Max tire size, 1969 Cutlass

[Mr Nick]

Looking to do wheels & tires in the fall, I know it can be a long process so looking to gather info now.

These are my options, and thoughts on each.

Nitto NT555 in 295/45/18
-Hardest to fit
-Best for street use & handling purposes
-More expensive 18" wheel (18X9.5 or 10)

Mickey Thompson 295/45/17 Drag Radials
-Easier to fit
-Not as good for street use
-Less expensive rim (17X9.5)
-I've heard they are on huge backorder

M&H 275/50/17 Drag Radial.
-Easiest to fit
-Not as good for street use
-Cheapest rim (17x8 or 9.5)

Last resort would be a 255/50/17, but I would like at least a 275 width tire.

Stock type rear suspension with lowering springs. I'm not opposed to rolling the lip if needed. Will run 17"s up front.



I'm not sure if the rear wheel tubs/housing is the same as a Chevelle, or other A-Body. I'm told they are slightly smaller then a 70-72 Cutlass though. I'd love to run the 295/45/18 Nitto's, if I know they will fit. Any experience with this?

I want the tire to be tucked up in the wheel well. I don't really like how they look when perfectly flush with the body.

Thoughts, comments, suggestions?

Thanks,
Nick

[fast Ed]

I'd venture to say that any of those could be made to fit, big wheelwells in those 68 - 72 A-body cars. I remember my 72 having lots of room left over with 265/60R15 on the rear (25 years ago though, my memory is hazy on the exact amount).

Also, I'll mention that I have a pair of the 275/50R17 M&H tires for sale. Used them for about a dozen drag strip passes on my T-Bird, and then went back to bias ply drag tires when class rules allowed.


cheers
Ed N.

[gumbygto]

I'm running 245/60/15's in my 68 right now. They fill the wheel well and but there is still some room. I don't know what the BS is on the current rims. I'm adding SC&C UCA's in the front and new springs which should lower the car about 1" With this I'm changing to a 245/45/17 tire and using a 4.5" offset on the rim. The new tires have the same section width and the overall diameter is about 1" smaller.

The 295/45/18 you suggest have a 2" wider section width and the overall diameter is 2" larger. They should fit with the correct bs on the rim.

Check the tire size calculator sticky - its really helpful.

Good luck
Scott

[novaracer_2000]

Looking to do wheels & tires in the fall, I know it can be a long process so looking to gather info now.

These are my options, and thoughts on each.

Nitto NT555 in 295/45/18
-Hardest to fit
-Best for street use & handling purposes
-More expensive 18" wheel (18X9.5 or 10)

Thoughts, comments, suggestions?

Thanks,
Nick

Here is a pic of andrewb's GTO with 295/45/18s he says they fit good.I bought the same for my GTO on a 9.5 rim but don't have the body on the frame yet.

[72 GOAT]

I have a 72 GTO with 29/45/18's on an 18x10 on the rear and there is no problem at all. I might even be able to fit a 315

[MrQuick]

I had 295's on 10" (15's) on my 68' so im betting 315's on 11's will go with the right bs and metal work. The 17/18's will have less side wall flex so you can get away with larger.

[Mr Nick]

Thanks for the help, this is very encouraging!

I PMed Andrew yesterday, after I noticed he has the 295/45/18's on the rear.