What To Check for When Upgrading My Wheels and Tires on a 1980 Datsun 310

Question:

What if 155/80/r12 tires exchanged with 175/70/r13 its impact on economy and suspension. I have darsun 120y, 1980 model

asked by: Ahmad

Expert Reply:

You can add larger wheels and tires to your 1980 Datsun as long as you have the room for it. There are a couple of things you're going to want to check first though. You're going to want enough clearance for your vehicle to go over potholes or uneven terrain which shakes out to be about 3-4" between the tires and fenders. You're also going to need 1-2" between the sidewall and inside of the wheel well.

The last thing to make sure you're doing is getting tires with the correct bolt pattern, I know it seems obvious but you'd be surprised.

Also when going to a bigger sized wheel/tire you are going to notice a slight change in your gas mileage as the bigger tires require more energy to go down the road which in turn will affect your fuel economy.

expert reply by: Bryce D