Help needed with wheel and tire sizing

[chevy2inreno]

Well, it's almost time to buy the new wheels. I'm building a 65 Nova SS convertible clone out of a 63 Nova non-SS convertible. I have the Chassisworks front clip and they say it can use a 17X8. I'm installing a truckarm rear suspension and can mini-tub any width depending on which size rims/tires I decide on. It looks like there are 17X8, 17X9.5, 17X10 amd 17X11 available in the style of wheels I like. My questions are:

1. For general all-round performance, which would be the best rim size to match the 17X8's in front, or does it matter?

2. Is tire availability and price better for a certain rim size and not for another?

3. What would be the best rim size and tire size combination and why?

4. What brands of tires are the best value and quality for a primarily street-driven car?

Thanks,

Dave

[MrQuick]

1. For general all-round performance, which would be the best rim size to match the 17X8's in front, or does it matter?

Yes it does, especially with the wheel base your car has. Lets see, 17x8 your looking at 245's...285 295 would work best. Thats a 10" rim.

2. Is tire availability and price better for a certain rim size and not for another?

Your tire sizes needed are commonly used on production vehicles, not a problem. Price and usage would be the focus.

3. What would be the best rim size and tire size combination and why?

Thats a hard one...in your case its what would fit.

4. What brands of tires are the best value and quality for a primarily street-driven car?

Depends on your budget...good all around tire is the BFG KD. Yokohama has some good tires. My tire of choice are Kumos right now. Check out www.Tirerack.com and do a size search. They have excellent info and feed back from customers.

[Kenova]

Well, it's almost time to buy the new wheels. I'm building a 65 Nova SS convertible clone out of a 63 Nova non-SS convertible. I have the Chassisworks front clip and they say it can use a 17X8. I'm installing a truckarm rear suspension and can mini-tub any width depending on which size rims/tires I decide on. It looks like there are 17X8, 17X9.5, 17X10 amd 17X11 available in the style of wheels I like.......
Dave

Sounds like quite the combo. You didn't mention if you are stretching the rear wheel opening. If you're not stretching them, you will be restricted in the tires over-all diameter. It shouldn't be a big deal. I'm sure the early Chevy IIs can handle close to 26" diameter tires. Just something else to keep in mind when tire shopping.
Ken