Wheels AGAIN!!

My understanding is that front Testarossa wheels will work on a 412. I have a set for mine, but haven't installed them yet. There is a thread on here posted by someone who has used them. Good luck.

 

I believe that nothing in the math says that it can't be done on either, but on a 400 = thick, expensive, bolt-on spacers would be needed (so fitting 308 wheels would make more sense).

A 412 uses the same "wheel face flush" design as TR, so might be more practical (or maybe only need a small nudge outboard to accomodate the extra width), but can't recall anyone posting the stock 412 wheel offsets (so someone please post it you've got it, or the thread where it is).

Did someone give you 2 sets of TR 5-lug wheels with lugbolts?

 

Hi

I realise that many people want to fit modern wheels and tyres, but for those that are interested new Michelin TRX tyres are available again 240/55VR415 Michelin TRX

i personaly believe that any one that had a bad experience driving on them was probably driving on old rubber (more than ten years old). the occasional laps in supply is an issue but they are available now. (lets not discuss price).

 

The wheel pattern is the same, the difference in any Ferrari wheel is the offset, and key to cost then is the bolt length. 400 and 412 have a different offset, the 400/400i are "reverse" with something like a 5mm negative offset...the mid 80's Ferraris (412 and TR) have a significantly positive offset.

I first tried to fit 348 wheels on the 400i (since they look like Ferrari, come at 17" and sell cheap) but I would have needed something like a 2" spacer.

There are several threads on wheel offsets here (including interchangeablility of the TR wheels on 412)--Lee

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/ferrari-discussion-not-model-specific/8361-modern-ferrari-wheel-offsets.html

 

Yeah, but you'll need 2 TR sets

IMO, you'd be better off investigating putting Mondial (stock or reproduction) wheels on a 412 (may keep the spacer thickness needed limited to a value where more economical bolt-thru spacers can be used -- just a thought...).

PS Next time you have your 412 wheels off, please look on the backside for offset information (sometimes called "ET") and post, if present.

 

TR fronts fit all four corners of a 412.

I have four 16" FRONT TR wheels on mine and can run modern tires. You have NO IDEA the difference modern radials make! TRX look cool but a good set of tires reduce road noise, increase grip by a ton and make the car track nice and straight down the highway,

 

So do you still have your old 412 wheels? Can you please look for the offset marking on the back? TIA.

 

Could you please post a picture of the car with these wheels ?

Thanks
M

 

Check some of my other posts- I've posted dozens of images of the car with the TR wheels-Not home right now.

 

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/140415806-post1.html

Dug it up for myself -- not bad (but still think the 8" are a little bulky at the front, although having more options for wheel+tire rotation is a plus). Would still like to know the stock 412 offset value as they look shifted outboard a bit, too (even though I prefer the extra bulk of the 8" wheel at the rear, the Polizei here in TX might give you a ticket for that much exposed rear tread ). JMOs -- I just want to know the stock 412 wheel offset facts. Have you ever had a look at the general backside clearances with the TR wheels in place? -- i.e., is being a little more outboard a requirement to accommodate the extra wheel width without interference to the suspension bits, or is there plenty of clearance, and keeping the wheel centerlines in the same locations would be no problem with 8" wide wheels?

 

I know one of our Fchatters has successfully put 328 wheels on his 400 series daily driver. Not sure about TR wheels though.

 

You'll be quite surprised at how much quieter the car is on the highway without the TRXs, and of course how effortlessly the car turns in with something grippy like Goodyear Eagle 1s or Michelin Pilots.

 

There is always the choice as to weather to stick to the original equipment Ferrari 400 tyres. However the Michelin TRX Tyres are not just a fashion item. their performance is exceptional. the rim and tyre combination gives the tyre the ability to absorb an extraordinary amount of vibration for such a shallow side wall and it gives exceptional directional stability.
I would not dispute that modern tyres give less road noise. (tyre noise is easily remedied with more revs and listening to that engine, or turning up the stereo). however the handling of the TRX and longevity is fantastic and perfectly suited to your car. I would sugest if you don't like the way The TRX's you have driven on handled, i would suggest the rubber was old and perished.
The Michelin 240/55VR415 TRX is not for everyone, but i think it is good to have the choice.
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I'm curious to know if there is a reason one cannot just buy any sort of aftermarket wheels in the correct bolt pattern and offset. The bolt pattern seems common and they make many styles to suit the car.

 

Yes, it's prohibited under Ferrari ownership laws




But seriously, most people want to preserve the look of the car with original wheels, which you can really only do with a Ferrari wheel.

The options as I understand it for an original look are are:
1: Find some 16" 412 wheels ( they exist, and a rare)
2: Use 16" 308 wheels ( copies readliy available) with a spacer or
3: find 4 Testarossa 5 stud front 16" wheels ( also hard to find)

There's no reason why you couldnt use a suitable aftermarket wheel, it would function just the same.

M

 

A week later and no one can post the stock 412 wheel offset dimension? No one has an original 412 wheel to look at (or is it unmarked on the backside)?

 

I can understand the reasoning behind that of course. There is so many styles and varieties of wheels that I don't think it would be difficult to find something of suitible style of course.

But Im glad I saw this thread or I would have never known unless the car was parked in my driveway.

 

I really don't think you can beat the dished starfish wheels.

 

Longstone is pushing to sell more TRX tires for nearly $700 per tire. TRX's were a good balance of wear rate and comfort in the '70's. I drove nearly 20,000 miles on them in my 400i. They are phenomenal in torrential rain and there is a video of me finishing a rally in 4" of snow.

I priced new TRX's and they just don't make sense on a cost basis. I bought four F-copy 16" wheels for less than two TRX tires, I opted for Falken tires but now I have several choices at reasonable prices. The total deal paid for the wheels on first pass.
Ken

 

I realise that people wince at the cost of the Michelin TRX Tyres . I am not one who thinks that it is fair to make up a price for a tyre that you think suits the cost of the car. this is irrelavent.

The 240/55VR415 Michelin TRX is the price that it is because they are exceptional tyres made in small batches. They are also made by Michelin who's quality control is second to non. They are only a little more than modern tyres for top notch cars.

A car like a ferrari is exceptional because it is made out of exceptional components. Ferrari use Exceptional tyres.

I respectfully suggest that the TRX is not expensive for what it is, but accept that a set of TRX tyres makes for a big cheque to write. Our retail price is £ 319.79 at present. (this price is + UK VAT inside the European Union.) However we don't charge for delivery of the TRX to most of the world. so in some where like Japan it would only cost £ 319.79 and that tyre would be on your door step in about a week.

 

My motto...Safety 1st, Performance 2nd. You'll be glad you made that choice at a buck 50

+1. It is extremely rare to have to return a Michelin or a Bridgestone for manufacturing defects. But certainly, newer hi-perf. lower profile tires will yield greater skidpad results.
I use Leatherique on my TRX's & they stick like gum balls (at the recommendation of their chemist). I buy it by the gallon