Wheel sizes + How low?

Post by **magnumpi** » 06 Feb 2008 01:15 am

Hi all i'm new to this 300 lark, see my thread in general section, maybe you can answer some of my other questions?

I've just bought a 340DL 3dr, and what i want to know is this, how low can i go, probably with 13" wheels, and still get over the rapidly multiplying massive speedbumps in my area?

Also how wide a wheel can i fit before i start encountering arch fouling problems etc?

Any pics of lowered 300's on either 13,14,or15" wheels would be hugely appreciated, thanks guys.

Post by **classicswede** » 06 Feb 2008 01:47 pm

A 3" drop on the fornt is as low as you can go without modding the struts as this only leaves just over an inch suspension travel. On the rear 2" drop is the norm but you could also take that to 3" - it does depend on teh state of your rear springs

Post by **SteveP** » 06 Feb 2008 02:27 pm

Please go bigger than 13's they look like roller skates on 13's with a low offset!

Post by **Nikdev** » 07 Feb 2008 01:23 am

SteveP wrote:Please go bigger than 13's they look like roller skates on 13's with a low offset!

agreed! 14" or 15" are a better choise.
I have 13"`s but they have ballon tires(195\60) its lowered 2" rear and 1,5-2" up front but it still is too high...

Post by **magnumpi** » 08 Feb 2008 12:48 am

Cheers for the replies gents.

I maygo bigger than 13's but i don't think the one above looks too bad at all.

It's also down to cost tbh, because i was thinking of going for some brand new Wellers, but from what i gather on the website they now only manufacture them in 13's, unless anyone knows differently.

On that note does anyone have any non standard wheels forsale, nothing modern looking need apply

Post by **filthyjohn** » 08 Feb 2008 05:08 am

Think a place near me has some satin black 15" wellers in, I'm certain they make them in that size. There are any amount of wheels out there that will fit a 300, just a matter of waiting for the right set really.

I DARE you to buy these:
http://retrorides.proboards86.com/index ... 419&page=1

Check out the VW teardrop ones here:
http://retrorides.proboards86.com/index ... 1199791295

These are sold but I know a shop that can get them:
http://retrorides.proboards86.com/index ... 060&page=1

All comes down to personal taste really but try something different, 'a bit odd' is always better than 'boring'.

Post by **filthyjohn** » 08 Feb 2008 05:22 am

P.S.

Phwoar:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AllyCat-7x13-Allo ... dZViewItem

Post by **classicswede** » 08 Feb 2008 01:59 pm

magnumpi wrote:Cheers for the replies gents.

I maygo bigger than 13's but i don't think the one above looks too bad at all.

It's also down to cost tbh, because i was thinking of going for some brand new Wellers, but from what i gather on the website they now only manufacture them in 13's, unless anyone knows differently.

On that note does anyone have any non standard wheels forsale, nothing modern looking need apply

Are you intending to use the car for or is it just a road rat? It will make a difference as to how you need to set the car up

Post by **kaos** » 08 Feb 2008 11:07 pm

my OZ Racing 14" wheels are for sale ...

Post by **magnumpi** » 09 Feb 2008 04:01 am

Filthyjohn: you must be a man of good taste, as being a regular on RR myself all of what you have posted had caught my eye already.
The Scmidts (SC) would look the mut's, but cost more than the car! I'm trying to do it on a kind of budget, being that i don't think i've made a profit on any car i've sold yet.

Classicswede: The shell isn't bad at all tbh (will get pics up when poss) so think it should be around for quite a while. Plan is to use it as my daily/fun car, have a van for work purposes.
So idealy i want it to be useable, but look a tad better i.e wheels and a bit of a lowering job. My Beetle is so low it hits the floor on almost every undulation in the road, so i don't want it that low

You seem to be one of the experts around here, so what suggestions could you make regards setups etc?

Kaos: Thanks for that, i'd already seen them in the for sale section, but just not my cup of tea, sorry.

Post by **filthyjohn** » 09 Feb 2008 04:09 am

What's your user on RR mate? I'm as new on there as you are on here

I've got some old 4x100 fox racing wheels kicking about, and I've been meaning to try them on a 300. They're probably too modern but I'll try them on for the craic. If nothing else they'll test clearance, being 16x7ish.

Post by **filthyjohn** » 09 Feb 2008 04:19 am

Oh and you could always try to get a set of ATS cups, scene tax though.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ATS-CUP-Alloy-Whe ... dZViewItem

Post by **magnumpi** » 09 Feb 2008 04:19 am

^^^ ^^^
I like to keep things simple, sig on RR is the same as on here.
Great site they have over there, good eclectic mix of people and cars, friendly bunch, and if it's retro it's FTW

Post by **filthyjohn** » 09 Feb 2008 04:20 am

^^^
Yeah they even tolerate 340s

Post by **classicswede** » 09 Feb 2008 01:36 pm

magnumpi wrote: Classicswede: The shell isn't bad at all tbh (will get pics up when poss) so think it should be around for quite a while. Plan is to use it as my daily/fun car, have a van for work purposes.
So idealy i want it to be useable, but look a tad better i.e wheels and a bit of a lowering job. My Beetle is so low it hits the floor on almost every undulation in the road, so i don't want it that low
You seem to be one of the experts around here, so what suggestions could you make regards setups etc?
.

Glad to see someone who wants to upgrade the car as a daily.

Even with the lowest of springs ground clearance is not an issue if running on 14 or 15" rims. I used to run on 185/60 14" but have now swapped to 195/50 15" There is little improvment but it has mad ethe car a tad more bumpy. All in all I'm pleased with the 15's and would recomend them as the way to go.

Front suspension wise first step is to make sure all the mechanical stuff is in good nick (ball joints track rods steering rack bushes etc) The front wishbone bushes are more often than not cracked with old age and need replacing. If the car is a long term keeper replace them with poly - If cash is very tight then just fit rubber ones they will be better than disintergrated bushes. The strut top mounts have normaly fallen apart on 340's so check yours out. New volvo ones are about £30 a peice. If you want something fancy I do solid bearing mounts. Springs are to tast but they do need to be stiffer than std. Shocks std oil shocks are no use for road holdinng so at least track down some gas shocks. I have a very small number of Mono tube shocks about but they are expensive so only for ppl who are very serious about there car.

Back end make sure the spring hangers have not rusted away. If they are the leaf springs will float about causing slopy handling. The torque arm bushes will probably need replacing. It important that these bushes are ok as the stop the springs winding up. The secret to the good rear end grip I have is teh spax adjustables with extra weight from the LPG tanks. If you want the back to grip a little extra weight will always help.

The number 1 key factor for grip is tyres

I aways use good branded tyres and normaly go for wider and lower profile than factory fitment.