S-Curve Tire wheel combo

[3kidsnotime]

I have already purchased some tires in 17 inch but we dont have to use them on S-Curve, So if we go another size we will just calculate the cost of what is used on the car, I would like some input on what everyone thinks, Now the car is going to the track so we need to remember that also. What tire seems to work the best for our application and size? What size wheel do we want to run? if needed I will cut and split the inner wheel house to the frame we can gain some space if needed in the rear.

[nitrorocket]

I have been a gross abuser of 17 " tires. I must say that 17's seem to small for my A-body. I would love to go to an 18" rear tire for additional tire height. All the 17" tires (rears)are only 26" tall. That is to darn short. The wheel and tire combo also look a tad too small in the wheel well.
I know there are many very good tires and compounds in the 315/35/17" tires so that is not an issue, they are just short tires. You should research the 18's a little more to make sure you can get a 27" or larger tire in both street and road race tire types. If you can, I would say 18's would be a clear winner for a car with handling in mind.

[Kris Horton]

Jeff,

I've got 18's on my Chevelle. 18x7 in the front and 18x10 in the rear. We could have gone a good bit wider in the front, but we wanted to play it safe to avoid any chances of rubbing. My tires are 245/40 ZR18 and 305/35 ZR18 from Nitto. They're not very tall, but don't look too low profile either. I'm pretty happy with the combo.

If you plan to mini-tub, you can go much wider in the rear too. I wouldn't recommend anything wider than a 295 or 305 without minitubbing though.

Kris

[71OLDS]

I've got a 71 Olds 442...not a Chevelle but it's a GM A body...fairly similar. I've got 18x8's front and 18x10's rear w/255/45/18 and 305/45/18....nitto 555 and 555Rs...real happy w/the set up.

had to roll the fender well lips in the back but no rubbing either way. Plus the taller tires give a little more ground clearance for street driving and speed bumps

[Steve Chryssos]

Originally Posted by 71OLDS

I've got a 71 Olds 442...not a Chevelle but it's a GM A body...fairly similar. I've got 18x8's front and 18x10's rear w/255/45/18 and 305/45/18....nitto 555 and 555Rs...real happy w/the set up.

had to roll the fender well lips in the back but no rubbing either way. Plus the taller tires give a little more ground clearance for street driving and speed bumps

Great looking car Joe.
/Steevo

[71Nova]

I would say 18 by as wide as will fit with NO rubbing.

[T Bell]

initiall I wanted to put 17s on mine and nothing bigger but lately the 18s have just started looking better to me. The 17s have more sidewall for pothole incounters, which are prevalent were I'm at. I have a buddy with 19s and he has bent his rims atleast twice.

[71OLDS]

thanks Steevo

IMHO the 17s don't fill up the wheel well enough on the 68-72 GM A bodies unless you lower the car ALOT...like 2-3 inches....this is a non issue if you are always on perfectly flat streets or just from the trailer to the track...but if you have headers and do any street driving you need some clearance.

Going w/the 18s and some sidewall (I like 45 series) = taller tire and more cushion for the rims and my butt. Plus it allows you to "cheat" a better stance...meaning the taller tire goes farther up in the wheel well giving the appearance that the car is lower. My front tire is about 27" tall and my rears are almost 29". 1" drop springs let the car sit perfectly....plus my headers are still 3" off the ground...

that said if it's race only...road race that is you want a numerically lower sidewall....like 35s or 30s..mine is set up for street/1/4 mile/solo 2...the 45 series is a nice compromise..

[JohnnyGMachine]

Wow Joe, I'm in agreement with you and Steve. Looks just chunky enough - I love full wheel wells!
The one thing I'm the most picky about on a car is wheel/tire combo and stance - it really can make and break the look of a car. I think you nailed it on your Olds and good for you for going with a really uniquely cool paint scheme. Nice! I like the interior as well - nicely updated and the best part about it is having a drop top. It shows it off.

J

[71OLDS]

Thanks Johnny. Actually the paint is the original color = 43G 1971 OLDS lime green. I'm a big fan of the more unusual colors factory colors.