how big?

[Mathius]

Hi all,

I'm the proud owner of a 1976 Chevy Malibu. It's not hard to figure out what size tires I can fit on my car, but my question is, how do I know what size is going to give me the maximum performance?

My original plan was to go with 17X13" 315/35/17's in the back, and 17X11 275/40/17's in the front. I figure if I order the 17X11's first, if they won't fit the front, then I can put them in the rear, and a 17X9 should definately fit up front with no problems. If I have trouble fitting a 17X13 in the back, I can just tub it. So sizes are no biggy. But I don't want to ruin my performance just because I have a tire size in mind that I like. How big is too big and also I want to make sure the relationship between the front and rear sizes are compatible.

Thanks,
Mathius

[MrQuick]

Welcome Mathius,
Well for performance, it really depends on the amount of power and type of use it will put to. Really depends on your application.
For handeling performance, having too big of a tire can hinder performance by increasing scrub, weight and interference drag.
For drag racing, having too big of a tire is a waste for power output.
You want to match the tire to traction demand.
The rim choices you have are off. For 315's a 10-11.5 are preferable. For 275's a 9.5-10 rims are preferable. The 315 and 275 combo is fine.
I would suggest a 17x11 315 rear and 17x9.5 285 for the front. The back spacing is what is going to make it or break it.
To run a 13" rim you would have to do some frame work.

[F70t/a]

Chris Kerr ran a 17x11 with a 275 and a 315 on a 17x13. You can find links online about his car.


68 camaro (http://carcraft.com/featuredvehicles/116_0404_cam/)

[MrQuick]

I wonder why? If it works run it but it doesn't need to be that wide...if you run a 13" rim why not run a 335 tire? hey dave, gonna be around this weekend? Sunday?

[F70t/a]

I know if the wheel width is wider then the tread of the tire then it provides better sidewall stability. Which most guys go 1 inch wider then the wheel width.


Vince, I have a dinner in the afternoon for work, but i should be home during the day. I'm gonna try super hard to get a truck and trailer


Dave

[USAZR1]

A 17x13 on the rear of a stock rear'd 76 Chevelle? Sorry,I don't think so.
I'm running 17x13's & 335's but my car has been backhalved & tubbed.

[kmcanally]

Running a 13" wheel with a 315 tire looks kinda funny...the wheel is the wider than the tire....a 315 tire is approximately 12.5" wide and looks good when mounted on either a 10.5" or 11" wide wheel.....I run a 275 tire on a 9" wheel.

[USAZR1]

I agree. Even my 335/35/17 Kumhos look a little small on my 17x13's.
A 17x13 rim is almost 14" wide from outer rim edge to outer rim edge.