car_designer

With winter nearing an end, I have been thinking about tires and wheels for my '72 Cutlass lately. I will need new tires this year but I am debating keeping the 15" rallye wheels I have now or maybe going with something aftermarket.

I have been giving some thought to what I might want in aftermarket wheels. So far I have come up with:
-5-spoke design
-gray finish with polished lip
-probably 17" (open to suggestions)

Suggestions for wheels?
Any suggestions on tire sizes for 17" wheels?
What backspacing and offset would be required?

The suspension is stock in the rear and the front is barely lowered, but not sure how much since it is not back together.

car_designer

After looking around the web I am starting to think that 245/45/17 on 17"x8" for the front and 275/40/17 on 17"x9.5" rear would look nice on the car.

What backspacing or offset would be required for those wheels to fit properly? Any chance of interference with those wheels and tires?

Also, does anyone have pics of their 68-72 with 17" wheels?

BlackGold

Width-wise, both of those sizes should fit fine, provided you get the right back spacing.

But their diameter is 25.6", which is an inch smaller than the factory originally installed. Some people like that, but I don't feel it fills the wheel well good enough. I's bump the aspect ratio up 5 points (50 front, 45 rear) if those sizes are available.

gearheads78

X2 or go to 18's and keep the aspect ratio you are asking about

car_designer

I knew the sizes I was looking at had a smaller diameter, but 1" is quite a bit.

I have looked for larger ratio tires, but I cannot find any 275/45/17.

I did find 255/50/17 have a diameter of ~27", which is larger than factory, but that will fill the wheel openings better. So maybe go with 4 tires of the same size, on 17"x8" wheels.

Opinions?

I really appreciate any opinions or advice since this is my first time getting larger wheels for a car. On the Delta I have 245/60/15 all around and like the look, but want bigger wheels for the Cutlass.

gearheads78

Its hard to find tires in 17" that match in a staggerd size that are still tall enough to look right on these cars. I went through this with the guy on here with the Budnik thread. I finally talked him in to 18" and he was very happy with the results.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...et-wheels.html

car_designer

I have been looking at both 17" and 18" tires.

I looked at the link you sent, Richard. That is a nice setup, but I am thinking I would prefer a little more sidewall.

I am considering the same size for all 4 corners, either 245/50/17 or 255/50/17.

But I am still looking and haven't made a final decision yet.

car_designer

Oh, would there be any problems with 255/50/17 on the front? Or should it clear everything ok?

car_designer

Thanks for the help so far.

After looking around some more, I changed my mind a little. I found some pics of a-bodies by a division that is not to be mentioned here and one combination that looked good was front: 235/50/17 and rear: 255/50/17. To me I find the wheels and tires look like a good balance between wheel size and tire sidewall.

It looks like both tire sizes would fit on 17x8" wheels. What backspace and offset would be required to fit the wheels properly on a '72 Cutlass? Would it be 4.5" backspace like mentioned for the 18x8" in the Budnik Billet Wheel thread?

gearheads78

I don't like suggesting BS for someone else's car in a cusom application. You really has need to measure. That being said if you are going to a staggerd tire size and would do 7/8 front and rear on the wheels.
If it will clear I would shoot for a till less backspace on the rear to get yourself more dish. These cars have huge wheel wells so with a 7 8 combo its pretty hard to mess it up enough to rub. Shoot for what you thing will look the best and still clear. I am guessing that will fall in the 7 with 3.75" ish rang and an 8 with 4" ish range. Measure measure measure. You also have to take in consideration the wheels you are going to use. If they are not custome made wheels you have to settle for what that company offers.

BlackGold

Car_Designer, I wouldn't put 235s on anything wider than a 7" wheel, unless you like that look. And, as far as I'm concerned, I'd rather have a 7" wheel for 255s as well, especially if you like sidewall.

Like GearHead said, you're better off figuring out backspacing yourself.

car_designer

I would like to thank everyone for the advice and suggestions.

Unfortunately something has come up with the project and wheels are no longer in the budget. I will be sticking with the 15" Rallye wheels for now.

442_Mustang

I have 17x 8s with 245/45 on the front ant 275/75 on the rear. My personal opinion is that 18s look too big on my car.