Mini Tubs Really worth it?

[flynlo39]

2nd gen (1970) camaro specific question. Hope to get some valuable input from the experts here.

Trying to decide if mini tubs and the tires that you are able to run with them really add a noticeable advantage when running autocross events? The car would be running mostly on the street, thats the plan for now anyway. I feel like once the car is mini tubbed the back seat area is really not suited for a back seat anymore, please chime in! I have young children that I would like to be able to put in the back seats. Thanks in advance!

[astroracer]

If racing is not priority, and you have family that likes to ride in the car, mini tubs would be far down the list in my book. Do some measuring and stuff the biggest tire in there that you can and call it good. Keep the car on the road and give your kids rides NOW! They grow up so fast... A few years from now they will have no interest.
Mark

[71maroesteban]

I own a second gen Camaro and have also been wondering the same question I can easily fit a 10 wide wheel in my wheel wells with room to spare so I could run a 295 which is a lot of tire but seeing how I've taken my interior out and will be going with a 4 link I've been thinking about it. You also have to think about wheel cost and tire size a 335 cost around 550 and to get a 12 wide wheel cost a lot too so for just the back wheels you are looking at 1500 for just your back wheels with some cheap wheels. Also if it's usually street driven I wouldn't plus the new stingrays only have a 275 out back so if that's enough for them must be enough for a DD

[rustomatic]

Look at new cars and what they have; in particular, what is regarded as the best-handling and best all-around sports car these days, the Porsche Cayman, does not have p-t-sized tires. What's important is figuring out weight tolerances, fitting tires to rims correctly (no huge overlap--avoid unnecessary sidewall flex), and learning how not to make a mess when you drive. Mike Maier and Mary Pozzi have cars with big tires, but both of these people would still mutilate most on an autocross (or road) course with a Honda Civic on stock tires, even if you gave the competitors new Corvettes (with large tires)...

[71maroesteban]

Look at new cars and what they have; in particular, what is regarded as the best-handling and best all-around sports car these days, the Porsche Cayman, does not have p-t-sized tires. What's important is figuring out weight tolerances, fitting tires to rims correctly (no huge overlap--avoid unnecessary sidewall flex), and learning how not to make a mess when you drive. Mike Maier and Mary Pozzi have cars with big tires, but both of these people would still mutilate most on an autocross (or road) course with a Honda Civic on stock tires, even if you gave the competitors new Corvettes (with large tires)...

I 100 percent agree with this

[bishir]

This reminds me of an article I read regarding the development of the zl1 camaro. IIRC: The rear tire width reached a point of diminishing returns. 335 steam rollers look super cool, but *gasp* could it be considered overkill in many cases?

[Rod]

2nd gen (1970) camaro specific question. Hope to get some valuable input from the experts here.

Trying to decide if mini tubs and the tires that you are able to run with them really add a noticeable advantage when running autocross events? The car would be running mostly on the street, thats the plan for now anyway. I feel like once the car is mini tubbed the back seat area is really not suited for a back seat anymore, please chime in! I have young children that I would like to be able to put in the back seats. Thanks in advance!

yes on tub's....but you must balance that with a reasonable front wheel, example 335 rear 315 front, 315 rear 275 front.....

Mike Maier and Mary Pozzi have cars with big tires, but both of these people would still mutilate most on an autocross (or road) course with a Honda Civic on stock tires, even if you gave the competitors new Corvettes (with large tires)...

theres a reason they have fat tires

This reminds me of an article I read regarding the development of the zl1 camaro. IIRC: The rear tire width reached a point of diminishing returns. 335 steam rollers look super cool, but *gasp* could it be considered overkill in many cases?

ummm...no...

[DippedInSauce]

IMO not worth it. At all. I'm running a 20x10 rear wheel with a 295/30/20 tire and have zero rub. The time money and surgery required in order to get a few more millimeters of rear tire is pretty unnecessary.

[Pinball Woody]

It is possible to do a mini-tub and still retain all of the back seat width at the front of the backrest while tapering the frame in and then having the seat taken in and tapered. Then you can extend the steel side trim and it looks perfect.

Best of both worlds.

HTH
Woody

[markss28]

I have a 73 camaro with 19x10 wheel and 295/30 tire. I think it looks big enough and rides great too.

[Blevinator]

Yes Mini Tubs are worth it
If you only need to seat two in the rear seat,
you can buy one like mine

[LS1-IROC]

Only you can answer if it's worth it or not. I mini tubbed my camaro for a 335. Now anything smaller looks like pizza cutters to me...lol.

[TheJDMan]

Only you can answer if it's worth it or not. I mini tubbed my camaro for a 335. Now anything smaller looks like pizza cutters to me...lol.

This is exactly my thought as well. Only you can decide what you want.

[RamAir]

From my point of view its worth it, not regarding handling it is about the look. I think my car is so much nicer with 335 than 275.

[kamaro]

Yes Mini Tubs are worth it
If you only need to seat two in the rear seat,
you can buy one like mine

Is that a custom rear seat for a 2nd gen? it looks cool!

[alphaenvirmgt]

Me too. Where do I get that rear seat? Got to know!!!
Conrad

[TonyHuntimer]

From my point of view its worth it, not regarding handling it is about the look. I think my car is so much nicer with 335 than 275.

That's a sweet looking Firebird!


Tony Huntimer
TestCarDatabase.com

[paulk68]

I have seen a few people retain the stock rear seat by massaging the frame a little bit, I personally love the look