Fact or Fiction- What wheels fit 400/412

I can confirm that Testarossa front rims fit the 412 front and rear.
Mind you diferent tyres sizes are required !

They are on my car. I promised to make pictures but still need to get to the car.
When conditons improve will bring it out for some good pictures.

The look is pretty much identical. The ride is stiffer also depending on tyre choice.
Tyre size: 240/55 VR 16 on 7 1/2 x 16 or 8x16 with TR rims. Same bolts can be used.

412 is totally different from 400. The ABS causes the rims to different.
This info is strictly 412 only!

Original factory 16 inch rims are also still available but expensive although overtime it will pay off i guess. The 16 inch tyres are getting rare also.

328 ABS rims do not fit.

 

That is sonething to be aware of.
Although 16" is much more common then TRX the actual size is bit non standard.
Not an expert but the figure is a ratio between how wide the tire is (like 225, 245, etc) where the 50, 55 or 60 etc is the height of the tire.

So the modern tires in 8inch for example are much wider but will have a 30 ratio meaning their relative height is less.

It took my very well connected tire dealer a while to come up with a set i liked and the character i wanted (stiffer). Pirelli, Michelin all list the size but that does not mean it is in stock.

So when switching realise the diameter of 17 or 18 inch will be easier to source tires for.
However these are often to wide so spacer is needed. I considered using the rear rims of TR for the back but both tires size and modification required made me drop that.

The TR set is a direct bolt on with no modification. The tire sits slightly closer to the body work but the inside requires no change.

Will try to get some pics this weekend but have had them on for 2 years now so certain they fit.

 

1) the TRX's do look cool, but it's the rim that's the important element...the 415 rim is just so 'right' for the car...much more so than the 15"

2) forever is a long time Jay...

3) yes, with 15" factory 400 wheels...and i have an extra set...

 

The only difference in "modern rubber" or none TRX tires to TRX tires is, cost, size and tread pattern.

Michelin is not going to spend the money or take the risk of mixing up a special obsolete rubber compound to make a new batch of these TRX tire's I am sure they just use a common rubber that is used in other high speed rated all weather tires they currently produce.
Same thing with the belts, materiel and rapping technique is current.
What you are paying for with TRX tires is the weird size and tread pattern.
A modern tire with the same aspect ratio, speed rating and tread wear rating will feel the same.

Very few wear out tires on these cars and if you do tires are going to be the least of your $'s per mile cost.
So the only real reason to replace tires a second time for the average owner is because they plan on having the car for over eight years.
I think it is very wise to be honest with yourself on how long you want to keep the same car.

 

Tire choice?

 

If you order new TR rims you can also order the original 412 16" rims.
According to the site they are in stock.

I used TR rims because i bought set cheap. Then spent 2 years looking for second set at not to much money. Then sold the rear to someone who made tables out of them.

But if you can afford to buy the original spec rims, i would do so.
PM or post here if you need order details, etc.

As to difference. First you can choose type of tyre (sport vs comfort) second modern tyres have much finer threads which does improve the cars handling.

Mine will turn 25 this year of which half that time with me. So not looking at cost versus payback that much.

 

No guesswork on a 400i, I've done this on my car;
- get 8" 308 wheels all around. Superformance charged about 800pounds including shipping, the wheels arrived within a week and all look great.

- use 1/2" thick spacers. These will cost about $100 for 4, you will need different hub diameters for front and rear (though bolt pattern is the same at 108mm/14mm lug).

- use the existing bolts.

- tires are ideally 245/55/16, though there is only 1 maker for those that I know (toyo). I went with 245/50/16, which gives about a 3% speedo error. 225/50 or even 245/45 just look dinky.

The result is an offset that is about 3mm off the TRX. But the result looks correct, this is the way to go for the 400i....Lee

 

i've long wanted to try that...and i've always got a set on the shelf, but i enevitably wait too long and they get sold to a 308 customer before i get around to it.

thanks for the detailed info Lee,

brett

 

6k for 4 wheels?
Different than the price listed but that happens more i gues.

I think the TR wheels are the way to go then.
Good luck and curious to know how you think about the difference in the ride?

 

I posted some first pictures in the other tread on this topic: 412 wheel options.

Pictures are taken in really difficult conditions but will soon post pictures of the car outside in the sun (hopefully). But need a new battery first (car needs to go up a slope so can not push it out).

I put the rims side by side and do agree there are some differences. But if you do not see them together the 412 looks pretty much stock. I do not know whether the official 412 rims also look different (must have a picture somewhere).