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Why not steel wheels?

Old 07-16-2005, 12:39 AM
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Default Why not steel wheels?

NASCAR uses inexpensive 15-inch steel wheels. I am interested in using Bassett D-Hole NASCAR wheels for drag racing. Apparently, no one else is - a search for “steel wheels” turned up nada. Bassett only makes 15-inch wheels. Do they not clear F-body calipers?

Last edited by Gary Z; 07-16-2005 at 01:25 AM.
Old 07-16-2005, 07:55 AM
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I don't know if they will clear the calipers or not (probably not?) but the low backspacing will make the wheels stick out well beyond your fenders and possibly cause some tire/wheelwell rubbing issues.
Old 07-16-2005, 08:47 AM
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find a 15x10 7.5"BS and grind like hell. it isnt gonna be fun.

besides lots of us like drag wheels for drag racing. just looks right
Old 07-16-2005, 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Gary Z
NASCAR uses inexpensive 15-inch steel wheels. I am interested in using Bassett D-Hole NASCAR wheels for drag racing. Apparently, no one else is - a search for “steel wheels” turned up nada. Bassett only makes 15-inch wheels. Do they not clear F-body calipers?


I would think the biggest reason people would use Aluminum over Steel is weight.


How much weight would you save over stock? None. I think you would be farther ahead to get a spare set of stock wheels. For weight and $$$. And......no worries about caliper clearance. Just my opinion though. Take a look.


Wheels & Tires


58 lbs - AFS chrome 17x11 GS offset wheel with new Dunlop SP8000 315/35/17 tire
56 lbs - AFS chrome 17x11 GS offset wheel with BALD Dunlop SP8000 315/35/17 tire :-)
56 lbs - 18x9 chrome Cobra R replica wheels with 285/35/18 tires
55 lbs - AFS silver 17x11 GS offset ZR1 wheel with new tire
55 lbs - 17" Prime chrome 5 Stars with 275/40 tire
55 lbs - 17" chrome Firewhawk wheel with new tire
54.5 lbs - Replica SS wheel with Khumo 712 275/40 tire
52 lbs - AFS chrome 17x9.5 ZR1 wheel with new Dunlop SP8000 275/40/17 tire
50 lbs - OZ Monte Carlo 17x9.5 with 1/3 tread 275 GSC
50 lbs - AFS polished 17x11 GS offset ZR1 wheel with new 315 BFG Comp TA drag radial
48 lbs - 16x8 stock chrome 5 star with Kuhma Estca Supra 712 tires (V rated)
45 lbs - 99 TA stock 16" chrome wheels and tire (SZ 50)
44 lbs - 93-96 Camaro wheel with Nitto drag
41.5 lbs - 93-96 Camaro wheel with bald 255 BFG drag radial
40 lbs - Weld Pro Star (15x10) with new Hoosier QTP 28x11.5-15 (no tube)
35.3 lbs - New Dunlop SP8000 315/35/17 tire
31 lbs - New Dunlop SP8000 315/35/17 tire - hmm?
31 lbs - Kumho Victoracers 275/40/17 tire
30 lbs - New Dunlop SP8000 275/40/17 tire
29 lbs - 97 to 99 Vette standard rear wheel
28 lbs - Kumho Victoracers 315/35/17 tire
27 lbs - Weld Pro Stars (15x3.5) with Cooper 165R tire
27 lbs - 18x9 chrome Cobra R replica wheel
25.5 lbs - Hoosier A3S03 Autocross tire 315/35-17
25 lbs - Firestone SZ50EP stock size tire
25 lbs - New Futura 275/40/17 tire
24.5 lbs - Goodyear GSC 245/50/16 tire
24 lbs - 97 to 99 Vette magnesium rear wheel
22.5 lbs - Hoosier A3S03 Autocross tire 275/40-17
22 lbs - 90 Vette stock wheel 17x9.5
22 lbs - Hoosier R3S03 275/45/16 tire
22 lbs - 01 Camaro SS 17x9 wheel
22 lbs - 2 piece Centerline Sabre type 17x9.5 wheel
21.5 lbs - 97 to 99 Vette 18x9.5 wheel
20.06 lbs - 00 Vette standard rear wheel
20.5 lbs - OE ZR1 17x9.5 wheel
20.5 lbs - AFS replica 16" SS wheel
20.1lbs - 97 to 99 Vette magnesium front wheel
20 lbs - CCW 17x10 wheel
20 lbs - CCW 17x11 wheel
20 lbs - 3 piece Centerline Sabre 17x9.5 wheel
19.5 lbs - 1996 stock Camaro wheel
19.5 lbs - Stock 5 star 16" Z28 wheel
19 lbs - 2000 stock Camaro wheel
19 lbs - 97 to 99 Vette 17x8.5 wheel
18-19 lbs - Centerline 17x9.5 wheel
18.08 lbs - 00 Vette standard front wheel
18 lbs - Fiske FM5 17x9.5 wheel
17 lbs - 2000+ stock Camaro wheel (different than above?)
13 lbs - Weld Pro Star (15x8)
10 lbs - Weld Pro Star (15x3.5)
10 lbs - Bogart DragStar 15x10 racing wheel
Old 07-16-2005, 12:51 PM
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I will soon be getting a 12-Bolt and I want to try 26x11.5-15 MT slicks. I don’t want to grind my calipers. I don’t have enough drag racing experience to justify the expense of Bogart wheels. My idea was that clearance would be less of a problem with a steel wheel because aluminum needs to be thicker. Also, a cheap wheel would allow experimentation with various sizes. Backspacing is probably the fatal issue. I telephoned a Bassett dealer but he couldn’t answer questions about the F-Body. Thanks for the responses.

Last edited by Gary Z; 07-16-2005 at 01:28 PM.


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