Perfect Wheel Width?

[haynes]

Ive decided to revamp my car and get rid of the wide arches and 7" wheels.

Cooper S discs fitted so 10s are not a problem. I have a nice set of 6x10s GB alloys lying around but ive been thinking about 4.5" width and go for the archless look which i love, with uber cool 4 3/4" rose petals if not 4.5" minilifes. Tyres would be A032 165 Yokos what ever size.

But a 5" minilite wheel and group 2 arches would cover up a mulitude of sins and save on respraying that area. So there are advantages to me for 6", 5" and 4.5".

But technically what is the perfect wheel width and why? Incidentally car has a good 100bhp for hill climbs, track and weekend road use. Is anything more than 5" a complete waste of time (when not running slicks), despite the popularity of 6" and 7" wheels? Would a modest wheel width have less torque steer, easier steering and just as much grip and handling benefits? Less strain on the suspension and lighter? What are the limits of a 5" wheel?

[Cooperman]

4.5" with no arch extensions are very good. In fact, with the right offset you can actually fit 5" without arch extensions. I have a set of BWA 5" x 10 which are ok with no extensions.

[FWDRacer]

What 7" wheels are you offloading? MB's?

[haynes]

yes indeed 7x10 MBs, but i havent planned to sell just yet, theres a slim chance in the future i'd regret it.

Ive decided to use my 6x10 GBs. With the group 2 arches and chrome strip, they look pretty good, the tread is fully covered and about 1/2 of side wall pokes out. Suits my car better than going archless.

[FWDRacer]

Sounds like a good compromise. I've gone 6x10 on my road car. If you decide to offload the MB's - I'll take them of your hands without any comedy offers.

[haynes]

FWD, you have PM.