DeTomaso Mailing List: April 99, Message #158

Dan
My wheel guy has  the 15" and 16" wheels in 8,10 & 12 inch widths.
The 17" are still in development
Talked to them again today no firm deadline yet.


>>> "Dan F. Courtney" <dfcex@pacbell.net> 04/05 2:19 PM >>>
I am looking for input with regards to a couple of preparation items for
the Silver State;

First, tires.
Last Sept. I ran my Yokohama 345/35 15s and had my rev limiter set at
5600 RPM.
It was kicking in at about 134 MPH.
This May I plan to run in the 140 MPH bracket so I need taller tires.
Calling BFG the widest I can find in Z rating and 15" is the 265 50/15
at 25.4".
In 17" they have 335/35 17s at 26.1".(G-Force).
It looks like I should convert and pick up some 17" wheels. They
recommend 11" wide for the rear and 9" for the front.
Are my assumptions correct and do we have a connection with someone
making steel or aluminum wheels?
Are there other tire manufacturers making Z rated tires for 15" wheels
that are taller and wider than BFGs' ?
Is 26.1" tall enough?

Second, the engine.
The machine shop (Ed Hale in S.D.) has not yet given me the mic readings
on my cylinders.
Assuming there is too much slop to just hone and re use my pistons (TRW
forged 11.8 to 1 pop-ups, 10,000 miles / fine condition) with oversize
rings what are the pros and cons of going with a stroker set-up?
The machine shop and one of our Pantera vendors are getting me pumped up
about strokers.
It seems that if I have to get it all re-done I might as well spend
another 1.5k and go balls out.
I want the car to be streetable and have decent low RPM pull but I am
mainly focused on performance (Silver State, Willow Springs, etc.).
What will I gain from this stroker deal?

Last, for the ballsy guy who is recovering from surgery and wants to
know how rough the Silver State course is let me say first you sound
like the kind of guy who will fit right in with our team of highway
commandos.
I'd hate for you to get hurt by jumping out too soon but I can tell you
I've run the course twice and it is very smooth. I recommend you start
in the lower speed bracket and move up over time, maybe in 15mph
increments. Even at 125 it is pretty smooth though.
Hope you can join us.

Guys, please send me whatever advice you can, time is disappearing for
me, fast.

Dantomaso Courtney