pettrix

Going on a 72 Olds 442 convertible (rears):

Jegs 15x10 aluminum rim, load capacity of 2,100 LBS per rim and they weigh 21 lbs per rim and cost $112 per rim

Jegs 15x10

OR

Billet Specialties aluminum rim, load capacity of 1,200 LBS per rim and they weigh 16 lbs per rim and cost $365 per rim

Billet Specialties


Any advice/comments?

oldcutlass

You need to be close to 5" backspacing for a 15x10.

Mr Nick

They are available in 5.5" backspacing, which is better than the 6.5" you had listed.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/66185/10002/-1

Remove the JEGS logo off the center cap, and you have a sharp wheel at a great price.

pettrix

Will a 17" rim fit a 1972 Olds 442 convertible?

oldcutlass

Yes

cdrod

Pettrix:
I have 18x9" rims with 5.25" backspacing on the back of my 442 convertible. The tires are 285-40R18 with 1.5" of clearance to the frame rail. I have the body off the frame at the moment so no pics on the car.

joe_padavano

.
The diameter of the RIM is irrelevant. The outside diameter of the TIRE is what matters.

pettrix

I like the taller sidewall profile tire on these cars. I don't like the large rim with a short sidewall. They just don't look good on these cars. Newer cars, yes but not the older muscle cars.

The 15" rim size has a limited amount of tires available as that size is kind of outdated with modern cars.

The 17" rims look good with a 50 series sidewall tire.

gear head

I would always go for the lighter wheel. Less rotational mass..

pettrix

Although you need enough tire to be able to hook and connect on the road through turns. 295 or 305 width is usually needed even with drag radials for a 400HP+ engine. Hence the whole "big tire" vs "small tire" races they have on Street Outlaws.