While browsing the net, I came across someone selling these rims. The only thing that it said was "Pontiac Firebird 17" Rims". Does anyone know what car these rims came off of?

 

Those were wheels that came off of the LS1 Trans Ams. They were very rare. They were only available one year.(Not sure which)

Hope this helps

 

Early 2001 WS6 wheel, before they figured out it was butt ugly and replaced it with the speedlines. LoL

 

I respect everybody's opinion. But I don't think that they are ugly. I DO think that they are different. They DON'T look like every other one of the thousands of 5-Spoke type rims that are out there. I am looking for a new rim for my 1990 Formula because it is getting very difficult to find tires for 16" rims (especially larger than 255/50ZR16). Personally I prefer the stock rims over ANYTHING else available whether it's stock or aftermarket. I've always been completely satisfied with them. But the tire issue is changing that fact. So, when I saw the rims that I'm questioning about, I thought that they might be an option. I also like the fact that they are originally off of a Firebird. My idea was to paint them either gunmetal grey (the color of my car) or black. I will attach a picture of my car so you can try to get a mental image of what it would look like. What do you think? If you still think that it is ugly, I respect that. If I didn't want your opinion, I wouldn't ask.

First thing is first, though. Will they work on my third-gen with an adapter from 'Vette Brakes & Products' <http://www.vbandp.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=62> If so, does anyone know which part number to use? As always, thanks for your help.

 

I'm not sure how they would look with your car being painted. I always like a little shine to make the car stand out. With that said.. what do you plan on doing with your formula wheels and caps?!?! I have an 82 T/A that those would look great on

 

Sounds interesting, I was just poking fun.

 

i dont think that they would look good painted, IMO

 

Ummm and why would you want a tire bigger then that? Originally i was running a 255/55/16 and it was fine. However i have just purchased a set of goodyear eagle F1 GS-D3's pretty much top of the line goodyears, and they only make then in a 245/50/16. I cant claim to be an expert but id be willing to be its because anything larger on a 16x8 doesnt help perfromance

 

The stock tire size was 245/50ZR16, I believe. After I upgraded the engine, breaking the rearend loose was way too easy. I made all of the suspension upgrades from Spohn that are available. BUT, I also noticed a significant improvement when I went to a 265 rear tire. I am now wanting to try a 275 or 285. The tire that is currently on the the car is a Firestone SZ50. But they don't make that particular tire in ANY size for a 16" rim anymore. In fact, all of the major companies are discontinuing wide tires for 16" rims. This is due to the fact that all of the new muscle cars come with 17" or larger rims. They weren't selling enough tires to justify the production cost.

But this is getting off the subject. As far as the rim that I originally started this thread about, I could also have it painted the same silver color as the stock rims. Forgive me, but I just don't like 'polished' rims. I think chrome rims look good on some cars, but not mine. Having said all of this, does anyone know if they will even work on 3rd Gens? If so, what adapter do I need? I provided the link to 'Vette Brakes' in the earlier post.

 

Does anyone have any pictures of these rims on the original Firebirds?

 

What he said

..the wheels I remeber similar to that on 4th gens were not flat like those pictured are.

 

well your def not going to be able to put a huge tire on a 16X7 or 8? inch rim My older brother has a 98 Z with 17X9.5s ZO6 rims and he can only go to 285 40 17 without special ordering...if you are looking to go to 295 or 305 you better get a good 18X10 inch rim for atleast the rears or you arent going to be able to get tires that big if you go much smaller

plus get ready to hand out the dough most 295 and up tires are atleast 250 to 300 dollars with all the extra fees (most of the time 300+)

o yeah i work at discount tire

 

Yes those are the very rare 2000 WS6 wheel. I have only seen one car with them in person.

Earlier 4th gens (93/94) had a similar 16" wheel.

 

If you want wider just get a set of 9.5 front and 11" rears in the style of wheel you like.
I prefer the ZR1 or Z06's and you can get those for $350 to 550 +shipping on ebay all day long, then just choose the tires you want.
Best gripping tires that I have used are my Nitto 555RII's R Compound in the 275/40/17 size and my old BFG G-Force T/A KDW tires.
Nittos are about $150 each and the KDW was about $180 or so.

btw, you can slap a 315/35/17 tire on a 9" rim but it bows out a lot at the shoulder and makes the rear feel really sloppy.

 

2000 only T/A

 

Amen to that!

 

That is very interesting. Kinda like it. Might match a thirdgen a little more. Neat.

 

I too,
Kinda like that rim!
Only thing is, I never saw them on any cars on the west coast!

George

 

I think it looks cool, too. I don't see how it's that different so I don't know why everyone says it is. It's definitely cool, tho- looks good on that 4th gen.