The X1/9 Gets a Set of Momo Vegas

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It's no secret that I love Momo Vega wheels!  In fact, it's such a not-secret that Hobart-based purveyor of Italian car parts Norm recently offered me four, having learned of my not even slightly disguised appetite for them whilst reading an UMPH article showcasing an Alfa Spider wearing a set.   How could I say no?!

https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2022/06/from-canberra-correspondent-alfa-spider.html


Is there a '70s or '80s Italian car that Vegas don't suit?  (Hint: No!)  They are to Fiats - especially the X1/9 - and to Alfa 105 coupes and Alfettas what Minilites and Superlites, and the the wheels that they inspired - Panasports, RS Watanabes or other clones - are to '60s and '70s British and Japanese cars.  

A grubby but otherwise sexy A-F Galant wearing Rota brand Superlite replicas.



I received a lot of advice regarding suitable tyres sizes from the very knowledgeable members of the Australian X1/9s Facebook group, especially with regards to clearance issues caused by my front coilovers.  Scotty, who manages Hobart's Sparco Tyres (https://www.sparcotas.com.au/ / (03) 6234 8099), was also super helpful, suggesting options for rubber and ordering in a set for trial fitment without any obligation for me to buy them.  


Scotty's suggestion - a set of 185/55/R14 Nankang Econex NA-1s - fit beautifully and, so far, are providing plenty of grip with minimal sidewall flex (not yet driven in the wet, though).  Nearly as importantly, they don't rub on the coilovers, nor do they grate against the inside of the mudguards or catch on their leading edges, as did the 50/195/R15 Hankook Ventuses that were previously fitted.  It was only when these issues were resolved that I realised how much they had been poxing me off!  

As you can see - and hopefully agree - the tyres look good on the Vegas which, in turn, look fabulous on the car.  The sidewalls are nicely filled out while the 55 aspect looks low without being ridiculous, helping to keep the X’s stance purposeful.  The new tyres' diameter isn't too far off that of the popular early fitment 165/70/R13s and 175/70/R13s, although I’ve been credibly informed that the original rubber was actually 145SR13*/** when the Series 1 X1/9 came to market (my informant even provided a photo from a Series 1 handbook by way of corroboration!).  It might therefore be smart for me to check my indicated dashboard speed against a GPS to save myself a speeding ticket!

* I’ve never heard of the “SR” speed rating before but I’m told that this equates to 78 or 80 profile tyres rated to 180 km/h.  
** Further info suggests that a higher speed rating of “HR” - suitable for speeds between 180 and 210 km/h - may have been specified, although I can’t find what this might mean for the aspect ratio. 


There is also a set of front Vick AutoSport Prima front brakes that'll be fitted to the Fiat soon, involving 6mm spacers (bought just after the Vegas).  However, it looks like there's going to be plenty of room, so hopefully there won't be any new clearance issues!  A write-up on those brakes will follow in the not too distant future. 


Thanks to all the members of Australian X1/9s for your advice.  Huge appreciation to Scotty and the team at Sparco, Hobart, too.




U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)











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