP, May 10, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  9. mondialman

    mondialman Karting

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    #9 mondialman, May 11, 2007

    What are QA-1's?
     
  10. sherpa23

    sherpa23 F1 Veteran
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    #10 sherpa23, May 11, 2007
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  11. WaltP

    WaltP Formula 3

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    #11 WaltP, May 11, 2007
  12. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

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    #12 don_xvi, May 12, 2007
    It's the ratio of how much of the distance from the wheel lip to the fender lip is filled with tire vs how much is empty. The tire has to cover MORE THAN half of the space from the wheel lip to the fender lip for the car to look right. Many don't know this and don't consider it when developing their wheel & tire upgrade package.

    This ratio can be manipulated (for a given wheel size) with tire size selection and/or lowering the car. See my profile pic. Looks a little iffy, doesn't it? I still haven't put on the size tires I scienced out! That black 328 that looks so good up above is lowered.
     

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