17" on a Bubble Arched Mk1

Anyone got some pics of a Mk1 Escort running 17" rims and bubble arches. I'm just deciding if I should go 16" or 17" on mine.



These look 17????

I want my car to handle good, not just look good.
Anyone driven a mk1 with 17's???
I'm running an SR20det, the engine, geabox ratio and diff ratio are all built for a car running 17's (the nissan 200sx).
Just wondering how an escort handles on such big wheels?

OK, this is purely my take on the whole thing so someone please jump in and explain if I have it all backwards

I doubt 17's are the favoured option for handling on a light car like the Escort.The heavier the car the more relevant side wall flex becomes due to the side forces exerted on the tyre. On a light (comparitively) car like an Escort I think 16's would be the better compromise and 15's being ideal.

On a car prodominantly used on the road the extra side wall can accomodate a firmer spring and shock rate but also retain some compliance. Going from 15's - 17's would mean this firmer setting might become unbearable and also be detrimental to handling. On the track this may also be the difference at the limit by allowing a more compliant suspension setting.

Have a look at all the race guys driving Escorts - the majority run 15's. Also look at all the kit car like Westfields etc - 15's is the preferred option also. What about the side wall heights on the F1 cars - once again it's the lack of excessive weight.

Plus (and more importantly as already mentioned) is the legallities of the whole thing.

There you go but it's only my opinion

Oh look its my garage, haven't been there in a while!

I found 17s at the ride height i wanted gave me less than 2 inch of bump clearance to the tubs. Now have 16s, i think they look much more correct on the car, and you can go slightly wider too... 10.5 rears will fit on a arched mk1 if you wish

I just checked with the engineer I'm using to certify my car mods (NSW).
He tells me I can use 17's as long as it doesn't effect the speedo, or the speedo can be adjusted to conpensate for different size wheels.
And the 17's don't rub on any part of the car or suspension.
I'm still not decided if I should go 16's or 17's?

There is a limit on rim width though (my car being 1970 model).
Between 800kg and 1000kg maximum rim width is 7 inches
Between 1000kg and 1200kg maximum rim width is 8inches
For reference see: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/vsi/vsi09_rev4.pdf

Does anyone know how much a mk1 2dr escort with an SR20det engine and half roll cage, hilux diff weighs????

This thread is just porn. :( I want a mark I