Are bigger tires required?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 100,672
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland OH
Are bigger tires required?
I am in the process of purchasing a Mallett 427CI Engine and having it installed into a 97C5 that I just found in a salvage yard... The car has already been repaired at a total cost of $9000, which is the entire car besides the engine. I have a set of rims that are in the stock sizes and I do not want to get new rims if I do not have to.
I would like your opinion on if it is necessary to get larger wheels... this car is going to be only a street car... I want to make this into a fast Street Car ...
Thank You
I would like your opinion on if it is necessary to get larger wheels... this car is going to be only a street car... I want to make this into a fast Street Car ...
Thank You
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 3
From: Memphis Tn
Re: Are bigger tires required? (NewVetteLover)
I bought an extra set of front 17's off the 'For Sale' forum and installed BFG drag radials to replace my rears at the track. As far as I know nobody makes a good tire that will hook for a stock 18' rim. You diffeniently need something to hook with that 427! :eek: And the smaller rim will improve your gearing and give you a better launch. Ofcourse you could tub out the back alittle and stick on 335's!! :seeya
[Modified by ScreaminDemon, 2:22 AM 10/12/2001]
[Modified by ScreaminDemon, 2:22 AM 10/12/2001]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,725
Likes: 5
From: Colesville MD
Re: Are bigger tires required? (NewVetteLover)
If you are only going to drive it on the street, I would get some 18x11.50 inch wheels, and some 335/30 18 tires. I will look great, and put as much rubber on the road as you can. IMHO, tire width is a lot like sex and money, you can never have too much....
Greg
:cool:
Greg
:cool:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 14
From: Vette
Re: Are bigger tires required? (vette-crazy)
NewVetteLover , the more tire you can get the better. The car will hook up better and will handle better in the corners.
How big is entirely up you and your wallet.
If you got the $$$ you can have it mini-tubbed and put some 12” or perhaps even 12.5” rims with some 335 or 345 meats. :D On the front you can go up to 10” with some 285s
With stock rims I wouldn’t go bigger then 255 front, 285 rear…, but your 427ci will laugh at that :smash:
How big is entirely up you and your wallet.
If you got the $$$ you can have it mini-tubbed and put some 12” or perhaps even 12.5” rims with some 335 or 345 meats. :D On the front you can go up to 10” with some 285s
With stock rims I wouldn’t go bigger then 255 front, 285 rear…, but your 427ci will laugh at that :smash:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 14
From: Vette
Re: Are bigger tires required? (MelloYellow)
EuG, what is your current wheel/tire setup?
Rear: 10.5x18” rims (Y2K look alike) with 295/35/18 BFG G-Forces
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,248
Likes: 0
Re: Are bigger tires required? (EuG)
Thanks! I'm surprised you didn't go bigger.
Think you have enough grip now with 295 KD's on a 10.5"?
That's cool that you only had to buy 2 new wheels. You happy with the setup? Think the Chrome would match the HiPol indistinguishably? How do yours match up?
Think you have enough grip now with 295 KD's on a 10.5"?
That's cool that you only had to buy 2 new wheels. You happy with the setup? Think the Chrome would match the HiPol indistinguishably? How do yours match up?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 14
From: Vette
Re: Are bigger tires required? (MelloYellow)
MelloYellow, The reason I didn’t go bigger is because there’re no other good options for going bigger, unless you want to mini tub. :(
Next tire size available right now is 335 and you really need at least 12” rim for it. Also at that point you’ll need ~$4K set of rims :eek: :( (unless you go with CCW, but I prefer 5 spoke designs). On top of all that I honestly like Y2K 5 spoke design better than any aftermarket wheel out there. Just my preference…
I’m assuming you mean off the line (since you only mention rear tires). In that case - ha ha ha :lol: :lol: Umm, yeah I got grip :rolleyes:…..in 3rd gear… maybe :smash:
Cornering grip is pretty awesome (G-Force KDs rule!!! :yesnod: ), but there’s never enough, of course ;)
Yeah, I’m very happy. It’s a very economical set up, since I only had to get 2 rims. Plus I got the design I love best :D
I figure, for the money you can’t ask for more, plus, hopefully, 315/30/18s will come out by the time I wear these tires out. :cool:
No way in hell.
I had mine painted to match the factory rears. You can see on the pictures the match pretty nicely.
Next tire size available right now is 335 and you really need at least 12” rim for it. Also at that point you’ll need ~$4K set of rims :eek: :( (unless you go with CCW, but I prefer 5 spoke designs). On top of all that I honestly like Y2K 5 spoke design better than any aftermarket wheel out there. Just my preference…
Think you have enough grip now with 295 KD's on a 10.5"?
Cornering grip is pretty awesome (G-Force KDs rule!!! :yesnod: ), but there’s never enough, of course ;)
You happy with the setup?
I figure, for the money you can’t ask for more, plus, hopefully, 315/30/18s will come out by the time I wear these tires out. :cool:
Think the Chrome would match the HiPol indistinguishably?
How do yours match up?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,248
Likes: 0
Re: Are bigger tires required? (EuG)
Thanks. Smart Combo. Ya, too bad they won't match up.
Will see what my situation is with the new motor in Late Nov. I can't afford $4k for Fikse/HRE's and I don't like CCW.
Will see what my situation is with the new motor in Late Nov. I can't afford $4k for Fikse/HRE's and I don't like CCW.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 14
From: Vette
Re: Are bigger tires required? (MelloYellow)
MelloYellow ,
As I mentioned before I got those rims unfinished. They actually come polished, but I’m not sure if it’s a quality polishand if it will match factory (it’s called unfinished after all ;) ) Either way I’m sure it’s pretty easy to have ‘em matched up. I think this would be a very good solution for you. :yesnod:
As I mentioned before I got those rims unfinished. They actually come polished, but I’m not sure if it’s a quality polishand if it will match factory (it’s called unfinished after all ;) ) Either way I’m sure it’s pretty easy to have ‘em matched up. I think this would be a very good solution for you. :yesnod:
