1st gen Firebird question

[BRIAN]

What size rear tires and rims are you guys running. I believe the fitment is different with a Bird VS a Camaro? What is largest size without moving suspension? Any pics? Thanks Brian

[George]

Ive got 255-40-17 on 17x8's with 4.25" of backspacing on and they fit fine. The rear isnt lowered yet but is new mono leafs and bushings and KYB's. But I dont like the way they stick out of the fenders. I need about an inch more backspacing, I think Im gonna be getting some new rims ot tuck the rears and maybe get 275's, oh and lower the rear 1".

[HOT OHC]

I am running 17X10 5.75"bs 275/40 in the rear and 17X8 5"bs 245/45 in the front. Plan on running disc's all around.

Sorry not the best pic, (a bit too wide angle)

[BRIAN]

Gotta love that engine. Actually mine was same but engine is long gone. Somebody doing something different is refreshing. Do you have rear shot I am just curious how they sit in wheelwell in relation to the outer lip. I am going pretty low and just want a good starting point to set everything up. Thanks Brian

[HOT OHC]

Brian- Here you go. Keep in mind I intend in lowering the rear a little more and I curently have drums. When I switch to discs, it will move the wheel out .25". That's why you need to plan for discs or drum when considering back space. If your back space is too much you can use a spacer. If it's to shallow, your boned.


What year do you have? The 68-69's have staggered shocks and may not have quite the same clearance and a 67. The 67's have factory traction bars and in 68 they dropped them and went to staggered shocks to help with axle wind-up.

If you need some different pics just let me know.

[BRIAN]

I really appreciate pics. If you could take shot from rear or 3/4 rear showing where tire comes in relation to outer wheelhouse lip. How high is your wheel lip from the ground. Thanks once again. Brian

[Drewhelm]

Brian, first off, what year bird are you working with? The 69 has significantly more room than a 67-68. I used to have a 295/50/15 tucked in the rear well with about 1.5 inches of clearance, but now run a 275/40. Will eventually try a 315, but that'll be when I get new wheels, too.

[BRIAN]

Ok I did some quick mock up today with a 245 45 17 on a 8" and I am a little confused how you guys are squeezing 275's on 17x10's out back??? With the 245 butted against the outer lip (no suspension in car)which will need about 1/2 cut and rolled there is no more than 1 3/4 to 2" clearance to the inner wheelhouse. To be comfortable with leaf set up I like to leave atleast 1" You have to have these cars high in the rear and wheel pushed out towards outside of car. I am setting car up so with the 25.7" above tire wheel lip hits top of tire looking straight on from the side. I am thinking 255's on 17x9's and that is usually a problem as not too many places make 9" wide 17's.

[vintageracer]

I've got a 69 Firebird convertible with 18x8's with 4 3/4 backspace in the rear and and 17x8 in the front with 4 1/2 backspace front. Billet Specialty Vintec's!

[zman1969]

I have a 69 firebird with 16x8 Ronal wheels (backspace unknown but fits my 87 t/a too) with p25550x16 that fit easy all the way around , I like these wheels as they fit alot of gm's my son fit them on a 2nd gen camaro too 67-92 f-bodys thats alot of veh with a pretty good footprint