Wheel Size - Offset(?)

[Jeannot]

My GL project (‘72 SB) is underway on three fronts: the chassis/suspension, the motor and the body. I hope to complete the sandblasting of the chassis this week and begin overhauling the suspension. I am at the point of needing to decide on the brakes and wheels. What does one need to consider when making a wheel choice? I am particularly attracted to the Porsche teledial wheels and like Michelin, Dunlop and Perilli tires. I don’t know what is meant by “offset”. I don’t want to go too large. Are there good tires available in 15 and 16 inch rims? What is the advantage of larger wheels?

Jeannot

[lightning bug]

Go here for wheel offset: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htm Wheel size also relates to your post about the brakes. Only certain size wheels will work with bigger brakes. Again, I'll use the 996 TT brakes for argument's sake. These brakes won't fit under a 16" wheel, nevermind a 15". As for tires, you can get excellent tires for those sizes.

[vujade]

the other advantage when using larger rims besides being able to use larger brakes is that when you use larger wheels you will be using smaller lower profile tires.

(You want to keep the diameter the same no matter what size rim you use, example 60 series tires with 15" rims, 50 seriest tires with 16" rims & 40 series tires with 17" rims)

what this means to you is that there is less side wall on the tire and you handling will be better.
But the down side to this is that it will also make your ride bumpier.