Ford Mustang GT Aluminum space saver rims used at Bonneville ?

[ronnieroadster]

 On the front of my Lakester I use aluminum Ford Mustang GT space saver wheels  The wheels are 15 inch diameter 4-1/2 inches wide the bolt pattern 4-1/2 inch five hole.  The wheel center is welded 100 percent to the rim the scrub radius using this wheel works perfectly with my front axle. To date I have run these wheels to just over 181 MPH with excellent results at Loring and over 170 in Wilmington.
Will these wheels be allowed at Bonniville and if they have been used by anyone to what speeds?
  Thanks in advance for info.
     Ron

[Dynoroom]

Yes your wheels are okay to run at Bonneville. The speed? That's up to you....

[4-barrel Mike]

The wheels on the Merkur are (modified to 5-lug) late-80s Thunderbird Turbocoupe aluminum space saver wheels and went 208 in '98.  They must be built to DOT standards (the speed restriction is for the tires, not the wheel),  so they should be good to go.

There's been a number of discussions on this site before, search "space saver wheel".   

Mike

[Rick Byrnes]

Mike is right.  The alum space saver is dot approved.  Tested to the same specifications as any other wheel.
Per a Ford guy, and a competitor wheel manufacturer, these wheels were made by Alcoa, are forged, and fully machined.  I could not obtain the alloy or heat treat characteristics.  As Mike said, they were run on the Merk for its entire first life, with a maximum weight of 4200 lbs.  (almost 50/50
I am using similar wheels with the liner for testing and possibly on the salt  (lighter and longer) and have no concerns.

[ronnieroadster]

Thanks guys for the information. I like the wheels and I know they certainly work well on my car.   Im confused with the rule alloy wheels 1/4 inch retainers. I use one inch hex lug nuts which of course are tapered to hold the wheels down.  Will that be OK at Bonneville ? 

[Dynoroom]

2014 SCTA rule book.....

2.G 4th paragraph....

NON-FERROUS WHEELS: "All non-tapered lug nuts that come in direct contact with the wheel shall have a 1/4 inch steel retaining plate..."

[4-barrel Mike]

1/4" stainless plate & (open-ended) "mag-style" lug nuts:



Rick Byrnes built.   
 
Mike

[ronnieroadster]

 Thanks again to everyone for the answers to my questions  The guidance and information on this site is truly amazing.  One more step in our future plans to attend speed week have now been checked off the list.