Hello,

I've received some mixed feedback on this from the various folks I've talked to in-person, and Google searches and forum searches haven't yielded any good threads on the topic that I can find. I am not terribly car savvy so please forgive me/bear with me.

Long story short, I've got an '86 Firebird that I purchased back in 2016, came with its original 2.8L V6. I finally decided to hire some help and get an LS swap done, and we ended up putting in a 5.3L LM7 engine. The car has its original wheels, which I would love to keep if possible, but I'm unclear if, for one, I really should/need to purchase new tires, or two, if I do purchase new tires, if I will have to purchase new wheels as well. The tires I have on there were fairly new prior to proceeding with the swap.

I'll be happy to post any additional information if it's needed. Do any of you all have thoughts one way or another on this topic?

Thanks as always,
J

 

Why would you need nes tires or wheels?
what you may need is different springs to handle the increased weight of the V8.

 

Well that's kind of what I'm asking -- why would I? Would the extra added torque put enough of an extra demand on the previous tires that I would need a different set? I'd much rather the answer to be "no," trust me!

Appreciate your insight on the springs -- I'll check to see what's in there currently if they weren't replaced during the swap.

 

Springs are probably fine. The LM7 isn't that heavy and the stock one will be fine if you aren't looking to lower the car. You only need tires if you aren't happy with the ones you have. If traction is an issue, you may at some point want a stickier set. However, nothing wrong with running what's on there (assuming they aren't shot and unsafe). You may just wear them out faster with spirited driving.