18" on a 2nd gen

[1971ssls1]

hey guys, i have a 71 camaro, i am wanting to put 18x11 out back and 18x8 up front. i am hoping that some of you can give me an idea of what backspacing to use on the fr. and rr. to get everyhting to fit just right, and possibly some tire sizes. thanks for any info.

[MrQuick]

Welcome to the site, to fit 11' you will have to do some work to fit. Might as well go with 335's on 12's.
Ok 18x11's 315's will require bs of 5 3/4"-6"
Play it safe with 18X10 295's and a 5 9/16" bs.
Please measure your vehicle as all car are different.
Fronts....how crazy do you wanna get?

[jeffandre]

I put 19x13's (9.625" bs) with 345/30's in the rear and 19x10's (7.25" bs) with 275/35's in the front. I have the same turning radius as a 3rd Gen F-body. I did not have to modify the front sub or inner fenderwell, but I have modified the inner fenderwell rear mount to bring it closer to the firewall for tire clearance. The only reason 7.25" bs worked for me is that I have Vette Brakes upper and lower control arms, which are built perfect for tire clearance in that they do not bulge out of line when you look from the edge of the lower ball joint to the bushing location (stock and other aftermarket arms tend to have more rounded lines and would have screwed up my plans badly.

If you have stock control arms listen to Vince and make sure you test fit something before you buy. Good luck and get some pics out here when you can. Oh yeah, welcome to the best site on the Net!!!

[1971ssls1]

change of mind, the wheel i want only makes an 18x10, so what would be the best b/s to get a nice deep dish? and how about the front 18x8?

[c.schulz]

You can easily put a 18x9.5 up front.Vince gives some great dimentions. to start from.But be sure to measure your own car.

Chris

[yody]

vince, where do you get 5 9/16"? to put a 10" wheel on the back of a second gen you need 6" of backspacing, that will put your wheel inboard of the fender lip about 1/4" any less backspacing than that and your wheel will stick out. People put 11's on the back, but they will stick out barely past the fender lip, which is not functional and looks stupid. with 6" of backspaing on my 19x10's i barely have a 1/2" if not 3/8"s before i hit my leaf springs inboard. THis is what i recommend;
18x10's with 6" backspaing on the back
18x9's with 5.5" backspacing on the front,
you can still fit a 275 on a 9" wheel and have decent turning radius with the 9" wheel.
BTW jeff, don't count your chickens before your egg's hatch, have you actually mounted the wheel son the car, and try turning the wheels at the correct ride hegiht? I KNOW you will get it to work, however i don't think it is set in stone. Let me know when you get the wheels back, i want to make another visit!! :bananna2:

[F70t/a]

Did you get your rims and tires jeff? it's gonna look killer once it's a roller again.it will make for some good motivation to get the car done quicker :worship:

[jeffandre]

I mounted the wheels a little over a week ago for clearance checks, at 3rd Gen turning radius measurements the tire almost rubs the sway bar and is still 5/8" or so away from the LCA back side. The top of the tire is about 1.25" in from the outer edge of the fender too. I should be able to run the car with the front fender lip at or slightly below the top of the tire, and the rear fender lip will be about 3/4" below the top of the rear tires, so the rake will be about 1-1.5" front to rear.

Once I get new ball joints, GW del-a-lum's installed (must be machined to fit my arms), and the spindles and arms painted I will throw the front suspension back together and set it at ride height for picture taking. I hope to have it together before Dave leaves for Texas!!!

[MrQuick]

vince, where do you get 5 9/16"? to put a 10" wheel on the back of a second gen you need 6" of backspacing,
Thats just from my experience Mody, trust me, im sure you will be rubbing with a 6" bs. I rubbed abit with my 9.5's and 5 5/8" bs. Just a surgical touch with a BFH and that stopped. Just be sure to carefully measure your car when setting up. Mock up rims would be the best way.

[1971ssls1]

can i just ise a 10" wheel with a 4.5" bs or a 5" bs and not worry about it?

[yody]

I have 6" of backspacing on a 10" wheel right now and it doesn't rub. I will take pics tomorrow. Most people use 5.5" of backspacing with a 9.5 wheel, so 6" with a 10" wheel is a no-brainer.

Jeff; also make sure to let people know with your backspacing numbers and such that you are running a wheel with different offset than a traditional muscle car wheel, There is only a 2" lip on the front wheels that we have(unless you got a 3"??) at least on mine, i only have a 3" lip in back and 2" in front, so that can throw people off. BTW i think i can use my 10" wheels on the front, i would need a 3/4" spacer(which i already have) but i would have a 3" lip on the front and rear, which doesnt' look that good to me. Gotta get one of your rims down here and see how it sits!

10" wheel no what? front or back? both of those backspacing numbers either on front or back are going to make your wheel stick out big time!!

[MrQuick]

can i just ise a 10" wheel with a 4.5" bs or a 5" bs and not worry about it?
If you want to set your car up right you will have to do some homework. There is nothing worse than spending good money on rims and tires just to be disappointed about them. If you want to play it safe and still have nice sized tires go with 275's on 9.5's and a 5.5 bs. Most rim makers have that BS as a standard so that will avoid spending the extra cash with custom BS.

[yody]

I was bored so i took some pictures today, they aren't the best but...
19x10 with a 295/35/19, 6" backspacing
They actually look more tucked in than in the pictures, the pictures make the wheel look like it is flush with the fender lip but the wheel/tire in reality sticks inwards about 1/4" of the flare

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.imageshack.us)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.imageshack.us)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.imageshack.us)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.imageshack.us)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.imageshack.us)

BTW i have seen Jeffs back wheels/tires on the car, and if the front look like what i think they will, IMO he is going to have the baddest set of wheels and tires on a muscle car....ever! BIg red has some monsters, but not as big on the back and not as shiny!! Can't wait to see the front ones on!! Might just have to put my 10's on the front!

[jeffandre]

Thanks for the vote of confidence Cody, I will be working hard to get the fronts on soon, I am waiting for the paint for the spindles and control arms before I start putting everything back together.

The front 10" wheels should fit fine on our 2nd Gens, and I agree that it looks a little better when the front wheels have a little less lip (assuming that they are at least that much narrower than the rears of course). I believe I have a 3" lip on the rears and a 2" lip on the fronts. I also like the way the 295's fit your 10's, knowing that the 35 series fits better on a 10" than the 30 series, so if I go up to 295's someday I will have to see them on a car in the 30 series size first. I think 295/35's will be too tall for my car, but maybe not.

[c.schulz]

Cody when are you going to get some dirt on that car of yours?? Cant wait to see the car completed.

Chris
+

[1971ssls1]

i want to go with the american racing torque thrust classics and they are a custom bs only and on have a 10" rim not a 9.5" so maybe i could use 10" w/ 5.5" bs and it should work out fine? and how about the fronts, an 8" wheel would be fine, but what bs would be the best there?

[MrQuick]

If you want to use the 10" then go with the 5 3/4" - 6" back space.10" rim is actually 10.5 wide with lip. Your gonna have to get dirty and measure.
You will have to modify abit to fit. I always say" its easier to modify the inside wheel well than the outside quarter panel. 295 or 285 tire?

[yody]

trust me, im sure you will be rubbing with a 6" bs

so you take this back then huh?

[MrQuick]

No he's still going to need to work the inner wells to work right. If you read the past post I was recommending that bs to get the balance between getting enough room to allow clearence of the outer quarter.5 9/16 bs should give hin a 1/2" to the outer quarter. You can get closer with the outside due to the axle movement when articulating. I recommend atleast 3/4" of room to the inner panel.
Don't worry your still gonna rub.

[OLDFLM]

SW is running the AR CL205s (grey centered TTIIs) on his red 73 T/A.

18x8 front with 4.5bs 255/40/18 26.03-inches tall
18x10 rear with 5.5bs 295/35/18 26.12-inches tall

Do a seach on Streetking and look at his red T/A!!

V/R,
Ty

[yody]

rub-a-dub-dub!

[JoshStratton]

WOW! A whole thread for 2nd gens ONLY!!! We are growing in numbers!!

I know you guys are talking 18" rims, but I thought I would share my 2 cents. I am running 17 x 9.5's all around with a 5.5 inch backspace. The backs are fine. They sit flush with the fender, which is what I was shooting for. The fronts do as well...unfortunately if I lower the car more than 3.5 inches, I think they will rub on cornering (I have about a 4.5 inch gap between the tire and fender currently).

If anyone wants to run some Torq Thrust IIs and want 17 x 9.5 with a 5.5 bs in the rear and 17 x 8 with about a 6 inch backspace in the front, let me know and maybe we can work out a trade. I provide the rear wheels, you provide the fronts.

Here are some pics of mine:

http://www.wideopenwest.com/~joshstratton/Pictures/79TransAmPics.HTML

[1971ssls1]

i appreciate everyones advice and opinions, but its getting kind of confusing. Does anyone have a strait confident answer on what bs i should go with to fit and 18"x10" wheel on the back and an 18"x8" wheel on the fron of a 71 camaro? thanks

[yody]

YES, read my post

[yody]

here i will make it super easy for you;
18x10 with a 295/35/18(or 295/30/18)
6" of backspacing if you want the wheel tucked in the wheel lip just a tad, but possilbilty of slight rubbing that could me fixed with a 1/4" wheel spacer OR 5 3/4" backspacing which will put the wheel flush with the fender lip or possilby a bit past. No way to tuck it in.

Front, don't go with a 8" wheel, go with
18x9 with 275/30/18(or 275/35/18)
with 5.5" backspacing, if you want an 8" wheel go with 4.5" backspacing.

That should make it pretty clear, anymore and you are going to have to do more research yourself and do some meausring yourself

[MrQuick]

Cody have you driven your car hard yet, ok I rest my case. Remember Cody,you have a Firbird and they do set up differently. On the same note I don't have dirrect experience with 18x10" rims as of this moment. My suggestions are mearly what I have gone through with 17's.
I say 5 9/16", Cody says 6", 2 guys say 5.5" your getting close.

I made a mistake earlier, the rim is actually 1" larger than listed due to lip edge. What ever you do measure your car. Most repetable tire shops will do a mock up so that might be an option for you.
Also make sure the advice you are getting is from some one that actually has driven their car...hard and into a driveway. Perhaps go for a ride and see if they rub.

[yody]

okay smart guy, firebirds have wider fender flares, but the exact same insides, so if i put my wheels on a camaro they will stick out farther to the outside of the car visually. So if he goes with your 5 9/16" he will definetly be sticking out past the fender lip, not only that but everyone is suggesting 5.5" for a 9.5 WHEEL, so if you use 5.5 on a 10" wheel your wheel is going to stick out past the fender lip 1/2". If you want to run a 10" wheel and have it look like a 9.5" with 5.5 backspacing, you need 6" backspacing since the wheel is 1/2" wider. Personally if you are scared to run 6" backspacing I would run 5 7/8 or maybe but not suggested 5.75.
Vince your recommendation is to run a 1/8" LESS backspacing on a wheel 1/2" MORE in width, that makes no sense, that means the wheel will be sticking outboard 3/8" than a 9.5" wheel with 5.5" backspacing which is the norm. ALSO i had 17x9.5 with 5.5 backspacing on the rear of my car, and my wheels rubbed.....on the outside! plenty of clearance on the inside, and my car was pretty low. I would get the 6" backspacing, if it rubs just a little you can always put a 1/4" spacer on it, that will give you roughly 3/4" from the inner quarter panel. I am sorry there is nothing uglier than a car with the wheels sticking out past the fender.

[jeffandre]

Cody have you driven your car hard yet, ok I rest my case. Remember Cody,you have a Firbird and they do set up differently.

The Bird flares are more rounded and will allow a tire/wheel combo to run closer to the fender edge with minimal rubbing, while the Camaro flares are flatter at the top edge and come closer to the tire when the car is lowered the same amount as a Bird. That's why I had to run my backspace numbers to move the wheels inward by over 1" from the fender edge to minimze potential rubbing when the suspension travels.

For maximum tire/wheel fitment borrow a wheel to get the measurements right. Use a 4th Gen Camaro or C5 Vette wheel for a good place to start.

[yody]

well after talking with vince some more we agreed that you should go with 10" wheel with a 5.75 backspacing.You can always add an 1/4" spacer to get the wheel out farther

[1971ssls1]

you guys are awsome, so i will use a 10" wheel with 5.75" bs on the rear. since the wheel i want only offers an 8" for the front i will go with 4.5" bs up there, how does that sound.?

[yody]

Sounds perfect! if its too far inboard you can just put a 1/4" spacer on it, but i think you will be happy. Are you sure there is only an 8" wheel? that kinda sucks, looks like you are looking at a 255 series on teh front, BTW what kind of wheels?

[zbugger]

You want another choice on the front? I've seen a few guys running 5" backspace on the front. I've also seen 4.75" backspace up front too. It pulls the wheel in a little more from the fender. I've heard, but not run, 5" is perfect for the front. I'd say 4.75". That's just me though.

[MrQuick]

Thanks Allen for confusing us more...Cody had me believing my Camaro was green earlier! LOL I figured 5" front BS too due to the 3rd gen 1LE rotor as a hub and C5 rotor.

[1971ssls1]

i am going to use the torque thrust II classic. the CL205 series and i think they only make them in a 7" 8" and 10" if you want an 18" wheel. as for the front bs 4.5", 4.75" or 5"? here we go again!!!

[JoshStratton]

Why dont you take your car to a tire place? They will measure it for you and let you know what BS you need. It would make this whole process less confusing for you.

Take it to Discount Tire Warehouse. They will measure it for you AND give you a good price on any custom orders.

[OLDFLM]

Once again, I highly suggest you take a look at Streetking's Red 73 T/A.
Especially since he's running the grey centered CL205s you want to run!
255/40/18f w 4.5" bs and 295/35/18r w 5.5" bs... personally I'd run a 285/40/18 on the back just b/c it's one inch taller overall than the 295/35/18 and I think (even with 18s) that musclecars need a little sidewall to look right but that's just my opinion...
Here's SWs link to all his cars... check out his red T/A!!

http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid={ED36C117-22D2-428A-9A34-55AC9461594D}&AlbumId={7449006B-D9F5-43E6-A2E8-9B65E3EBE25F}&GroupId={BBBFDFE9-D64E-4611-BB46-9D6A0AE6644B}

V/R,
Ty

[1971ssls1]

i saw the pics of the T/A i like the way it looks, but doesnt the T/A have a differnent wheel opening so it might fit different right?

[yody]

yes the TA has different fender flares, so it has more room outboard than you by just a little. you need 4.5" backspacing on a 8" wheel. If they have the 10's in only a 5.5" backspacing that will work too, it might be more common. You are going to want to roll you rear lips so the tires don't rub on the outside. if they can do 5.75 no problem you could even go with a 4.75" front. They will probably have in stock the 10's with 5.5" backspacing and the fronts 4.5" backspacing on a 8. If so just go with that. IF they can make anything for the same price and time frame, and you want you wheels tucked in just a tad instead of flush with teh fender lips to with the 5.75/4.75

[Mean 69]

Good stuff guys. Here's a question, do you get rubbing at all on the "top" of the outer fenderwells in suspension bump? Hard to describe, but the fenderwell juts "in" before it goes "up." I was wondering if this is an area of issue with a low car/big suspension hit. I think I can modify it a bit if necessary to create a bit more room before the new qtr's go on.

Anyway, here's a pic of what I am talking about.
M

[MrQuick]

Hi Mark, You can square it abit but that follows the outer shell real close.Chop right to conture with the outer quarter.
We had done a 72 CP car before where we added 2" of material to flare the back end abit. Theres alot of room when you don't have leaf springs and tubs to deal with. 4.75 is fine for the front.

[1971ssls1]

alright, i think i am going to go with your advice yody, the 5.75 and 4.75 plan. any second thoughts from anyone please speak now. otherwise i appreciate everything from everyone.

[yody]

just don't hold me to it :)

[zbugger]

Hey Mark, I know exactly what you're talking about. I have had the 275/60-15's on the back of my car for a few years and it took a lot of drop to get it to rub. even then, it only rubbed pretty far down on the sidewall. That said, it really just depends on how far down you get the car sitting, and how wide your tires are. After I get my car back on the road, and that may be a little while, I'll better be able to tell how much trouble I'll have. Vince is right when he says that it follows the outer fender. It's damn close. In fact, I think that spot and the seat belt bump are the most common rub spots.

[1971ssls1]

just don't hold me to it :)


should i hold off or just go ahead and do it? these words dont boost my confience! :fingersx:

[Mean 69]

Vince is right when he says that it follows the outer fender. It's damn close.

That is pretty much what we thought would be the case. Hopefully it won't be a terrible issue.


and how wide your tires are

335's in back, 315's in front..... Clearly not with the stock subframe, and I am also mini-tubbing the back. Thanks for the help guys, you know these cars well and I am sure I'll beback for more help!

M

[OLDFLM]

Get the rims on the car!! You won't be disappointed!

Just make sure to post pics!

V/R,
Ty

[c.schulz]

I put a set of TT2's with fronts 8" with 4.5 BS and rears 9.5" with 5.5" BS and the balance inside to outside was a great.Wheels are a 17".

Chris

[1971ssls1]

alright, so it has come down to this 4.5 or 4.75 (fr) and 5.5 or 5.75 (rr) what a decision??? Has anyone every ran this exact 18x10 18x8 combo???

[yody]

alright, so it has come down to this 4.5 or 4.75 (fr) and 5.5 or 5.75 (rr) what a decision??? Has anyone every ran this exact 18x10 18x8 combo???

exactly, if you run 5.75 in the back your wheel will be 1/4" out farther than mine, which would be just a tad shy of being flush with the outer fender lip, maybe just even with yours since a camaros lip is a little flatter. Basically its like this;
5.5" backspacing: take the chance of having the wheel a little outboard and could possibly stick out a tad too far, definetly have to roll the inner lip
5.75" just tucked in, but possilbility of hitting the inner part of the wheel housing, which you could bang back with a hammer, if it is too far inboard, you can always use a small spacer to push it back out.
6" which is what i have, probably a bit too close to the inner fender, i will probably end up with 5 7/8" backspacing. I like my wheels inside the fender just a little bit.
on the 8" wheel i would probably just go with 4.5" of backspacing, that is what EVERYONE uses.
Its really up to you, these are just suggestions, that is why i posted not to hold me too it. If you want 100% you have to mock or measure yourself. I would go with the 5.75 backspacing personally, 1/4" spacer aint really much if you decide to space it out some. if you go 5.5 and it sticks out too far, there is nothing you can do. The pictures don't really show it, but my wheel sticks in about 3/8" inside the fender, which on yours would probably be 1/4" inside the fender

[yody]

BTW streetking ran the combo you just mentioned and it looks great. of course it is a firebird though

[zbugger]

1971ssls1, where are you located anyway?

[1971ssls1]

i am from yuba city,ca. here are a few pics of my car

[yody]

me bugger and mrquick are all in Ca also, and all have second gen's.

[1971ssls1]

yeah there is something about the second gens. i get the feeling not a lot of people like them, but then theres a few out there that love em. where about in ca is everyone at?

[yody]

just looked at your pics, nice car!! although i hope you know that mounting your seatbelts like that can create spinal injuries if you ever get in an accident. looks like you already have 17's? you could always use those wheels as mock up and add some washers and such to see where the wheel is going to be in teh fenderwell.. if your studs are long enough. Let us know what you decide.(p.s. get a wing on that thing!)

[1971ssls1]

my plans are to get a lower hood (+bolt on) a one piece spoiler, dish vinyl top, and put a cage in it (also to mount the belts). and hopefully get some different wheels on the car.

[1971ssls1]

anyways, hey yody youve been a lot of help, one last time Rear - 18"x10" with 5.75" bs with a 295/35/18. Front - 18"x8" with 4.5" bs? and a 255/40/18?

[yody]

yeah, that would work, streetking is running a 5.5 on a 10" if you like my recomendations go with the 5.75 on the back. I would measure what you have right now and see what you get, but i think you will be just fine with what you just posted. Definetly be a good combo

[1971ssls1]

well the thin about the whhels that i have right now is that they have i think 7" of bs, i put a 1" adapter behind them to get them to work. but in the back i added a 1/4 spacer also. this turns it into 6" of bs up front and 5.75 out back. i cant turn the wheels lock to lock up front so 6" is a bit too much up there. The backs have about 3/4" to the leafs and have sufficient room to the outer fender lip. 5.75 should work and if need be, i can put that 1/4 spacer there and it should be perfect. the difference that 5.5 and 5.75" of bs have wont effect the look of the wheel too much so it should be fine. up front i will stay with the 4.5 i guess and i should be ably to turn the car more easily??? i hope

[SYDEWAYZ71]

Has anyone tried to e-mail Paul Edwards? https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.imageshack.us)

[yody]

haven't seen that guy on the sight forever! 4.5 will give you almost full turning radius.

[MrQuick]

Ahh hell, why don't you come down here and we could trial fit Fody rim combo on your car...better yet, join us in July and slap his rims on a do some laps. Track day (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5731&page=1&pp=20) Seriously bring the car out with us and have some fun. We are all in the Bay Area.

i put a 1" adapter behind them to get them to work. but in the back i added a 1/4 spacer also. this turns it into 6" of bs up front and 5.75 out back. i cant turn the wheels lock to lock up front so 6" is a bit too much up there.
Dude, you had the answers right there the whole time!!!! DOHHHHHH :bicycle:

[1971ssls1]

i know but it took a lot to figure that out. i had to actually go out to my car and get down and look at it. lol.

[Shupee]

Has anyone tried to e-mail Paul Edwards? https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.imageshack.us/)OK I'm new on here but I've been lurking arund for sometime. Would someone please tell me what size wheels and tires are on this car!! That is the exact wheel/tire size i would love to run. I currently have Vintage wheel works 17x8 frt-17x9.5 rr and want to run the 9.5's on the frt and go to 11's on the rear. Am I correct in assuming this is close to that??(short of the wheel difference)

PLEASE HELP A~REDNECK ON THIS QUESTION Thanks

[dipren443]

OK I'm new on here but I've been lurking arund for sometime. Would someone please tell me what size wheels and tires are on this car!! That is the exact wheel/tire size i would love to run. I currently have Vintage wheel works 17x8 frt-17x9.5 rr and want to run the 9.5's on the frt and go to 11's on the rear. Am I correct in assuming this is close to that??(short of the wheel difference)

PLEASE HELP A~REDNECK ON THIS QUESTION Thanks

I would like to know this information as well. That stance is perfect. I would really love to achieve as close to that look as possible.

Thanks

[Blue70]

If you click on the "cars" link at the top of the page, then the "2'nd GEN AND UP CAMARO" link his car will be the first one on the list...
In the write up it says

Wheels - Fikse FM5 three-piece forged rims
[F] 8"x18" with BFGoodrich ZR 245/40-18;
[R] 9.5"x18" with 295/35-18 BFG ZR's.

If you have never been there you need to check out some of the cars in the cars section :secret:

[formula]

just so you guys know, this thread was a huge help to me....


thanks guys!

[Shupee]

I looked Paul up and he doesn't specify what the backspacing is??? I would assume the frts are 4-4.5" and the same on the rear. Any input???

[1971ssls1]

its probably a little more bs in the back, maybe 5.5-5.75?

[OLDFLM]

After looking at literally thousands of rims for our 2nd Gen F-bodies I'm down to the CCW 505As like Yodi has on his car or the American Racing CL205s like Streetking has on his T/A. The Fiske's are nice but don't think they look great on 2nd Gens... IMHO.

Make sure to post pics of whatever rims you decide on!

V/R,
Ty

[79_EFI_Z]

Here's a link to the wheels im using:

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5825

17 x 8 in front with 4.5" bs 255x40 17
17 x 9.5 in rear wiht 5.5" bs 285x40 17

[a73formula]

Yody, I am running 17x11's and they sit exactly as yours do in the rear with no rubbbing. And also remember that the camaros need the wheel to sit in more because the rear quarter flattens out and cannot fit as whide of a wheel as the firebirds.

[Streetking]

18x8f 4.5bs 255/40/18
18x10r 5.5bs 295/35/18

SW


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/07/orig-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/07/orig-2.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/07/orig-3.jpg

[Mean 69]

Nice cars, guys. I have a question on "rubbing, or at least potential rubbing on the front in steer. I am mocking up the fronts on my car, which is tough because the front is torn off of it. I did buy new inner wheel wells, got them yesterday and started to mock things up a bit. It looks as if ther is a ton of room in the inner fenderwell area in and of itself, and that the areas that "would" rub are more in the control arm area, and then frame. My car is on stands in the body shop right now, so it is tough to get a real picture of what hits first.

Can anyone inventory where the tight spots would be, for a very wide front wheel? Looks as if most folks are running a 8" wheel, what if you went with an 11" wheel up front? If frame rails were not an issue, and you could clear the control arms/sway bar/steering arms, what would hit in stock form?

Muchos grac'
Mark

[Streetking]

Mark, why would you want to run such a big wheel up front? On my C5 track car I run a 18x10 w/ 285 Hoosier slick 18x11.5r w/ 305. If you run a 11" wheel up front, you need atleast a 12" rear so your car won't oversteer.

my.02

SW

[MrQuick]

:) I think thats his idea... big is good but bigger is gooder.

[yody]

11" on the front eh, i guess it would depend on the height of the wheel, i would think it would severly limit your steeirng radius, especially in the rear. You would definetly be modding the inner fender wells, but nothing to serious. A 10" wheel wiht minor mods would easily be possilbe. Talk to jeffandrea about that, i will too be mocking up a 10" wheel on the front of mine, also did you get my email?

[zbugger]

:) I think thats his idea... big is good but bigger is gooder.
Ummm... It's big is good, but bigger is more gooderer... :jump:

[OLDFLM]

SW,
What did you do to the T/A to lower it the exta 1/2 inch front and rear? The stance is incredible at the new lower height!!!!!!!
V/R,
Ty

[Mean 69]

Yody, I did get your message, thanks. I am swamped, I haven't had a chance to give you a proper response, but will.

The plan is to run a 315/335 stagger on the car. Frame rails won't be an issue, I am really just trying to gauge where things will hit on the stock sheet metal, etc. If anyone gets really bored, and they could crawl around the car and see what's close in turning, I'd appreciate it. No sweat though, I wouldn't put crawling around on the ground for someone else's benefit way up on my own list of things to do!!

Mark

[yody]

if my front sheetmetal was assembled i would.....

[jeffandre]

Yody, I did get your message, thanks. I am swamped, I haven't had a chance to give you a proper response, but will.

The plan is to run a 315/335 stagger on the car. Frame rails won't be an issue, I am really just trying to gauge where things will hit on the stock sheet metal, etc. If anyone gets really bored, and they could crawl around the car and see what's close in turning, I'd appreciate it. No sweat though, I wouldn't put crawling around on the ground for someone else's benefit way up on my own list of things to do!!

Mark

If I had a 2nd Gen Brid I could fit 315's on 11's no problem (after modifying the inner fenders), but my Camaro fender lip is designed differently and I cannot run the tire out as far as a Bird can go, therefore 10's with 275's or 285's are my maximum at this point. My 19's clear my suspension components only because I have Vette Brakes control arms, the stock one's and apparently most aftermarket arms would be a major problem with my 7.25" backspacing. I am still working on the spindle swap, customizing the GW bushings, and calculating my alignment spec ranges before I can have it all together and take pics.

I would say that fitting 315's on the front of a 1st Gen would be a chore, but it could be done with the right arms, frame/frame mods, and fenderwell work.

[Streetking]

SW,
What did you do to the T/A to lower it the exta 1/2 inch front and rear? The stance is incredible at the new lower height!!!!!!!
V/R,
Ty
Thanks, I changed the rear springs to lower it additional 1.5", took 1/2 coil off the front..

SW
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/07/orig-4.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/07/orig-5.jpg

[OLDFLM]

I've always thought I'd run a 285/40/18 in the back vs the 295/35/18 b/c the 285 is an inch taller tire overall... to fill up the wheel well more.
BUT once you lowered your car I changed my mind!!
V/R,
Ty

[Mean 69]

Streetking, that car just looks perfect as it is. Tasteful, perfect stance, terrific car.

Now that I have buttered you up..... Is there a chance you could use a tape measure to see what the distance from the outer edge of the tire to the outer edge of the other tire is, at the ground? Any chance you know what camber you have in the alignment?

Honestly though, that car is sweet, really sweet. And I am not even a huge Pontiac fan!
Mark

[formula]

Thanks, I changed the rear springs to lower it additional 1.5", took 1/2 coil off the front..

SW


what rear springs did you go to? you already had hotchkiss, right?

[Streetking]

what rear springs did you go to? you already had hotchkiss, right?

I had de-arched WS6 rear springs, now Hotchkiss.

Thanks Mark, I have 1.0 negative camber in front. My car is on the lift in the garage. I plan on getting out this weekend and take the measurement forr you.

SW

[Tpichevy]

Looking for new wheels subbed for info! Widest wheels tire the better