SL/R231: Widest wheels that fit the R231?
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If you're looking for extra traction, why not get a limited slip differential if your SL doesn't have one? Putting power down through two 285 section tires is A LOT more effective than just one. Otherwise, I have 295's on mine with the stock rims as 305's would have stuck out past the rear bumper.
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As per the Tire Rack, the widest rear wheels are 11". However, I have no clue if 305/30-20 tire fits. Since you're already running 295/30-20, you should have a better idea of how much room is still available for 305/30-20s. 10.5" width with 305 maybe a safer fitment.
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SL’s are traction limited, just like many other RWD cars with little weight in the rear. 295’s with stock rims as Keon mentioned will be your best bet. Some other rims may take 305’s but I don’t see that there would be a significant difference. You could try Sport Cup 2 for the summer months...
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And, just for reference, my Corvette came from the factory with 315s on 11" rims...
Last edited by Dr. Manhattan; Jun 22, 2020 at 01:53 PM.
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I know that I’m the contrarian here, but trying to make an R231 into a rocket ship just seems ridiculous to me. You want to blast off? Get an AMG GT, a Porsche Turbo S or a Dodge Demon. SL’s were built as luxury cruisers. Of course, MB made sure that AMG models were made available, because they make so much money on those vehicles, but the R231’s are just too heavy to be really storming drag cars and most any late model 911 will blow their doors off. I just don’t see the point to any of this.
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m157 SL63
I know that I’m the contrarian here, but trying to make an R231 into a rocket ship just seems ridiculous to me. You want to blast off? Get an AMG GT, a Porsche Turbo S or a Dodge Demon. SL’s were built as luxury cruisers. Of course, MB made sure that AMG models were made available, because they make so much money on those vehicles, but the R231’s are just too heavy to be really storming drag cars and most any late model 911 will blow their doors off. I just don’t see the point to any of this.
I want a lot of power while keeping the luxury cruising bit when I'm not getting on it, and I want as much traction as possible for the given car. Most of the time is spent in luxury fast-cruising mode - those other cars aren't hard top convertibles anyway, which is what I like.
Last edited by billvp218; Jun 23, 2020 at 01:30 AM.
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
That's you, not me. I don't see the point in getting an SL450, but that's me, not you. It's almost like there are different options for different folks.
I want a lot of power while keeping the luxury cruising bit when I'm not getting on it, and I want as much traction as possible for the given car. Most of the time is spent in luxury fast-cruising mode - those other cars aren't hard top convertibles anyway, which is what I like.
I want a lot of power while keeping the luxury cruising bit when I'm not getting on it, and I want as much traction as possible for the given car. Most of the time is spent in luxury fast-cruising mode - those other cars aren't hard top convertibles anyway, which is what I like.
Best bet is to contact some of the wheel sponsors (like HRE) and check on widest wheel config. for the SL. They will know for sure what is possible when playing with offsets. Your mileage will vary. I would get Sport Cup 2's and be done. maybe check on Toyo 888R fitments...
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www.wheelsboutique.com
With wheels built in the correct offset you can fit a 305 tires in the rear without problem. We've done just that with the SL63 below sporting HRE P101 performance wheels. If you need any help give me a holler - David@WheelsBoutique.com
More photos at - https://wheelsboutique.com/gallery/m...mg-on-hre-p101
More photos at - https://wheelsboutique.com/gallery/m...mg-on-hre-p101
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Thanks. That's what I thought. However, I assume OP is already running 295/30-20 (his car is R231 SL63 with factory 285/30-20 rears, not R230), and probably wants 305/30-20 not R230's 305/25-20. And if so, the questions still remains what are the widest rear 20" wheels for R231 body with 305/30-20 tires (assuming 305/30-20 fit at all) - 10.5" or 11".
