Purists please don't read this thread!

My guess would be the much wider audience for the Cromodoras. After all, maybe 10% of the cars came with Campys, and if maybe 10% of those owners want to upgrade, then you're looking at less than 50 sets of wheels. Pretty small market.

 

The single biggest performance improvement comes from more modern tires. Historic racers (and vintage race organizers) know that, so there is a constant struggle on finding the right balance between remaining in period and going faster. And of course there is the issue of additional loads placed on the suspension and chassis by stickier tires.

The Stratos has the same problem as the Dino in that the supply of performance 14" tires is almost non-existent. This also prompted the after-market manufacture of a (non-original) 16" alternative. However, a 15" magnesium competition wheel - an original option when the car was new - is also being remanufactured for the Stratos, and that, mated to the fantastic Michelin TB5 and TB15 competition tires now again available, has been the preferred option for the purists.

Dino owners of course don't have the restraints that apply to vintage racing, since most are driven only on the road (albeit spiritedly!). The only issue is whether one wishes to retain as much as possible the original flavor of the car, warts and all. Any change, even an improvement, of course detracts from that "original flavor." If the owner is lucky enough to own a modern performance car (such as Omgjon with his green GT3), the temptation to upgrade performance wil probably be less and the allure of a completely original car much stronger. But that decision rests solely with the owner, and it is a good thing those on Ferrari Chat have differing views, otherwise it will be a boring place. And even purists benefit from the exchange of information.

 

OK..., brain fade, here. You were right in the middle of the following discussion, Dan:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152426&highlight=vredestein

Since you obviously know about the Vredesteins & you are really lookin' to improve the handling by going to 16's, disregard my suggestion.

Having said that, a word of caution: As you likely know, the folks with the 308s have observed stress cracks/fractures in the control arms. If you do increase the bite, you may wish to pull the arms & have them Magnafluxed--if you haven't already done so. A bit of reinforcement might be in order, too. In fact, we should all be doing just that. After all, the original components are pushing 'forty' & may have encountered some abuse along the way. 'ya think?

Dan, I'll bet you've a ton of pictures of your car. Snake some shots of 16" rims from pics of a few 308s & photo-shop them in to see how the low profile tires look on your 246. Corbani's are good, but you oughta check out The Look on your own car. Oh yeah, you may pay for the improved handling with a deterioration of ride-quality with the slim tires.

Decisions, Decisions

See ya,
Coop

 

Dan,
History helps! As you know, you are one of the very few who has that luxury. Having documentation is one thing, but exclusive ownership is the ultimate. Have you run across anyone else with a similar story?

With any luck, the shop that applied the powdercoating checked the arms out as part of the process.

OK, guys. Dan has posted some great shots of his car in other threads. Can someone out there 'swap' a set of 16's for his stock 14's so we can 'see' the difference? John Corbani, can you work a little of your computer magic for us?

And, Dan, do you know anyone in your neck of the woods who is running 16's & would let you try 'em on your car? A bit of work involved, but it might help you make the decision without spending a ton of money.

Good luck,
Coop

 

Dan,
This one shows the fit pretty well. You will see 1" less sidewall and a lot wider tread. I did not move the tread all the way out in the rear but this is close. Looks fine to me.
John
.
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Who manufactures these 15"'s for the Stratos, and do you know where to find them ? I'm really not sure which ones you are talking about.

 

Nuccio Magliocchetti in San Remo, Italy.
Some others also like Roberto Cassetta in Turin, Italy.

 

Nuccio Magliocchetti in San Remo, Italy.
Some others also like Roberto Cassetta in Turin, Italy.

 

Here's a L series Dino (knock-offs) running street legal 16" semi-slicks. Super fast:
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What are those wheels off, please.

Mark Shannon

www.markshannon.net

 

These are 308 16" wheels machined to take Rudge hubs. Not being a purist I find this car looks great.
I repeat it is very very fast.

 

I have purist tendencies but I agree the car looks fantastic.

Mark Shannon

www.markshannon.net

 

I also think it looks great on those wheels. Any more pics from other angles?

Thanks

 

I've been running 14 x 7 1/2" 308 Cromodoras for the past 10 years. My tires, front and rear, are 225/60. I've been very satisfied with their performance and, with "Dino" centercaps substituted for the prancing cavallino, they are visibly tied to the Dino identity. Similarly, my other Dino has 14 x 7 1/2" Campagnolo Dino wheels, also with 225/60 tires. When I purchased the latter Dino, it was shod with the 225/60s, and I liked the way the car sat a bit lower to the ground. Fred

 

Here you go:
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Thank you very much. I also love the bumperless aspect of the car.

 

Dear Stratos,
Are the 308 wheels from a 308 QV, 16 " x 7" front wheels and 16" x 8" rear?
Is the conversion to knock offs complex? I already have the hubs from my original wheels
so it would be just a matter of transfering them. Can the hubs be attached to the 16" wheels
in the original bolt holes, after the center is machined off? Would the conical inserts have to be replaced
or otherwise made flat via inserts?
Thank you. Regards,
Alberto

 

Thanks !

 

PS Here is a photo of what I assume is the wheel?
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These are 308QV wheels indeed, 7" and 8" in 16".
You need to machine the centers in a machine shop (classic CNC job). They are not the wheels in the post above.
Sorry I do not have detailed pictures.
Here's another view of the wheels in question:
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