Triumph GT8

[Rolleiflex]

First I have to say your car is going to look great.

As far as the tires go I feel as everyone else does they just look to big. It looks like the car is going to sit up really high, but that may just be because you have it up in the air.

How high is it going to sit?

[Stevie G]

It occurs to me that a great deal of the disproportion is the aspect ratio of the tire. The N50's on the spitfire were just as tall, but they were on a 15 inch rim. These wheels and tires look funny on cars from the 60's and 70's. I'm going to see what I can find in 15 inch tires. The ride height is around 4-5 inches. It needs to be 4. Then again, maybe I need to go measure a speed bump. I once got stuck on a speed bump in a lowered S-10. I am about to go down and put together the side pipes to see what effect they have on the look / ground clearance.

[fast Ed]

If you search around, there are a few places selling 16" versions of the Bullitt replica wheels ... maybe that size would be a good compromise, and you wouldn't have to worry about brake clearance.


cheers
Ed N.

[Stevie G]

I bought the Bullets because they were an inexpensive way to find out if this wheel/tire size combo would even work.
I have another project they can go on, or I can flip them at the Swap meet this spring if need be. I am also working on a 1/25 scale version of this project to help with visualization. I'm not in a big hurry at this point (who am I kidding?).

[Stevie G]

Mocked up a side pipe today.


Then, stuck in a Soda can for reference.

Note: at least 3/8 of an inch is below the tape representing ground level.
You may also notice if you draw a line straight back from the rocker panel, that it is the same height as the inside edge of the wheel.
It really does sit quite low. It is just a tiny little car. It tips the scales right now in the neighborhood of 1800#, and is less than 4ft tall.
I did a little measuring today, and the inner fenders will need to be replaced as they are the same size as the tires.

As for the side pipes, I am still leaning toward the tips I have in the photo-shop. I like that long opening.

[Stevie G]

This rather large brown box showed up on the doorstep today.
The Mustang rear hubs and exhaust bends were inside along with this little beauty.


Now I can set it between the rails and fire it up.
Noisy video to follow.

[TurboShadow]

AWESOME! Ive been wanting to build something very light, with V8 (LSX) power from scratch, but don't have a clue if I could get it street legal. But this... I like this idea! It is going to be one nasty deathtrap when it is done, but in a good way! Keep it coming!

[James D]

I think you´ll be fine with 15" wheels and moderately low profile rubber. Here´s a thought...






BTW, I think the Bullitt wheels only look so big because they´re in front of the car.

[Stevie G]

Thanks James. That helps put it into perspective.
The stock 13" tires are 22.25" and the 245/45 - 17's are 25.25"
205/45 or 205/50-15's on the front and a 225/40 or 45-15 on the back should look good.
I really think I need to stay between 22 and 23" overall for the tires.
This image has me wondering if I could go taller.

[1950coronet600hp]

Looks like its coming along. I too am a british v8 nut! keep us updated.