Im wondering what you guys are running for front runner type wheel/tire combo that is "street safe". I like centerline auto/drags which Im assuming would put me in the 15x5.5" rim to get a "safe" street tire on. What size DOT tire looks good? 26'? 28"? These would go on a 72.

I searched the wheels and tire forum and I didnt come up with much so I posted this here to get more views from the people actually running these combos.

A lot of guys, including me, run 165/80/15 VW tires. These are about the only skinny tire available. They are about 25" tall. Anything taller will be wider.

Pat.. would that tire fit on a 5.5" wide rim? Ive been told that the 3.5" wide rims are a little questionable for street use.
Does a 28" tall tire work on a 70-72 without any rubbing issues?

I'm running Kuhmo radials 165/75/15's on 15x3.5 weld draglites, roughly 26" tall. I've had them on the car for 5 years with no problems,now I wouldnt want to go carve a canyon with them on front,but work great with normal street driving. If I switch to 28" tall tires it will mess me up off the line :D

Originally posted by Rapid Robert:
If I switch to 28" tall tires it will mess me up off the line :D Thats why I asked... Im already messed up with all of the changes ive made plus the new LED lights. I might as well re-learn with some extra rollout :D

Originally posted by Rapid Robert:
I'm running Kuhmo radials 165/75/15's on 15x3.5 weld draglites, :D What are they rated at ?

Those look good BOB. Has anyone seen a car with the 5.5"s?

I've been running Weld wheels 3.5" and VW tires for 20 yrs. on the street without any problems at all, even with a big block chev. graemlins/beers.gif

I'd like to go to a taller tire for rollout reasons. The VW tires are rather short. I have Cornells from Pep Boys. They are "S" rated 112 mph sustained speed. Since I go over 112 for only a few seconds, I'm not worried about it. Mine are on 4.5" wheels. I looked at BFG's site (http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfgapp/catalog/tires/radialta.jsp) (155/80/15) and Pep Boy's site and the wheel range is 4.5-5.5".

I take that back 165R15 is the size,,rated at 1168 lbs.

OK this is what Ive come up with..
Size 185/75R15
5.0" tread width
6.7" section width
26.0" diameter
81.7" circumference

These would go on a 15x5.5 centerline auto/drag rim

Are these going to look OK on a 72? or will they look small?

One more option is the Hoosier "Pro Street" line. I have them on the front of my Elky on 5.5 rims. They are kind of soft so I don't think the wear will be great but the speed rating is at least H which is 130 mph.
I don't drive mine that much and for some reason I don't get very good wear on my rear QTP's either...... might have something to do with "letting the smoke out"!
https://www.hoosiertire.com/strttire.htm

I looked at those.. but liked the tread pattern on the M&H Racemaster drag radials better. I ordered the front runners and the 275/60R15's for the rear.These will replace the four P235/60R15's that I have now.
M&H Drag Radial (http://www.intercotire.com/html/radial_racing.htm)

I've been running Weld wheels 3.5" and VW tires for 20 yrs. on the street without any problems at all, even with a big block chev. graemlins/beers.gif


Resurecting an old topic.....

Do you folks run radial inner tubes in these 165R15 tires on 3.5-4.0 wide rims? I have always run tube in bias-ply front runner of past such as 5.60x15 and 7.00x15..... Can't seem to find anyone that sells radial inner tubes.
Thanks,
Zookpr

No tubes here,,front or rear :thumbsup:

I use a bf goodrich touring t.a. 165 with a big block.
The only problem I have on the street is our roads can be rough
( potholes, washboard ) , and you tend to lose all steering control
over these rougher surfaces with the skinnies.
Otherwise, no problems.

Thanks for the inputs...
ZK