Need some input - Retro Touring?

[GunaMan74]

I have been driving my 74 Laguna S3 for the last few years as I bought it. I have enjoyed the car immensely but it still has its original 350, smog motors were not built for excitement! To that end I am planning a 383 stroker build, but my biggest hangup with pro touring is the wheels. Yes, I'm an old dude who loves the 15" wheels. I could maybe go 17" but even that is tough for me. My question or maybe I just need some validation, is what about doing a "Retro-Touring" car? The Trans Am series cars all ran on 15's right? What if I used "day 2" mods like someone might have done in 74 to make the car handle better? Any ideas? Suggestions? I know what I give up in the way of handling and braking with a 15" wheel and tire. Maybe I would upgrade the rear drums to the 11" wagon brakes? What could I use for tires? One problem I have right now is my rear control arms-they are severely corroded so I don't push the car hard. I am looking at Global West and Spohn for replacements so that wouldn't be a "vintage" upgrade, maybe find better arms and box them? I'm open to any suggestions. I'm not original enough to be the first to come up with this idea so somebody must have some ideas...Thanks in Advance!

[PT Sportwagon]

The idea sounds good. there are many 15" wheels and tires out there. Wouldn't mind doing the same with my wagon, keeping with the sleeper look.

Tim

[NOT A TA]

I'm building a backdated 81 Malibu. Lots of earlier styling cues from 60's early 70's. I will be running smaller diameter wheels than PT cars and Hoosier A 6's most of the time. Hotchkis suspension. https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?65575-81-Malibu-quot-Uncaged-quot-Performance-Therapy-project-thread&highlight=performance+therapy

[GunaMan74]

Thanks Guys I'm gonna look-up the Hoosier tire line, I know they make some circle track tires, might be fun for track days! One of the benefits of the third gen A bodies is the HUGE wheel-wells. I can run 275/60/r15's at all four corners with no issues. Maybe run 15x8 Corvette Rally's on the street and some NASCAR style Bassetts for track duty. Like I have money for two sets of wheels and tires...but a guy can dream right? Thanks for the input! BTW Tim, I love the Trespassing sign! (I'm a gun guy too) and I would love to see pics of your wagon! I really love wagons! John I will look at Hotchkiss as well! Thanks again.

[damannhw]

Mike,
We need pics of that Laguna ! I've always liked them, and there used to be a silver w/ burgundy stripes running around these parts that was low & cool.
I think a Trans Am inspired build would be cool. A set of mini-lites with fat rubber would look period correct, and you could even go up a size of 2 if you wanted, and still retain the look. You could also still fit a GM 1LE 12" front disc brake under a 15" wheel, or some other aftermarket option for plenty of baking power.

[High Plains Mopars]

I, for one, would love to see someone step up with some very good, 15" street rubber as I think there may be a demand for larger size, d.o.t. rubber in 15" diameters. However, it certainly isn't a high priority for a lot of manufacturers.

Read through this thread for some ideas;

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?34692-Options-for-15-quot-tires-Options-I-have-found-but-which-to-chose&highlight=towel

[GunaMan74]

Tony, thanks! That thread was very informative. I clearly need to research some more tires, there were more choices than I realized! And David, I'll see if I can post a pic or two for you! Thanks for all the input guys, it's nice to know there are others out there wanting to stick with the 15" wheels!