Non-staggered wheels on 69 Chevelle

[WallaceMFG]

Hey guys,

I was hoping to get some guidance for my car. We're waiting to hear back about getting a set of American Racing VF497 wheels for my Chevelle, I had planned on running 18" x 9" up front with a 275 tire and 18" x 10" out back with a 305 tire. At this time, I'm not sure if those wheels will fit into our budget, so I've been looking at other options. I had looked at the TSW Cadwell wheels in 18" x 9.5" on all 4 corners. I understand that they have a different bolt pattern and a little offset, but I know they'll fit the car and they're cheap in comparison to the American Racing wheels.

The main thing I wanted to ask about was running non staggered tires on these rims. Does anyone know which sizes would work on the front and rear without looking weird? 275? 285? 295? I've searched for pictures but can't seem to find any, so I was hoping some other members might have some. I know the benefit of non-staggered tires is I'd be able to rotate them as the fronts wear out to extend tire life.

If not, does anyone have any other wheel brands I should look at that wont break the bank? I'm pretty partial to split spoke wheels, I think they look awesome haha



Thanks!

[Schwartz Performance]

275's are probably about the biggest you can go in the front.. So I'd stick with that. It won't look funny, just as long as you can find a tall tire like a 275/40 or /45.

-Dale

[67rally]

Could you run a 275 up front and a 295 in the rear on those 9.5" wheels?

[Paul Huryk]

If you can get an 18" x 9.5" wheel and a 275-35 (or 275-40) tires on all 4 corners, go for it.

Not only can you rotate the wheels easier, but "square" setups typically reduce understeer by putting equal width rubber under the heavier front end. Works great on most RWD front engine cars.

[markss28]

If u go with same size tires on all 4 corners but a different size wheel from front to back it would not be logical. If u want to rotate them you would have to remove the tires from the rims and then have them remounted as it would look super weird to have a 9.5 width up front and an 8.5 in the back. Personally I'd go either same size wheel and tire all around like 18x9.5 if they fit or go staggered and go as wide as u can in the back for that fat look. You won't be able to rotate them but unless you are doing some serious daily driving you won't have to.

[WallaceMFG]

If u go with same size tires on all 4 corners but a different size wheel from front to back it would not be logical. If u want to rotate them you would have to remove the tires from the rims and then have them remounted as it would look super weird to have a 9.5 width up front and an 8.5 in the back. Personally I'd go either same size wheel and tire all around like 18x9.5 if they fit or go staggered and go as wide as u can in the back for that fat look. You won't be able to rotate them but unless you are doing some serious daily driving you won't have to.

I guess I should clarify, if I can get the AR wheels, then I won't be running the same size tires. If I run the TSW wheels I would like to run the same size because they are 9.5" wide, this particular model isn't made any wider. There is a model called the Portier that is made in a 10.5" width, which that may be an option as well.