MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - 16' wheels

Hey everybody,
I'm a newbie to the MG world. I just bought a '77 mgb roadster to play with. I had a girlfriend in H.S. who had one and to be honest, I think I liked the car more than I liked her. My question is this: On every restore I see, the owners use 15 inch wheels. Can you even fit 16s on the B? I really like the lo-pro look on roadsters. Thanks for any help.

John
JP Kobbeman

Of course you can as long as you keep with the "plus one" and "plus two" theories. In other words you have to do your research to determine the tire size you need. When you go to a larger diameter you need a lower aspect ratio to keep the same (or close to the same) overall diameter as the original setup. Your tire guy can help.
But be aware that a smaller aspect ratio makes the ride harder and less comfortable.
If you have steel wheels you will have to find a 16" the has the right offset to clear the fenders.
...now if you have wire wheels we can custom build something for you! ;)
Richard Cutright

I understand the whole +1, +2 idea, but I had someone tell me that because of the MGs geometry I couldn't use 16s??? Also, if I can do this, I was thinking of ordering online, so does anyone know the correct offset? Thanks again.

John
JP Kobbeman

Keep in mind that the MGB suspension is designed for a 14" wheel and a relatively tall tire compared to modern sizes. Running 16" wheels and low profile tires will not offer much shock absorbtion, so the suspension will be working overtime to try and keep the car in control. Problems will especially be noticed in the rear with the heavy solid axle. 15" wheels seem to be the choice of most performance-oriented modifications and were standard on the MGC, which is basically an MGB with a bigger engine and beefed-up suspension. I ran 14" wheels on my B for 15 years, and just recently switched to 15" with 60-series tires. Big improvement in steering response but definately a lesser ride quality. If you go the 16" route, let us know how it works out!
Steve Simmons

John,

The RV8 has 17ins available, suspension set up is similar.

http://mgv8.homestead.com/RV8.html

Increased diam wheels are usually heavier with more weight further from centre, so performace may suffer.

The stad offset should be 22 but you should confirm this with your own wheels.

The LHR lip can be a problem with 185's so depending on fit you can vary offset.

Paul
Paul

John,

The RV8 has 17ins available, suspension set up is similar.

http://mgv8.homestead.com/RV8.html

Increased diam wheels are usually heavier with more weight further from centre, so performace may suffer.

The std offset should be 22 but you should confirm this with your own wheels.

The LHR lip can be a problem with 185's so depending on fit you can vary offset.

Paul
Paul

John,

I'm running 16x7 rims with +35 offset (common front wheel drive size) and 205/60 tires on my '79 MGB with no rubbing problems. I have negative camber A-arms up front with shorter springs and lowering blocks on the stock leafs in the rear. I have tube shock conversions both front and rear. I did have to dress (beat with a hammer) the inside of the rear fenders where the bump stop is mounted but just barely. Probably could have left it as is but I wanted to make sure it wouldn't rub in the corners. I might go with 205/55 or maybe even 205/50 on my next set of tires just for looks. Hope that helps.

Chris
Chris

This thread was discussed between 12/07/2004 and 16/07/2004

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.