rim width/effect on tire?

rod · 09-07-2015, 06:53 PM

I have F/X 28.5 x 9 tires for my Nomad. I started with 7 inch rims, because that is what I had. I see most guys are using a 10 inch rim.
8 & 10 are the two most common widths and availability.
what effect does the rim width have on the tire [center section, tread width and height-both setting and at speed]? std. trans, 105 at the line
given a choice, what is best?
thanks, Rod in AZ

Myron Piatek · 09-08-2015, 12:11 PM

A wider rim will allow more air pressure while maintaining a fuller/wider "footprint" over a narrower rim. A tire will also grow less at speed with a wider rim. Higher air pressure also reduces sidewall "wrinkle", which helps it last longer and can help the car be more stable at the top end.

A wider rim will increase the section width a bit.

Each car/combo should still be tested to see what air pressures will work the best because of the many variable.

On the same rim, a radial slick will grow less than a bias ply because of their construction. So you may have to adjust your gear ratio accordingly. But radials aren't normally recommended for stick cars.

09-07-2015, 06:53 PM	#1
rod Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kingman, NW AZ. in the middle of the longest stretch of Route 66 Posts: 314 Likes: 0 Liked 20 Times in 15 Posts	rim width/effect on tire? I have F/X 28.5 x 9 tires for my Nomad. I started with 7 inch rims, because that is what I had. I see most guys are using a 10 inch rim. 8 & 10 are the two most common widths and availability. what effect does the rim width have on the tire [center section, tread width and height-both setting and at speed]? std. trans, 105 at the line given a choice, what is best? thanks, Rod in AZ

09-08-2015, 12:11 PM	#2
Myron Piatek VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 1,542 Likes: 34 Liked 138 Times in 51 Posts	Re: rim width/effect on tire? A wider rim will allow more air pressure while maintaining a fuller/wider "footprint" over a narrower rim. A tire will also grow less at speed with a wider rim. Higher air pressure also reduces sidewall "wrinkle", which helps it last longer and can help the car be more stable at the top end. A wider rim will increase the section width a bit. Each car/combo should still be tested to see what air pressures will work the best because of the many variable. On the same rim, a radial slick will grow less than a bias ply because of their construction. So you may have to adjust your gear ratio accordingly. But radials aren't normally recommended for stick cars. __________________ LOCOMOTION Racing Last edited by Myron Piatek; 09-08-2015 at 12:13 PM.