Want to Change SV Wheels

[jfcroni]

Currently I have the original 13" wheels on my SV and I'd like to explore 15" wheels. Is there a bolt-on set available that does not require lug replacements or backspacing?

 

[George Coleman]

Early Mustang fox body cars had the right bolt pattern, you would have to use a 205 or 215 tire and there is still a possibility that the front apron of the car. may need light mods.

 

[Bill Blue]

Early Mustang fox body cars had the right bolt pattern, you would have to use a 205 or 215 tire and there is still a possibility that the front apron of the car. may need light mods.

Why such a wide tire? How wide are these wheels? I have 175-15 tires that fit on 6" wheels.

There are 4 on 4 1/4" Saab wheels that work. Be careful, Saab also made 4 on 4 1/2 wheels. The most likely candidates would be the 5.5 and 6 widths. The only problem being the hub opening is about 1/16" too small. But that is a fileable amount.

The problem with up sizing tires on an Alpine is that you never know what will fit and the mods (usually fender lips) needed to gain clearance. I am convinced a lot of this is due to the hand assembled nature of Alpines, which, when mixed in with everything that has been done to a 50 year old car, means you are ass deep in a crap shoot.

Bill

 

[DanR]

I have 195 55 15's on my Sunbeam Alpine w/V6

They allow plenty of traction.

4 bolt 4 & 1/4 same as George &Bill described above.

Search here for PICS

 

[Andrew]

I hope this picture is clear enough but these are off of a Mustang II. I made a custom set of centre caps with the Sunbeam Logo. They really change the look of the car and may not be in the liking of others??? Bolt pattern is the same.

 

[sunalp]

I used Rota 15" x 51/2". They are usually on Ebay and they fit right on with no modifications. They're not all that expensive either
I think it was something like $500 shipped to me. Not too bad for brand new wheels.

I used Toyo performance tires on it. With these tires, the difference height wise compared to the 13" wasn't anything to talk about.

Here's a shot that I took last year when the car wasn't finished yet. ( they never are done, are they?)
Cheers!
Steve

 

[jfcroni]

Thanks All - If I go with the 15: Rota, is it necessary to try and keep the same overall diameter? I thought the Alpine could take a little more diameter in the wheel well. I'm OK with re-calibration on the speedo.

 

[DanR]

P195 55 15's are close and will fit well.

There is a Wheel/tire/gear program you can use to figure what you will have on the Forum here some where.....If I can find mine I'll sent it.

 

[Barry]

Thanks All - If I go with the 15: Rota, is it necessary to try and keep the same overall diameter? I thought the Alpine could take a little more diameter in the wheel well. I'm OK with re-calibration on the speedo.

Stock tire diameter is slightly under 23"; I think 24" looks much better and 25" looks too big. YMMV.

 

[sunalp]

I believe my Toyos are 185/55 and are a little wider than the 175/70 13" that were on the car previously.
The sidewall is a bit shorter, so it fits the wheel wells nicely.
Steve

 

[hartmandm]

I think this is the spreadsheet Dan mentioned.

http://mhartman.net/files/sunbeam/tire-speed-calculator-alpine-v2.xls

Mike

 

[SoCal'beaming]

Here's a chart as well .. I've also been thinking 'bout wheels and tires ... something, .......... Different.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=205-60r13-185-60r13

David

 

[jfcroni]

Thanks again all. Any pics you have would help too.

 

[Toyanvil]

I am running Yokohama S-drive 185/55-15 on 15x6 25mm off-set rims in front and 205/50-15 on 15x7 20mm off-set in the rear. With this combo the sidewall size is the same front and rear. My rear wheel wells are rolled and my rear axle is 51.75" flange to flange, my is a Mazda RX7 rear axle.

 

[jfcroni]

I am running Yokohama S-drive 185/55-15 on 15x6 25mm off-set rims in front and 205/50-15 on 15x7 20mm off-set in the rear. With this combo the sidewall size is the same front and rear. My rear wheel wells are rolled and my rear axle is 51.75" flange to flange, my is a Mazda RX7 rear axle. Looks Great!

Looks Great!

 

[jfcroni]

Has anyone tried the Sunbeam Specialties LAT 70 15” x 6 ½” TYPE WHEELS? Any pics???