1969 Torino

[Vegas69]

I agree with the notion that slapping a tire on a wheel that is to small or on the smaller side of the range may be counter productive. I do however think the biggest tire on the front(Right width wheel) with a reasonable stagger is the best way to go. You notice the Vette/Viper have decreased their stagger and increased front width lately. These old muscle cars are nose heavy and they want to push. You'll find yourself continually looking for an increase in front grip while you own the car. You'll naturally have more lateral rear grip at your disposal which means you will be decreasing rear grip to get chassis balance. I'd say a smaller rear tire would net better side and forward bite due to a slightly more desirable spring rate/shock setting.

Don't get me wrong, I think you can get the car to handle nicely.

[FETorino]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

I agree with the notion that slapping a tire on a wheel that is to small or on the smaller side of the range may be counter productive. I do however think the biggest tire on the front(Right width wheel) with a reasonable stagger is the best way to go. You notice the Vette/Viper have decreased their stagger and increased front width lately. These old muscle cars are nose heavy and they want to push. You'll find yourself continually looking for an increase in front grip while you own the car. You'll naturally have more lateral rear grip at your disposal which means you will be decreasing rear grip to get chassis balance. I'd say a smaller rear tire would net better side and forward bite due to a slightly more desirable spring rate/shock setting.

Don't get me wrong, I think you can get the car to handle nicely.

I was probably still typing some of the post while yo were posting this. I believe the new Viper is 295/355 so the stagger is pretty similar to my 285/345.


I don't disagree that a 325 out back might not be a better handling choice but we will have to wait and see.

I've got a pretty big mass of sheet metal out back on my car so once I get the motor in it will be interesting to see what my scales tell me.

As I said tires are disposable. It will be interesting when I get out of building mode and not the more difficult part.

Tuning

Edit

And Todd I do appreciate your real world input on this since you lived through it when you built Payback.

[DBasher]

Saw this and thought of your build, pretty nice ride. I plan to stop in and talk with him next week and get some details on it, I know he drives it daily.


Dan

[WSSix]

Good info and great looking wheels, Rob! I think you're taking the right approach to all this. It's going to be a great car.

[FETorino]

Originally Posted by DBasher

Saw this and thought of your build, pretty nice ride. I plan to stop in and talk with him next week and get some details on it, I know he drives it daily.


Dan

Wow Dan that is a Cyclone Spoiler II with the Aero droop nose. King of Talladega and Daytona in it's day. Check out the front bumper. Ford actually took a rear bumper and put it on the front to act as an air dam due to it's taller height. Early splitter right there.

[Ron Sutton]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

I agree with the notion that slapping a tire on a wheel that is to small or on the smaller side of the range may be counter productive. I do however think the biggest tire on the front(Right width wheel) with a reasonable stagger is the best way to go. You notice the Vette/Viper have decreased their stagger and increased front width lately. These old muscle cars are nose heavy and they want to push. You'll find yourself continually looking for an increase in front grip while you own the car. You'll naturally have more lateral rear grip at your disposal which means you will be decreasing rear grip to get chassis balance. I'd say a smaller rear tire would net better side and forward bite due to a slightly more desirable spring rate/shock setting.

Don't get me wrong, I think you can get the car to handle nicely.

Couldn't agree more.