1969 Camaro SS Front wheels and tire?

[Z28-PLT]

I am about to undertake the Pro-touring wheel mod endeavour! I was thinking with going standard fit 17x7 and 17x8 ARE TTII's but I just saw a 69 SS with 17x8's front and 17x11's rear!!! I am now hoping to take this route. However, which method do I take:

17x8's front what size/backspace?
Tires will probably be a Sumitomo 255/40ZR17

17X11 rear what size/backspace?
Tires will probably be a Sumitomo 315/35ZR17

***I am aware of the need to mini-tub. I am hoping to buy the DSE kit for this mod. Any word on installation costs for a kit like this. What kinda labor would be involved and costs associated besides parts? Can I keep stock drums in the interim? and replace to disks later? Fronts should work without mods right? Any assistance is greatly appreciated-thanks.

-Rick

[MrQuick]

Hi Rick,
Your looking at 35-50 hours of labor, a good amount of welding and fabrication. most shops are in the $65-75 an hour range.
Look for deals like group purchases for the DSE kits, they run $1300 and you will have to supply the shocks and cut out material.
I suggest measuring your car for rims after the rear is mocked up.

[SatisTraction]

rick

where ar you located?

[Z28-PLT]

Thanx fellas. I have found that an air ride technologies 4 link rear setup will work best for the rear application. I will go with installing this and removing the leaf springs altogether. HOwever, what will be the 17x11 wheel offset with this and going with a 3" DSE minitubs?

BTW-I located in Alamogordo, New Mexico (Holloman Air Force base)

[Z28-PLT]

I have narrowed down the rear approach for my 69 SS. However, what is the largest size offset I can go on installing a set of ARE TTII's for the front? I have heard of some guys going to a 17x8 BS???? and 245/45ZR17 tire? Could I even possibly fit a 17x9 and 255/40ZR17 on the fronts? I don't know what backspace will work. Car is fully stock with intention of eventually going to an air bag front suspension.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Threads merged.

17x8 and a 245 is the standard size most people run. I'm pretty sure the desired backspacing is 4.5" or 5", but I'm sure someone will confirm. Also, do a search as this topic is covered atleast once a week. Keep in mind, every car is different, so it's always best to measure your specific car to be certain on fitment.

A 17x9 will fit on the front if you use steering stops, and remove the inner fenders. You may still have to deal with some slight rubbing. You can stuff a 255 on the 17x8, though. If you want to step up to a 275, then go with the 17x9, if all you want is a 255, then run it on 17x8.

[Z28-PLT]

Ralph L,

What are steering stops? Never heard of these, soo I am kinda lost on this detail. Also, if I got with a 17x9 wheel on a 275x40 tire will the asthetics reflect much diffrent that a 17x8 and 255x40 tire?

What inch difference is between 255mm and 275mm in terms of tire size? Do this equate to about 1 inch difference?

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Steering stops are used to restrict turning radius. They basically consist of a bolt and jam nut, placed in the spindle.

The asthetics aren't going to be that great, but generally a wider contact patch will handle better. Also, since you're going to be mini-tubbing a 275 would offer a better balance between the front and rear tires. It's your preference, though.

255mm = 10.03"
275mm = 10.82"

This is just standard conversions, though. Different tire manufacturers will vary slightly in size.

[MrQuick]

Steering stops are used to restrict turning radius. They basically consist of a bolt and jam nut, placed in the spindle.

in the case of a 69 Camaro its a plate welded or riveted to the lower a arm. It contacts a spot on the spindle... you can reduce by welding an extra piece on top of the existing one. there are stops in the box but I can't/wont go there....

[Ralph LoGrasso]

in the case of a 69 Camaro its a plate welded or riveted to the lower a arm. It contacts a spot on the spindle... you can reduce by welding an extra piece on top of the existing one. there are stops in the box but I can't/wont go there....

Thanks for the clarification. I haven't actually done the stops yet on my '68, as I'm sure you can tell. :p