using 18" or 20" steel , spare tire wheels

[Jeff Brock]

Hello , I am studying builds for my first approach to Bonneville .
My head is boiling over already from knowledge  gained on this site .
I think , for many reasons , not the least of which is budget, that I will approach the 130 or 150 mile per hour club first.
Within this class / speed , has anyone used the 18" or 20" steel spare wheels used in big 3 SUV vehicles ?
Any experience or advise ?
Sure is {looks llike} an inexpensive way to roll on light wight 20's .

Thanks ,
Jeff Brock

[Jonny Hotnuts]

You may hear someone say differently (and they may be correct) about  this but I have done a fair amount of looking into lightweight drives from everything from the back of the engine to the wheels as ways of gaining speed and found that unsprung weight savings almost equals zip for top speed (for ¼ mile is another story).

I went so far as to remove 1 rear rotor and have the other machined to ¼”, and then ran it on a dyno. Its true that the weight was not far from the centerline (10” rotors?) but decreased weight of the drive about 7 pounds….this weight savings was good for about .5 HP (if that) and did not come close to justifying loosing some breaking ability.

 As far as inexpensive I doubt that spare tire wheels have precise tolerances or balance and most I have seen recommend not going over 55MPH. You could weld some up and cross your fingers……but a decent set of steel wheels designed for high speed running is a better and safer investment imo.


Good luck

~JH

[Jeff Brock]

Any advise or direction for good steel race wheels ?
And tires for that matter .

This is truly fresh turf for me .
I built and raced vintage motorcycles for years .
Mostly Ice circle track and dirt drags.

[McRat]

If you do find a good reliable source for 18" steel wheels that are 6-7" wide, let me know.

Which SUV's have 18" steel spares?  The hardest thing to get is the "hoop" in 18".  If you can get that, you have a huge head start.

I was told to look up a place called Taylor Wheels.  I drew up B/P's and went over to his shop and nobody was there.  He had told me over the phone that it takes 2 weeks to 12 weeks to get some made, IIRC, so while I still might see if he can make me some, I'm actively seeking multiple sources.

 

[Jeff Brock]

I just took a chance and bought a pair of 18's from a guy in Tn. for 150.00.

I thought they were vintage Divco type.
They showed up yesterday looking brand new but light weight.
I emailed him for more info and he said they are spare tire rims from of a 1999 Chevy Astro , all wheel drive .
I think they are nice , narrow hoops to build with.
They are light duty looking centers , 5 on 5  .

I can not seem to attach a good pic I have .

I guess I'm not holding my tongue right

[McRat]

DOH!!  Hoop not band. 

1999 Astro, eh?  Do you know the width?

[Stan Back]

Sent you a pm.

[Jeff Brock]

I jus measured .
5" overall . Looks like for a 4" tire ... not good?

[McRat]

4" would be pretty narrow (outside = 5").

The LSR tires I've seen in 18" dia need 5-7" recommended width.

Tires depend on how fast you are going to go, or what the existing record is.

DOT speed rated tires V and up (Z, W, Y, Y+) can be run up to 200mph or in classes where the record is less than 200.

If the record is higher than 200 or you are intending to go past 200, you will need racing specific tires.  Goodyear are 15" rims, Mickey Thompson's are 16 & 18". 

[Elmo Rodge]

McRat, if you go with Taylor, get ready. They told me that 2 to 12 week bullshit too. After 5 months I told them to send my deposit back, they aren't building me any stoopid wheels. "Oh, they're done". So I drove down from Utah to pick them up. (Other things too) "Oh, they're not done yet". Another trip. They are pricey but beautiful. I guess I just don't enjoy getting fucked around.  Wayno

[Roadster943]

  I talked to Joe at Delaware Chassis Works (great to do buisness with) recently about custom steel LSR wheels. He recomended Tru Design Wheel,  Jim Lyon,  303 422-5090. I have not tried this source because I decided not to spend the money at this time. Joe asked that I let Jim know he recomended him. I hope this may help.  Vince

[Jeff Brock]

I'll call him tomorrow

I want to be as safe as possible.

Thanks

[754]

Jeff, where you from?

We ran 4cyl bike on ice a few times, great fun. Also a bit of vintage kornfield bike racing.

754

[Glen]

Stockton Wheel
800-395-9433

All types of racing wheel fabrication, Got two specials made for the streamliner (rear drivers)
Fast turn around.

[RICK]

was anybody able to answer the previous question,,,"What has 18 or 20 inch spare tires?" And is it a STEEL wheel?

Thanks,  RICK