15" vs. 17"
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 4
From: Calgary Alberta
that's a matter of opinion. I think the 15" wheels look ridiculous on anything newer then a '72. to me 17s and 18s look just right, especially on the later year cars.
And you can definitely tell a difference between soft grippy ultra high performance tires and all seasons, and they don't make UHP tires in 15".
No ricer butt dyno here
And you can definitely tell a difference between soft grippy ultra high performance tires and all seasons, and they don't make UHP tires in 15".
No ricer butt dyno here
I would have to agree with your comments.
I had the original 15" aluminum 77 wheels with BFG T/A all season tires on the car prior to getting my 18" Coys. My opinion is that I like the looks of the 18" Coys much better. My wife agrees with me...
My new BFG T/A Gforce KDW tires will also let me keep up in handling with the newer Vettes, Mustangs, Challengers, 350Z, etc. Not much fun if everything on the road handles better than our cars. If I wanted original I would have put forth the money for a 1969 vette and restored it, and maybe someday I will. Or maybe I will purchase a 1955 or 1957 Chevy. JMHO...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
thanks!
wheels are Rev classic 100s. 17x8 with negative 12mm offset. (comes out to 4'' backspace)
tires are Continental Extreme Contact DW 255/45ZR17 (26'' tall)
8'' spring bolts in rear, one tight coil cut off front springs.
it rides great!
wheels are Rev classic 100s. 17x8 with negative 12mm offset. (comes out to 4'' backspace)
tires are Continental Extreme Contact DW 255/45ZR17 (26'' tall)
8'' spring bolts in rear, one tight coil cut off front springs.
it rides great!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
I personally love my 17's. 18's are getting to be a bit big, but with the right style and tire I think it can be pulled off. For me it really depends on the style of wheel and the overall diameter of the tire.
I've seen people with 15's that use too short of a tire that look worse than 17 and 18's. You have to stay close to 27" tall to fit the body line no matter what wheel size you use. I'm running 26" tall tires right now and they look a bit small to me. I use to run Michelin PS2's that were dead on 27" and I loved them (see pic). Only reason I'm using the 26" tall tires is for performance. The type of tire I currently have doesn't come in a 27" tall tire, which is a bit of a bummer. But they will have to do for this summer until I get a second set of rims for the track.
I've seen people with 15's that use too short of a tire that look worse than 17 and 18's. You have to stay close to 27" tall to fit the body line no matter what wheel size you use. I'm running 26" tall tires right now and they look a bit small to me. I use to run Michelin PS2's that were dead on 27" and I loved them (see pic). Only reason I'm using the 26" tall tires is for performance. The type of tire I currently have doesn't come in a 27" tall tire, which is a bit of a bummer. But they will have to do for this summer until I get a second set of rims for the track.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 415
Likes: 10
From: Richmond Va
I love the old 15" Rallys and have a set sitting in the garage for days when I am feeling old school. However, I have a set of Rev Classic 100 w/ grey centers that are 18" and I love the resto look of these wheels. I like the fact that my car sticks out from the crowd and gets good and bad comments, but it is MY car.
Agree with the 26" vs 27". I have 26" tall tires on both sets and wish they were a tad taller.
Agree with the 26" vs 27". I have 26" tall tires on both sets and wish they were a tad taller.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I love the old 15" Rallys and have a set sitting in the garage for days when I am feeling old school. However, I have a set of Rev Classic 100 w/ grey centers that are 18" and I love the resto look of these wheels. I like the fact that my car sticks out from the crowd and gets good and bad comments, but it is MY car.
Agree with the 26" vs 27". I have 26" tall tires on both sets and wish they were a tad taller.
Agree with the 26" vs 27". I have 26" tall tires on both sets and wish they were a tad taller.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 415
Likes: 10
From: Richmond Va
I did have a few on my phone, but it blew up recently. Car is at the paint shop and scheduled to come home this week. So, I will try to shoot a few.
On fitment, I did relocate the e brake bracket so it would not hit, but other than that, they fit perfectly. I believe they are 8s in the front and 9.5 in the rear. 4" and 5.5" b/s.
On fitment, I did relocate the e brake bracket so it would not hit, but other than that, they fit perfectly. I believe they are 8s in the front and 9.5 in the rear. 4" and 5.5" b/s.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
and if you prefer chrome: 100C-7806012
PM me if you want to know where you can buy them
Torq Thrust IIs will have a 4.07" backspace if you are looking at those too
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 9
I have 15s on my 1979 Corvette, but plan to go to 17 in wheels. I have a friend that went from 15 in with BF Goodrich 255 60 15 to a 17 in wheel and not only was it a big improvement in handling it road a lot better. I guess the more modern tire made up and then some for the decrease in side wall.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 246
Likes: 15
From: Pell City AL
What's rim size/backspace/tire size on your car? I've been surfing pics and you have my favorite look of anybody here.