Pirelli P4000/KO wheel balancing

[John G.]

Lots of good info in the archives on the Perilli P4000 tires. The concern was using this tire size with the wider (6inch) KO wheel rim width. The archive info says this isn't a problem. I have a drum brake car ('64).

With respect to wheel balancing: In checking a local tire mounting website recommended by Tire Rack it says they list the Hunter TC 3500 tire mounting unit and Hunter GSP 9702 wheel balancer as the machines they use. Is this one of the better wheel balancing machines out there? .. Also, for dynamic wheel balancing purposes are there other lead wheel weights for use on the outer rim other than the standard metal clip-on weights?. The issue is scratching up the outer rim perimeter by using this style of clip-on weight.

Might there be anything else to watch out for?

For those who are running the KO wheel and P4000 tires how has this wheel/tire combination worked out for you? .. Getting close to purchasing a set of KO wheels (bolt-on) and P4000 215-70's. ..

[John H.]

Re: Pirelli P4000/KO wheel balancing

John -

The Hunter machine is the top of the line - it not only does the usual balance job, but it measures both radial and lateral runout AND applies a loaded road force to the spinning tire to identify runout and carcass construction issues that can cause vibration, even with a perfectly balanced assembly.

Don't use clip-on weights on the outer rim flange - use them on the inboard flange, or use adhesive weights.

The Pirelli P4000 tires won't be an issue with the 6" KO rims, especially on your '64, which will put them 1/2" further inboard than they are on a disc brake car.

[John G.]

Re: Pirelli P4000/KO wheel balancing

John ..

I had meant to ask about the difference in track width between drum/disc cars. That extra bit of 'insurance' is certainly welcome. Looking forward to doing a bit of empirical testing on those P4000's .. .. Thanks for the reminder and your reply.