E55 wheels with Drag radials. Will they fit?
 

I took the SL65 to our local 1/8th mile track and had a blast. I was clueless and everyone was incredibly helpful. My problem, of course, is traction.

I have a full set of spare E55 wheels, so I have been researching tires that would be close to the right size for both cars. I'll asked in the E55 forum about the fit for the wagon (it would be going from 265/35 to 285/35).

The closest size I have found are 285/35-18. If I am correct, stock tires on my SL65 are 285/30-19.

Width is identical and diameter only goes up 2/10ths of an inch. Feels like that would be within the tolerance of the computer on sizes.

The big question is whether they'll clear the brakes. I know I can put them on and try, but that's a lot of work if it fails :)

Any ideas/suggestions?

Mickey Thompson and Hoosier don't make a tire even close.

Of course, my biggest problem may be a need for another set of wheels. My wife wants to go too. I have to admit running against her would be interesting.

Sorry brother,
But 15 " rims will never fit, rotors are 15.3543 inches without the calipers. Inner rim diameter has to be smaller than the tire size.

Oops, typo (now corrected). 285/35-18.

18.

Even I know a 15 wouldn't fit :)

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...99caa0cec6.jpg

So I had to go to my '11 sl65 and look at the clearance. With the stock brake pads I only have 3/4 of an inch. If you use aftermarket pads without the damper weights you might get a 18" wheel onto the rears.

this is a 3/4" chisel 1" would not fit.

next you will need to check that the offset will also work. IFAIK the 65 has a 35mm offset and 40mm on the E55

I'm beginning to think the complexity isn't worth it. I'll put a fresh set of DRs on the E55 wheels for the E55.

Then I'll buy a set of wheels/DRs for the SL65.

That way my wife and I can run against each other.

Any suggestions on a drag setup just for the SL65?

OK, thanks for all the help. Don't know why I didn't think of the chisel idea!

I think I'll stop here and open a new thread (after searching) on a good DR setup

By the way, they fit and run just fine.

You sad they worked just fine!, What size tires did you run in the back 285/35/18 ? How did you run? I am thinking off getting e55 rims and put Mickey Thomson's in the back 275/40/18. What do you think?

Not sad at all. They have 275/35-18 BFG Drag radials, but they're toast.

The problem is there really are not drag radials in the right size made anymore. The 275/40-18 are almost an inch and a half taller than stock.

I'm leaning towards a set of competition radials. Not really for the strip, but a nice DOT approved "almost slick"

So what size DR did you go with?

I've got Brembo BBK all around on my E55, 1. I'm stuck on 19in up front to clear my 15in brakes and 2. I'm finding it hard to find a good drag radial size for my rear... I believe my rear is 13.5-13.6 brakes and there aren't many DR's available in 18's as a matter of fact I'm not even sure an 18in rim would fit over the massive brakes, I haven't tried yet.

There are M&H DR's but the size is 275/45 -18 seems like it would be too tall.

A little confused. The standard wheels on an E55 are 18. Why wouldn't they clear your brakes?

The 275/45-18 is too tall. The problem is what we need is a 275/35-18. BFG made a DR in this size, but don't anymore. No one does.

So I am leaning towards going with a competition tire. Not perfect, but a DOT approved near slick.

For example, the G Force R1. There is also an R1S, but I think they'll wear too fast.

Hope this link is OK.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....R1V2&tab=Sizes

Sorry for the late response, I've got upgraded Brembo Gran Turismo brakes all around which up front I now I have 15 inch rotors and my rear rotors are 13.5 inch which I found out I can still run as small as 17 in wheels in the rear.