'65 Barracuda FS 14" vs 15" Rallye wheels

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Bob Jasinski

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I've read through most of the postings in this forum, and it seems many prefer 15" over 14" for early Barracudas. For the most part the car is being restored to original specs, but I don't care for the factory wheels and caps. I'm planning on buying new Rallye wheels, sombrero caps and trim rings, because I really like the look. I want the same size on all four corners, and the suspension is stock Formula S, small bolt pattern, with KH factory discs up front. What are the advantages of 15" over 14"? What backspacing is needed? Best overall tire size? Do not want to do any mods to the car, just bolt on and go, no rubbing issues.
 
If your are using small bolt pattern a nice 15 inch tire combo is 205 70 15x4.5 with 3.25 backspace and rear tire 245 60 15x7 with 4 3/8 back space. I run that combo but I run a 255 60 15x7 in the rear instead of the 245. Honestly going to 15inch is going to be the norm as tires are not really being produced in 14s as much as 15s
 
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1E725226-3235-44C5-BD30-A971B2D1B96B.jpeg
 
Didn't those cars start life with 13 inch wheels?
Yes they were 13 with a 14" option.

I think I would go with the 15's, like lots say more tire options and I think with 15's and the shorter side wall you'll have better control in the corners. I do like the looks of 15 ralleys on the early A Barracudas.
 
All '65 Formula S cars came with 14" x 5.5" wheels, that was part of the FS package. I agree having a little more wheel and less sidewall should help handling, reduce some sidewall flex, I like seeing a little more wheel too. This '65 has 15s, but I don't know what size.

'65 w 15s.jpg
 
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14's are a dying breed performance tires. even 15's are getting scarce.
 
As long as you are going to buy wheels go to with 15X7. I had spb 15X7 on my 66 years back with 225/60/15 all around no issues. also ran 225/50/15 for less sidewall and to lower the car handled a bit better (24 inch diameter vs 25.5.)
 
As long as you are going to buy wheels go to with 15X7. I had spb 15X7 on my 66 years back with 225/60/15 all around no issues. also ran 225/50/15 for less sidewall and to lower the car handled a bit better (24 inch diameter vs 25.5.)

I agree, I've been researching 15" size tires and the 225/60R15 shows 25.63 diameter, and the original 6.95 x 14 shows to be 25.30" from one source, and 25.86 from another brand (from Coker's website). The 50 profile has advantages, but a 24" diameter will throw off the speedo accuracy. I'm also looking at 215/60R15 which is 25.16" Diameter. There are several sizes that would work fine, hard to pin it down. I have not yet bought the 15" rallyes, and I do appreciate the 15x7 recommendation, I was leaning that way too.
 
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