Riviera Wheels, What width? Options

[nick mironov]

I have a set of Bug offset Riviera wheels. I measure about 6-1/2 inches outside width. I can't imagine that the rim thickness is more than 1/8", so the inside bead dimension must be about 6 to 6-1/4" inches, or so. I have seen specifications that state that Riviera's are only 5-1/2 inches wide. Were Rivieras made in different widths?

Also, I read on Pelican Parts tech that they are not to be auto-crossed, but the article did not say why. Is there some inherent flaw/weakness with Rivieras?

I assume I can get a 205 tire mounted on the Rivieras. Is it safe to mount a 215? I have fender flares that can accomodate the width/offset (not shown in the picture).

[Brando]

I have a set of Rivs (thanks again MattR!) that I've been using for over a year. On my second set of tires. First were 195/65/15s for cruising, did OK at the Autocross, rubbed in the back. Now I'm running 195/55/15s for fun driving. I gotta keep it at about 4k to run with freeway traffic, but it makes good for the autocross.

You can autocross on rivs. you just have to consider that if you smack the wheel on a solid obstruction, you're going to do alot more damage than to just the wheel. They are cast, so instead of bending like forged alloys (fuchs) they crack and/or shatter. They're also heavier than forged alloys. The rivs are supposedly even heavier than some stamped steel wheels -- but I don't know exactly on that one.