Ultima and Optima runners - what to do for wheels/tires

[robf]

Hi all,

I am interested in getting my old ultima and turbo optima racers up and running again and would like to know what are the best options for current wheels and tires? I tried to search, but "tires" and "wheels" are apparently too generic of search terms

thanks,
Rob

[treehugger]

try some tamiya wheels from tower they will fit

[robf]

Ok thanks. There seems to be lots of options. Which ones are most commonly used by forum members?

[Mr. ED]

There have been a couple threads on the same topic before.
The easiest combo in my opinion is desert gator wheels and team crp front axles with 4 5X11mm bearings. All easy to get on the net.

[Coelacanth]

robf, I'm modernizing a Turbo Optima that I've had since purchasing it new as a normal Optima in the mid-80's, and hopped it up to a T.O. a year or two later. Recently, I was trying to find aftermarket wheels on eBay by doing searches with "Optima" in the search, and was getting NOWHERE. What's important to realize is that all Optimas/Ultimas have 12mm hexagonal drive "washers" (except the fronts on an Ultima). Do a search for "kyosho 12mm" or something, and you'll find DOZENS of aftermarket wheels to choose from! And they're WAY cheaper than original repros!

Check out these 2 wheel sets I just purchased from an Aussie guy...very reasonable price, and shipping was under $23. 2 sets of 4 wheels & tires for under $60...the style options are endless! These ones have a slightly higher diameter than the Turbo Optima wheels & tires, but only by 5mm or so.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390199361414&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390217767587&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

And here's a set I'll buy soon, too...these are gorgeous! Though the seller didn't include size specs or mounting specs, I messaged him and learned that they, too, are 12mm hex drives and similar in size to Turbo Optima wheels.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370408477134

[Mr. ED]

mm, that one set is for touring cars: too narrow and small diameter. Otherwise, indeed: also buggy wheels that use12mm hexes are plenty available

[Bormac]

I run these rims. They look cool and are 2.2 inch aswell.

[Coelacanth]

mm, that one set is for touring cars: too narrow and small diameter. Otherwise, indeed: also buggy wheels that use12mm hexes are plenty available

Ah, that's true Mr. ED. I should mention I'm planning to pick up that set for when I use my on-road bodies. The front wheels & tires of the stock Turbo Optima are too wide, they end up looking silly sticking out past the wheel-wells of my road bodies.