Lowered Chevelle: New Wheels?

[That72Kid]

Been thinking about a few models of Forgeline wheels for my 1972 Chevelle. I spoke with them about their GA1R wheels. They just look sinister.



However, my car has been lowered two inches in the front and my current wheels rub sometimes.
I've got 17" foose wheels with 255/50 R17 nittos.


I'm considering their 18x9 or even 19x8.5 wheels with some michelin sport a/s plus wheels. Will I run into any problems?

[Typhoon1015]

go wider, I wouldnt go less than a 275/35 on a 9.5 inch rim.

Thats what I'm running on the front of my 66 and I believe you have more room in the fender than I do.

I may try to see how a 295 on a 9.5 rim fits in a couple weeks.

[That72Kid]

go wider, I wouldnt go less than a 275/35 on a 9.5 inch rim.

Thats what I'm running on the front of my 66 and I believe you have more room in the fender than I do.

I may try to see how a 295 on a 9.5 rim fits in a couple weeks.

Is your 66 stock in terms of wheel wells and suspension height?

I'm worried about having my lowered front end rubbing with 18" wheels if it already rubs with 17".

[Typhoon1015]

stock fenders and wheel wells, lowered a bit........

[That72Kid]

stock fenders and wheel wells, lowered a bit........

Wow!! Looks great!

[protouring70]

Do a search on here or over at one of the Chevelle sites. Tons of info out there.

[Forgeline Wheels]

Is your 66 stock in terms of wheel wells and suspension height?

I'm worried about having my lowered front end rubbing with 18" wheels if it already rubs with 17".

Rubbing can be caused by the incorrect backspace. Where is the rubbing taking place? I would agree with Typhoon1015, a 275 tire for a 72 Chevelle is usually not difficult to accomplish. I know that ride height restrictions and other modifications can limit tire size but the Chevelle has lots of room. I believe that you may have already emailed me about this subject. I sent you a few suggestions this morning. I am always willing to help when possible as are most of the members on this forum. Check your email and let me know if you have additional questions.

[Barrrf]

I actually just test fit a 285/35/18 on the front my '69 that has a 2" drop and -2.9deg camber. The wheel was 18x9.5 ET20. Its kind of tight but appears there wouldn't be any issue with clearance. I turned to full lock in both directions and there wasn't any interference.

[That72Kid]

Rubbing can be caused by the incorrect backspace. Where is the rubbing taking place? I would agree with Typhoon1015, a 275 tire for a 72 Chevelle is usually not difficult to accomplish. I know that ride height restrictions and other modifications can limit tire size but the Chevelle has lots of room. I believe that you may have already emailed me about this subject. I sent you a few suggestions this morning. I am always willing to help when possible as are most of the members on this forum. Check your email and let me know if you have additional questions.

Yes that was me! The car isn't with me right now but I will be taking measurements when it returns. I appreciate the input.

You can kind of see my dilemma in this older photo. The tire hits the wheel well which caused the crack you can see off to the left.

[Forgeline Wheels]

Yes that was me! The car isn't with me right now but I will be taking measurements when it returns. I appreciate the input.

You can kind of see my dilemma in this older photo. The tire hits the wheel well which caused the crack you can see off to the left.

It appears to me that most of the rubbing issue you have is due to tire diameter. The tire you are running is just over 27 inches in diameter. Most of the time on these cars and other muscle cars, a tire that is around 25-26 inches is used. The tire that Barrrf is using is 25.85" diameter.

Here is a link to our customer gallery for the Chevele. Take a look.
http://www.forgeline.com/customer_ga...make=Chevrolet

[Barrrf]

Yeah that's a huge tire. Would be fine for the rear and tuck a bit but for the front.......not gonna work - obviously. I get my stuff mounted and take multiple pictures soon for reference.

Its kind of embarrassing though because my car is dirty and I cant wash it due to STILL HAVING SUB 0 TEMPS!

[That72Kid]

All I can say is i'm not sure why measuring this stuff is so difficult.

I'm leaning towards the 18x9 wheels with NT555 in 275/35ZR18 95W. Assuming they will fit. I figure if I go with that setup the overall diameter will be about 1 inch shorter than my current setup.

Just a little worried about the suspension being lowered in the front.

Thanks for the help guys.

[csouth]

All I can say is i'm not sure why measuring this stuff is so difficult.

I'm leaning towards the 18x9 wheels with NT555 in 275/35ZR18 95W. Assuming they will fit. I figure if I go with that setup the overall diameter will be about 1 inch shorter than my current setup.

Just a little worried about the suspension being lowered in the front.

Thanks for the help guys.

The tire you want in 18" is only 25.5" in diameter, you should be ok. Your current tire is 27.8" that's already a 2" difference.

[Barrrf]

My invisible post must still be invisible.

[novajess1972]

http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp

You're welcome

[novajess1972]

I ran 19x8 with 5 inch BS then 20x8.5 with 5.5 inch BS up front on my 72 Chevelle. No rub each time and lowered more than 2 inches. Tires were 245/40-19 then 255/35-20.

[Formula43wheel]

We've done quite a few of these. A great fitment is a 9.5X18 front with a 275/35-18 tire and a 10.5X18 rear with a 295/35-18 tire. Lots of tire options in those sizes. Depending on the rear backspacing you get, you might have to tap/smooth out the high spots on the inner fender panel. We also build a 10.5X18 for a 305 Mickey Thomson Drag Radial as well.

Personally I prefer 19" wheels on the 70, 71, 72 Chevelle's. They have huge fender wells and make the 18" tire and wheel combo look small.

10.5X19" Rear



9.5X19" Front



18" front/rear



I Hope this helps, good luck!!!

[That72Kid]

Finally found time to get them on. I'm very pleased with the quality and help from Boze Forged.
Now i'm wanting to get rid of some chrome…

Went with 245/40 R18 and 285/35 R19 Nitto Invos too.