Wheel Advice 15 or go to 17?
#1
Wheel Advice 15 or go to 17?
Car came with 14" cragars, the tires were like new but way too skinny. Finding 14" tires seems to be getting tough so I sold the wheels/tires. Currently have the stock 14" wheels on the car with balding tires. Car is parked up for winter but looking to get myself an early christmas present. I was thinking to bump up the size to 15's but am not opposed to 17" either. Not looking to break the bank but was considering Vn515 (torque thrusts) or VN501. Also came across Ridler 675 polished wheels. Cheapo Chinese brand I assume but the wheels seem nice enough and 17's cost about the same as 15" Torque Thrusts.
Im in Canada so looking to buy brands that are available locally due to Covid shipping is a nightmare.
Im in Canada so looking to buy brands that are available locally due to Covid shipping is a nightmare.
#2
It's entirely a personal preference thing. You'll find more traditional tire tread in 15" and more modern tread in 17". There's a huge number of rims in those sizes, so maybe search based on your preferred vendor. There's also generic remakes of the SSI rim in both sizes.
Also note offset if you go larger than 7". Usually the default offset is fine, sometimes they offer options. There's plenty of info here about offsets and fits on various years.
Also note offset if you go larger than 7". Usually the default offset is fine, sometimes they offer options. There's plenty of info here about offsets and fits on various years.
#3
If people stop buying 14" tires, then there won't be anyone who will make them. If you just want to have bigger tires that's up to you, but simply saying there's no choice when there is, is sort of like shooting yourself in the foot.
I'm assuming this is for a Cutlass or similar. Plenty of 14" choices in the correct size.
Just sayin' .
I'm assuming this is for a Cutlass or similar. Plenty of 14" choices in the correct size.
Just sayin' .
#4
I personally think that these cars need a little sidewall height to look right, but it's your call. If you do choose to go with a larger wheel, pay attention to tire outside diameter. Many 17" tires are low profile and actually smaller in outside diameter than 15" tires. If you can find a 245/50-17, that's got about the same outside diameter as the original tires on that car and will fill the wheelwells nicely. As an example of my point, while the 245/50-17s are about 26.6" in diameter, just going to 245/45-17s reduces the OD to 25.6". That's Honda-sized.
#6
My suggestion is pick a wheel/tire combo that YOU like and fits well on your car so it safe. Many folks with 60's and 70's cars that are more purists and want the traditional stock look opt for the original style SS1'S, SS2's, etc., while others prefer the more modern "torque thrust" style wheels. Then there's the component of raised white letter tires or blackwalls? I am fortunate that I have both a set of 235 60R 15's on repro SS1's and a set of 235 55R 17's on REV polished aluminum torque thrust style wheels. The tires are the same width, with the 17's being just slightly taller in overall height because of the lower profile sidewall. Attached are a couple pictures for comparison, and remember in the end, get what you like the best!
#7
That looks great, nice stance too. I was just looking online at American Racing Torque Thrust wheels in Gray for the 63 Starfire. I think those 15's in the front and 17's in the rear would look nice and should not have any clearance issues with 15x7 in the front and 17x8 in the rear..
#8
Why do you want different wheel diameters? If you keep tire OD the same, that means that the front sidewalls will be much taller than the rear, and optically it will look like the rear tires are smaller than the fronts. If you select tire sizes to keep the sidewall height comparable, then the front tire OD will be too small. Use the same diameter wheel all around. A Starfire doesn't want a big-n-little drag car look.
#9
That looks great, nice stance too. I was just looking online at American Racing Torque Thrust wheels in Gray for the 63 Starfire. I think those 15's in the front and 17's in the rear would look nice and should not have any clearance issues with 15x7 in the front and 17x8 in the rear.
#10
Ill admit I'm vague on wheel knowledge. These are good thoughts. So, perhaps on this big Olds would 16 or 17x8 all the way around? I like the way the gray would accent the blue paint?
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/A...hoCIY8QAvD_BwE
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/A...hoCIY8QAvD_BwE
#11
Ill admit I'm vague on wheel knowledge. These are good thoughts. So, perhaps on this big Olds would 16 or 17x8 all the way around? I like the way the gray would accent the blue paint?
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/A...hoCIY8QAvD_BwE
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/A...hoCIY8QAvD_BwE
#12
1. I can't say for sure on your car, but on mine with 235 55R 17's (Tire Ht. 27.18") with 7" wide wheels all around, if I were to go to a wider tire I would have a definite rubbing issue on the front. The wider the tire, the more the chance of having a rubbing issue when the wheels are turned all the way. With the lower sidewall height on the 17" tires you also eliminate the option of getting raised white letter tires if you want them. At least I can't find them.
2. With a 15" wheel/tire combination, you could probably go a little wider, maybe 245's or 255's, without rubbing, it's hard to tell for sure without knowing the exact dimensions and characteristics of your wheel wells. Plus with 15", 60 series tire you have the option of raised white letters if you want them.
Here is a good tire calculator tool that gives you a side by side comparison of the specs for one tire vs. another, plus gives you a visual side by side comparison. You can enter whatever two tire sizes you want to compare!
https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc...0r15-235-55r17
Last edited by Dream67Olds442; November 2nd, 2020 at 10:41 AM.
#13
Joe - Love your 67 Delta. Color looks close to my 67 442, is it Color Code K, Aquamarine?
#16
#18
That's part of the reason I asked what sizes you have on there now. Measure the amount of clearance you have left in your wheel wells, and then use the tire comparison calculator I sent you to see how much bigger you can go. Remember, to take suspension travel into account, you don't want them to rub if you have the front wheels turned and go over a substantial bump. Good luck.
#19
Looks very nice. Overall I prefer the stance on the car to be lower..( I'm sticking with these 15x7 GM big car steelies and dog dish hub caps on the F-85) The Torque Thrusts would be for the Starfire..
#20
I apologize if I am simply beating a dead horse but I want to go back to Joe Padavano’s comments on this thread about the 245/50/17’s and their “filling the wheel well nicely.” I am being “semi-forced” into a 17” wheel due to the size of brakes and rotors on a 72 442. Don’t ask why, let’s just assume for this discussion it’s a indisputable fact. And I am concerned about the look of too much wheel and not enough tire. And Joe’s comment goes there. So here’s my question: is the 245/50/17 the LARGEST tire that would nicely fill the stock height wheel well or is the size he suggested give the 68-72 the most “stock” look.. which is frankly more my preference..?
grateful in advance men..
grateful in advance men..
#21
I apologize if I am simply beating a dead horse but I want to go back to Joe Padavano’s comments on this thread about the 245/50/17’s and their “filling the wheel well nicely.” I am being “semi-forced” into a 17” wheel due to the size of brakes and rotors on a 72 442. Don’t ask why, let’s just assume for this discussion it’s a indisputable fact. And I am concerned about the look of too much wheel and not enough tire. And Joe’s comment goes there. So here’s my question: is the 245/50/17 the LARGEST tire that would nicely fill the stock height wheel well or is the size he suggested give the 68-72 the most “stock” look.. which is frankly more my preference..?
grateful in advance men..
grateful in advance men..
#22
still my opinion = just do it and don't look back
the 245 50 17 with 17x8 torq thrusts on my '72 ragtop make me sorry I didn't do it way sooner. Plenty of sidewall height make the look correct, but way many more modern rubber choices to pick from for better ride, wear and handling characteristics.
the 245 50 17 with 17x8 torq thrusts on my '72 ragtop make me sorry I didn't do it way sooner. Plenty of sidewall height make the look correct, but way many more modern rubber choices to pick from for better ride, wear and handling characteristics.
Last edited by 70sgeek; September 7th, 2021 at 06:04 PM.
#24
thanks, I meant one that fills up the wheel well, is wide, tall and is and is without the low profile tire look..this set up looks good to me but it may look good due to the car being lowered 2”
But I think I have my answer..as always, this site is full of information with a bunch of nice knowledgeable folks.
I appreciate everyone’s input..
But I think I have my answer..as always, this site is full of information with a bunch of nice knowledgeable folks.
I appreciate everyone’s input..
#25
IMHO....all depends on the look you want. I like the older style look with more meat around the wheels but I am old school. Here are the wheels and tires I just installed on my 1971 442 for the resto.....
On the wheels and tires...here are the sizes I was able to use without issue:
Front Rims: 15x8 Billet Specialties Win Lite
Front Tires: Mickey Thompson Sportsman 27x8x15
Rear Rims: 15x10 Billet Specialties Win Lite
Rear Tires: 28x10x15 Mickey Thompson Sportsman
The rear wheels and tires are pretty wide but fit nicely with the 5/5" backspace. Proper backspace is key on the front and rear to get everything tucked in. There aren't any clearance issues either with the rear tail pipes. The exhaust shop tightly fit them around the contours of the fuel tank and rear coilovers.
And pics....
Rear tires are pretty wide...and still fit nicely in the rear wheel well.
On the wheels and tires...here are the sizes I was able to use without issue:
Front Rims: 15x8 Billet Specialties Win Lite
Front Tires: Mickey Thompson Sportsman 27x8x15
Rear Rims: 15x10 Billet Specialties Win Lite
Rear Tires: 28x10x15 Mickey Thompson Sportsman
The rear wheels and tires are pretty wide but fit nicely with the 5/5" backspace. Proper backspace is key on the front and rear to get everything tucked in. There aren't any clearance issues either with the rear tail pipes. The exhaust shop tightly fit them around the contours of the fuel tank and rear coilovers.
And pics....
Rear tires are pretty wide...and still fit nicely in the rear wheel well.
#27
Actually, those M/T tires are the same size as 275/60-15s. Still not the biggest tire that will fit in a 70-72.
#30
I am sorry I confused you..the red convertible is NOT my car.. it’s the look I am after with regards to filling up the wheel well and seeing a fair balance of rubber & wheel..my car is not lowered..
mine has 6 piston wilwood brakes and 12.19” front rotors..therefore the 17” wheel..
but again, I think I have my answer..thanks
mine has 6 piston wilwood brakes and 12.19” front rotors..therefore the 17” wheel..
but again, I think I have my answer..thanks
#32
Great thread here, just wanted to ask another question. Anybody using REV WHEELS 109 CLASSIC SERIES MAGNUM - 17X9 - 5 - 5X4.75? These rims follow the SS1 theme , allow for more rubber on the road and seem reasonably priced. I will probably use a 245 40/R17 tire but wanted to see if anybody had an opinion on these.
Thanks! Ed
Thanks! Ed
#33
Great thread here, just wanted to ask another question. Anybody using REV WHEELS 109 CLASSIC SERIES MAGNUM - 17X9 - 5 - 5X4.75? These rims follow the SS1 theme , allow for more rubber on the road and seem reasonably priced. I will probably use a 245 40/R17 tire but wanted to see if anybody had an opinion on these.
#36
I run 245-50-R17 Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S tires on 17x8 polished American Racing Torq Thrust rims (4.5" BS). This size was essentially a direct-fit replacement for the 15x8 TTs on 245-60-R15 tires that I used to run - i.e. no change in overall diameter, thus no speedometer correction issues.
I researched REV wheels before choosing the AR's, I just didn't get a warm enough feeling from them in the end but that's not at all to say they're bad. I just ultimately stayed with a more familiar brand.
I researched REV wheels before choosing the AR's, I just didn't get a warm enough feeling from them in the end but that's not at all to say they're bad. I just ultimately stayed with a more familiar brand.
Last edited by 70sgeek; December 4th, 2021 at 10:04 AM.
#37
I run 245-50-R17 Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S tires on 17x8 polished American Racing Torq Thrust rims (4.5" BS). This size was essentially a direct-fit replacement for the 15x8 TTs on 245-60-R15 tires that I used to run - i.e. no change in overall diameter, thus no speedometer correction issues.
#38
I'm running Schott 18" SSIs. They are expensive but really well made. Lots of tire options in 18s and allow for bigger rotors if you ever want to go there. 18x10s front on 265/40s and 18x11 rears on 305/40 drag radials. Some recent pics:
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2OZr1N6.jpg
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eLN94V6.jpg
hwW0rfP.jpg
2OZr1N6.jpg
En9tPij.jpg
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December 30th, 2017 07:31 AM