Benifits of a larger wheel??

[Nicks67GTO]

This winter I am taking on the back end of my 73' Nova. It has already been backyard minitubbed by the previous owner. I have over 13" in the wheel well area.
The things ive decided to do are as folows.

1. Install DSE offset rear shackles
2. Purchase a new rear end housing from Quick performance because my old one is bent and not able to be straightened.
3. Install scarebird rear disc brake setup.
4. Fabricate a frame rail and move my rear shocks inboard

At this point i will have a bit over 13" in my rear wheel tub. I currently have a 275/60R15 In there and theres 3" of clearance between the frame and the tire at the closest point. Im planning on going to a 10" wide wheel, probably 7.5" backspace and possibly a 305 or 315 series tire if it will fit reasonably. {I may need to narrow my rear end}

Now heres my question. Whats the benefit of going from a 15" to a 16" or 17" wheel? Are the benifits worth it? Is this more of a looks thing? Im not going to be able to afford a high dollar big brake kit ever so Im thinking about staying with a 15" wheel because I like how they look. Im probably going to go with this wheel.
http://www.billetspecialties.com/ite...pid=940&rdir=1

Any opinions? Any ideas for reasonably priced tires? All ideas and comments are welcome. Im trying to put the finishing touches on my project plans!!

[GetMore]

The shorter the sidewall the less flex in the tire (typically), which leads to better handling, but can hurt in straight line traction.
Other than that, I think it's mostly looks.

[MrQuick]

excellent, plus more room for more brakes. 17's are a perfect balance.

[Project69]

Big wheels = more bling

[Vegas69]

Most wheel designs just don't look good until they hit 18" but thats my opinion.

[1FstChevy]

ME LOVE 18"s ALSO!!!

So anyhoo, I personally either prefer an original style 15" or a tastefully chosen aftermarket 18" wheel that isn't overly chrome or blingy, a lot of 16"s & 17"s in between just kind of look half-way there. However, depending on the stance and tire profile I've seen a few 17's that look pretty good to.

& if you don't currently have a big pro-touring budget, I'd think you'd be better off saving up your money for a good set of 17's instead of spending it on new 15s, since 17's make a big difference in the turns with less sidewall flex. Plus, if you've already invested all that time fabricating and are aiming to have a serious pro-touring car, and not so much a street-strip type car theres no reason not to go for lower profile tires!

Take a look at this thread a few posts down from 67lemanster, he and a few other members on NastyZ28 have purchased the Crager Soft 8 wheels from around 50 bucks a pop from jegs, or summit + tires for about $600.00 which isn't bad once you get into the low-profile tires. http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47101

Now of course those are steel wheels, so your looking at a lot of rotating inertia which goes best with BIG brakes, but if all else a good set of Hawk HPS pads on the front discs (provided you don't have all wheel drum) and a clean operating brake system should offset that a little and you'll still be in the green with the additional cornering capabilities provided by your new 17"s!!!