DeTomaso Mailing List: April 98, Message #86

Barry wrote:

Before ordering I am interested in the arguments for going with bigger 
wheels and what my options are.  Some of the aftermarket wheels really 
look sharp!

>>>Agreed.  Regarding going to bigger wheels versus keeping what you've 
got:

One of the biggest factors driving the move to 17" wheels is the 
availability of quality tires.  Simply put, 15" tires are drying up, as 
manufacturers discontinue them in sizes appropriate to STOCK-BODIED 
cars.  Given that it's literally impossible to find a V-rated or Z-rated 
15" tires to fit the rear of the Pantera and still look right, people 
are giving up and switching to 17" wheels.  Doing so allows them access 
to the latest technology in tires, with the added advantage of being 
able to fit relatively HUGE tires that will fit under the stock fenders 
(because the wheels use increased negative offset.)  So generally 17" 
wheels are a good thing.

In the case of the GT5 and GT5-S, at least for now you're in good shape 
with your stock 15" wheels.  The Yokohama AVS Intermediate is a terrific 
tire!  Other modern tires (available in 17" sizes) might or might not be 
marginally better in various ways, but in general I think it's safe to 
say you'll never feel as though you've made a sacrifice by running the 
Yokos on your stock wheels.

When and if they go away and you can't get decent tires anymore, THEN 
you'd be faced with the big investment required to move to 17" 
wheels/tires.

I don't think you'll EVER see the 345/35 rear tire disappear, because 
it's OEM on the Lambo Countach.  For reasons of pure nationalistic 
pride, Pirelli (Italians) will never stop supplying tires for a 
Lamborghini, in my opinion.  They'll lose $500 on each tire they sell 
for a Lambo and be happy to do it.

Finally, the stock wheels have several advantages over modern 17" 
replacements, chief among them being light weight.  And let's not forget 
how beautiful they are compared to most aftermarket wheels, which often 
have a very businesslike appearance but aren't terribly pretty.

This time around, I'd vote for the Yokos on your stock wheels, and 
perhaps a spare set of FRONT tires for a rainy day.  It wouldn't hurt to 
phone the Yokohama PR types and ask them what the forecast is for 
availability; they might have a heads-up that a tire is forecast to be 
discontinued at the end of the year or something, and if that was the 
case, you'd be doubly smart and stock on several sets!

Let us know what you decide, and how the car feels once you've changed 
to the new skins!

Mike

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