85 Testarossa Wheel/Tire Upgrade | FerrariChat

85 Testarossa Wheel/Tire Upgrade

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by wpdent, Mar 9, 2004.

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  1. wpdent

    wpdent Rookie

    Feb 13, 2004
    28
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Patrick
    #1 wpdent, Mar 9, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    HELLO!

    I have an 85 Testarossa US version. It does have the single knock off lug. I am wanting to upgrade the wheels and tires. I am due a set of tires now, so I figure it is a good time to do this. I do want to try and maintain the geometry as much as possible to prevent rubbing etc. The only exception to that is the offset. In my opinion the wheels look a little "inset" on my car. I would like to achive the more updated look of the 512TR where the wheel looks closer to the outside of the body. The offset may be the same, I don't know. I was looking at Wolfgangs (user name Wolfgang) car and it looks great! I would like to get that look by increasing the wheel size and reducing the tire profile. The offset is not as important to me as reducing the tire profile and increasing wheel size. Any suggestions for wheel suppliers and pictures would be greatly appreciated. I have attached a couple of pictures of my car.

    Later and thanks in advance for the comments!

    Patrick
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  2. JimSchad

    JimSchad Guest

    single lug is going to limit you to either kinesis or speedline for the most part. Maybe SAS if still in biz.

    Everyone I know has gone with 18's all around. 18x8.5 or 9.5 and 18x11 or 12

    One had some old speedlines with 17's which in my opinion looked better, but you dont' get any stock tire sizes etc. However, someone complained about tracking the lines in the road with 512TR tires....235's and 295's on a TR and somebody said it was due to the suspension. I figured it woudl be the same, but guess not.
     
  3. LAfun2

    LAfun2 Three Time F1 World Champ

    Oct 31, 2003
    39,248
    California
    Full Name:
    Ryan
    #3 LAfun2, Mar 10, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  4. gabriel

    gabriel Formula 3

    Nope. Unfortunately, you have to go with single lug.
    If you happen to have the metric rims, you are going to be in for a shock at the price of rubber. I found it cheaper to buy 16" single lug rims than to buy the tires! Took quite a while to find any though.
    I and others have posted a few threads on this subject, so do a search and let us know what you find.
     
  5. Eric308gtsiqv

    Eric308gtsiqv Formula 3

    Nov 26, 2001
    1,955
    Orange Park, Florida
    Full Name:
    Eric Eiland
    Stunning and beautiful TR you have there, Patrick! I love the stance of the '85 (early model) TR's.

    Another option might be a set of 2400SM wheels from S.L. Competition / GARedCars -- here's the link: http://www.garedcars.com/default2.htm (click on Custom Made Wheels / Ferrari / Wheels) . These look similar to the 288 GTO wheels, and have the provision for the center spline-drive hubs. I think that you can even use your existing wheel centers on them as well.

    I think that the Speedlines are similar to the existing TR wheel design also.

    At any rate, should you decide to sell your existing rims let me know, as I might be interested. Thanks, and hope this helps...
     
  6. khayes

    khayes Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    591
    Austin, TX
    Full Name:
    Kelly Hayes
    I am in the same boat on the wheels and tires. I just sent an email to GAredcars to inquire about cost and availability. I'll let you know what I find.
     
  7. gabriel

    gabriel Formula 3

    What exactly are you looking for?


    >At any rate, should you decide to sell your existing rims let me know, as I might be interested.

    Eric, which single lug rims are you looking for?
     
  8. Eric308gtsiqv

    Eric308gtsiqv Formula 3

    Nov 26, 2001
    1,955
    Orange Park, Florida
    Full Name:
    Eric Eiland
    Preferably, a set of U.S. spec original TR rims (tires or no tires). Currently, mine has the original metric size rims, so I'm in the same boat as some of you other owners.

    My dilemma is that the existing wheels on the car could use reconditioning to look new again (existing tires on the rims are fairly new - Michelin TRX). My thoughts were that, down the road, a new set of tires would be limited in selection to Coker replicas.

    So, I purchased a set of U.S. spec wheels; however, one of them is rather chewed up along the rim, and I'm not certain as if it can be repaired before having them reconditioned. The advantage to these rims is that there would be a better tire selection available.

    Now I'm trying to decide whether or not to refinish the metrics and live with the limited tire selection, refinish the U.S. specs and hope it can be repaired adequately, purchase a whole new set of U.S. spec rims in good condition, or go the aftermarket route (and just keep the metrics on a shelf to go with the car).

    Personally, I think that Patrick's original rims look superb on his TR. IMHO, I've always liked the original rims (metric or non).
     
  9. Wolfgang

    Wolfgang F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 8, 2003
    16,743
    Heidelberg, Germany
    Full Name:
    Wolfgang
    1991 Testarossa set up with 512M wheels & spacers:
    Front: 235/40-18
    Rear: 295/35-18
    ...and it works perfect!

    Wolfarossa
    FORZA FERRARI
     
  10. gabriel

    gabriel Formula 3

    That looks great!

    Eric, let me know who refinishes those rims. You aren't that far from me, and there are a bunch of shops in S. Florida that advertise rim repairs. Maybe I'll post a question on the Florida board about wheel refinishers in the area.
     
  11. Eric308gtsiqv

    Eric308gtsiqv Formula 3

    Nov 26, 2001
    1,955
    Orange Park, Florida
    Full Name:
    Eric Eiland
    Good idea...would be nice to find a nearby reputable company to redo them. Actually, other than a couple of national companies recommended by others here, I'm rather clueless as to who to use here in FL based on recommendations. Perhaps Martin has a lead or two...

    If you do start a thread, I'll try to snap a pic of the bad rim and post it so you (and others) can see the extent of the curb rash.

    Oh, almost forgot to mention: Wolfgang, your TR looks awesome with those later model rims!
     
  12. wpdent

    wpdent Rookie

    Feb 13, 2004
    28
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Patrick
    #12 wpdent, Mar 10, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    My situation is similar Eric. My wheels are in great shape. that is one reason I don't mind removing them and putting them on the shelf, especially since they still have the original tires on them. The car has 15500 miles on it.

    I agree, the car does look good with the original wheels and tires. But for the reasons I mentioned earlier, I think it is a great time to do the upgrade. The metric tires are expensive from what I hear. I plan to participate in some track events here and there which will consume tires I am sure. I think it would just be easier to have some standard sizes.

    I just got off the phone with Kinesis Motorsport. http://www.kinesismotorsport.com/index.htm They were very helpful and had some pictures of Ferrari's on their website. They offer 3 models of forged wheels for the TR and all of the forged wheels are available for the centerlock lug. I like the K58. I have attached a pic (hope they don't mind).

    Another phone call with Wheelpower, Inc. They are the importer for Hamann. The have a GREAT looking 512 on the website. http://www.wheelpower.com/wphome.html I have attached a pic (hope they don't mind)!

    I look forward to hearing back from Speedline.

    I'll let you know what else I find!

    Patrick
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  13. wpdent

    wpdent Rookie

    Feb 13, 2004
    28
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Patrick
    Hey Eric:

    I agree - Wolfgangs car looks good! I don't think I can put spacers on a centerlock though. I will have to order the wheels with the offset built in (if any). As far as my original wheels go, I appreciate the interest, but I am going to keep them. I scratched up a couple of wheels on my M3 a few years ago and a shop here in Birmingham repaired them. They came out perfect. They are also able to true them. Mine didn't need it though. Let me know if you need the name to the shop.

    Later,

    Patrick
     
  14. wpdent

    wpdent Rookie

    Feb 13, 2004
    28
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Patrick
    Thanks Jim:

    I looked for SAS on the internet, couldn't find anything. They must be gone. As far as the TR suspension goes, I thought they were all the same for the most part.

    Patrick
     
  15. Wolfgang

    Wolfgang F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 8, 2003
    16,743
    Heidelberg, Germany
    Full Name:
    Wolfgang
    Thanks for the compliments gents;)

    Yes, I`m realy in love with this 512M wheels. Try to get some for your testarossa and its no problem with spacers.

    Here are two more close up shots from my testa with the 512M`s.

    Wolfarossa
    FORZA FERRARI
     
  16. LAfun2

    LAfun2 Three Time F1 World Champ

    Oct 31, 2003
    39,248
    California
    Full Name:
    Ryan

    oH bummer. See the rims on the black car, just MAKE the car!
     
  17. JimSchad

    JimSchad Guest

    The Hamanns don't come for the single lug. I just talked to Wheelpower on Monday.
     
  18. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
    12,887
    Cumming, Georgia
    Full Name:
    Franklin E. Parker
  19. Eric308gtsiqv

    Eric308gtsiqv Formula 3

    Nov 26, 2001
    1,955
    Orange Park, Florida
    Full Name:
    Eric Eiland
    Yes, I'd be very interested in the shop referral information. Feel free to PM / email if you choose...and thanks! Additionally, I agree that it's a good move on your part hanging on to the originals.

    Another option for the early TR wheels might be: http://www.sacwheels.net/about/about.htm -- they have a photo of an early model TR with forged wheels.

    Just did a quick search of the old F-Chat archives and found these links:

    http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/256120/162323.html
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/251280/286241.html
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/256120/713.html
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/21/324742.html
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/18/3840.html
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/251280/3556.html
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/256120/233767.html
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/11/698.html
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/256120/230042.html

    Very nice, Wolfgang!
     
  20. khayes

    khayes Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    591
    Austin, TX
    Full Name:
    Kelly Hayes
    I just got an email back from SL Competition (GA Red Cars) and I really like the look of their F40 style wheels for the TR. I think I am going to order these. Cost is about $4K for wheels and tire availability should be good.

    You will use your original spline hub, lugs and knock off nut.
    He will supply a polished ring.
    Delivery time 4 to 8 weeks

    Recommended tires
    235/40/18
    295/35/18

    I plan to keep my original metric wheels and newish TRX tires for the next owner. Unless someone offers me enough for them to make it worth my while to ship them and deal with that issue when it's time to sell.


    (I've got to resize the photos to post them here. They will be up shortly.)
     
  21. khayes

    khayes Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    591
    Austin, TX
    Full Name:
    Kelly Hayes
    #21 khayes, Mar 10, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  22. APA#1

    APA#1 Formula 3

    Nov 5, 2003
    1,311
    Central Florida
    #22 APA#1, Mar 10, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I've got three sets of these wheels for single lug Testarossa's . NEW in the box!

    Forged, direct replacement. The size for the front is 18X8.5 and the rear is 18X10.5. They take a tire size of rear 295/35x18, front 235/40x18

    I would take $3600. per set of 4 plus actual freight to you. Fl residents add tax.

    Call or write me direct, Craig 954-914-9326, [email protected]
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  23. Eric308gtsiqv

    Eric308gtsiqv Formula 3

    Nov 26, 2001
    1,955
    Orange Park, Florida
    Full Name:
    Eric Eiland
    KHayes: very nice -- I really like those rims. Keep us updated...please!

    BTW, anyone seen these advertised on eBay yet? Look very similar to the ones GARedcars is advertising -- not too shabby for the price:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43957&item=2466378057

    P.S. -- Thanks Gabriel for the thread in the FL Section. I'll post a pic of the rim just as soon as I can remember to bring home the camera :)
     
  24. patpong

    patpong Formula 3

    Jul 6, 2004
    2,274
    Bangkok, Thailand
    Full Name:
    Patpong Thanavisuth
    great looking.....
     
  25. russell

    russell Karting

    Mar 2, 2005
    217
    sacramento
    Full Name:
    russell

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