I've decided to get Vortec Z rims for my GTA since they're one of the only 17's out there (that I like) that will fit on there without spacers. I'm getting the 17X8.5's. They come in offsets from 0 to +36mm. I bought a baer track 13" brake kit for the front, and from what i've heard, it spaces the front wheels out an additional 1/2". I was thinking i'd run +12mm offsets for the front, and 28mm in the back to make up for the added width ( i don't want my wheels sticking out). Does this sound right? Also, how wide of a tire can I fit on a 8.5" rim? I was thinking running 265's in the back, and 245's up front.

 

i assume your talking about the single piece baer track kit correct?

it actually is more like 1/4" but yes the single piece will move your front wheels out.

there is nothing wrong with using "adapter" to fit the wheel of choice but i agree that spacers are a bad idea.

personally i don't care for the look of the adapter but i used them because of the rims i wanted. much happier then settling for a rim i didn't want as much.

backspacing is important but offset is what you need to be looking at right now.....as to the exact size you need i can't tell you. you must measure it out for yourself to be correct.

as far as your tires i would probably go with a 255/45 or 255/50 on that type of rim as the largest.

people put 265's on 9-9.5's, not to say it can't be done but why would you want to? also, i wouldn't stager your tire sizes like that with equal rims. i have 295's in the rear only because of the 10.5 rim and 275's on my 9.5 front rims. keep it 255 with a decent profile and you'll be much happier.....the larger or wider the tire the more power you'll need to push them as well so you might want to consider that.

good luck with it.