I originally had no intention of getting rid of the factory 16s, they were in great shape however they needed some new tires and after looking, I wasn’t really happy with the tire choices. The Hawk’s wheels were an easy choice, it looks great when taking a classic good looking wheel as the cross lace wheels were and updating them to a “modern” size. It really updates the car while keeping the original vibe, it’s amazing how big a 17” wheel looks on these cars. I ordered the wheels directly from Hawk’s website, at under 900$ for a set, I considered that a good deal for a brand new set of wheels, especially given these are somewhat of a low volume item in regard to production. They actually still feel pretty light, not something common with a lot of aftermarket reproductions. We initially had an issue with the first set, the shades didn’t exactly match, some lighter, some darker and one of the wheels had chipping on the coating. I emailed Bruce directly and he got it taken care of, refunding me the cost of shipping them back and covering the shipping on the new set. You can’t ask for more, I don’t expect Hawk’s to take out each wheel, inspect them, make sure they match and repackage, etc. I feel it was the manufacturer QC to blame, and Hawks unfortunately got caught in the middle. But they took care of it none the less and stood behind the products they offer.

The measure of any company’s character isn’t when things are going right, it’s when things go wrong and how they handle it. Bruce and the folks at Hawks did everything to make right. I felt this was worth mentioning rather than omitting as many would as a testament to their commitment to customer service.


Before, factory springs with the 16" wheels.



On to the after pictures, the car has Koni’s with Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs. They were just installed, so I don’t believe they have completely settled out.

 

Wow, the gold really pops against that red.

I gotta start saving up some money for a set for my 'bird.

 

Thanks Jason, I would rather have the drive train you have in yours over the wheels I have on mine!

 

That car right there (color) is what got me falling in love with GTA's back in the day. I looked for months for one that color, none were for sale at the time. The Eibachs and 17's in GTA wheels look amazing, car really sets off.

 

What was really weird is, the first F-body I looked at in '00, was another 89 L98 GTA in this EXACT color and interior combination. We passed because it had to many miles at the time and I ended up getting the 93 in my signature. So it was kind of weird almost 17 years later, the third gen I get is the same combo as that car was.

 

are the new wheels a lighter shade of gold or is that the angle of the camera?

 

Judging from outset it would appear they are more of a yellowish gold than factory. But at the same time, the factory wheels are almost 30 years old. So it's some what difficult to tell, they do appear to be a lighter shade than factory.

 

they do look really good, and I don't think the flame red should have any other color rim under it. hopefully next year after a new paint job I will be getting a new hawks set.

 

What kind of tires did you end up going with? 275 all the way around?

 

Long time Reid, havent seen you around since the Texadelphia meet a few years ago. yes 275/40/17s all around, it has the new Nitto 555 G2.

 

When I told some folks I bought a GTA the first thing they said was, the one with the gold wheels? I like the original gold wheels, remind me of old school BBS wheels from the 80s. The entire car does kind of have an 80s drug dealer vibe to it.

 

Your car looks great! I really need to get the black version of those for my car.

 

Thanks man, I remember reading about your Formula when it was in a magazine. Thats got to surprise a lot of folks when you go deep 10s with a TPI.

 

How much drop is that ? Could you pass along the part numbers ?

Ok found the spring numbers. My question is what am I getting into ?

Springs and alignment ? What else ?

Changing panhard bar in rear ?

If its just the springs Im ok with that but much more on my low mileage ride Ill pass.

Please explain what you did after the wheels and springs ?

 

Hi wheels look great on the lug nuts did you go with the plastic caps over. Or just lug nuts? I just ordered a set of gta wheels for my iroc Thanks

 

I replaced the factory shocks for a set of Konis. The car only had 48K miles on it but the front shocks were original and needing to be replaced. You need at the least do an adjustable panhard rod to center the rear after lowering. The car did get aligned but it also had the entire front end rebuilt, new tie rods, idler arm, center link, new UMI control arms and UMI caster camber plates.

They're doorman black lug nuts, they sell them at O'Reileys. I had all the caps but this looks a little cleaner IMO.

 

Thanks, yeah, people cant believe its still at TPI. haha

 

WOW! That looks really good!! Are you having any rubbing issues up front with those tire sizes?

I'm definitely going to be buying a set in black!!!

 

No rubbing with those tire sizes. I have the black Hawks 17" GTA wheels on my 92 TA vert with BFG comp sport 2's 275/40/17's on all four corners with Tokico HP's all around. Using the Hawks supplied spacers up front and the factory spacers in the rear.

 

That looks good 1992 Trans Am, I hadn't noticed any rubbing issues either. On a side, note, if that Bronco in the back ground looks really clean. Glad to see AC Collins keeping it up while O.J is on his federal vacation.

 

Ok yeah its 100% now, im buying a set in black. That looks really good! Also with the tires i want haha

Good to hear no rubbing issues for you either! lol at the bronco

 

Thanks man! That Bronco is my friend's and it's currently getting painted right now it's pretty hooked up!

 

Thanks man! These wheels are really nice! People seem to like them every time I've taken it out since installing them.

 

No problem, it's nice having some more modern tire options. When I asked about tires for the factory 16s, they're not as common as I once remembered. But then again the last time I priced a 245/50/16 was probably 17 years ago.

 

That looks great Neil! I got mine on also.

 

Those Hawks wheels do look nice. What I like most is they are all deep dish like the factory front wheels. My GTA has brand new period correct tires so when it comes time to put new tires I may go this route with the 17" Hawks wheels.

 

I didn't see it on the Hawks website but does anyone know if they can sell and ship a complete wheel and tire package? Tires mounted and balanced? This way I can put them on myself and not go to a tire shop?

 

You may have to call them to buy a mounted tire package. But don't forget they have strict and limited calling hours :rollseyes:

 

love it, that may be my next upgrade!??

 

Look really good!

 

That looks awesome Bob, killer TTA

 

GOOD LORD... that Flame Red GTA and Turbo TA look so freakin' INCREDIBLE with those wheels! My first F-Body was a 1988 hardtop Flame Red GTA with Beechwood interior. I would love to get another one exactly like it one of these days when I get more garage space. I put 17s on my '91 GTA last year and I love them.

 

yes they do

 

Good afternoon All. I cant make my mind up but I think I want to go with the 17 x 9 Hawks wheels with the 275 tires but what is the biggest brake setup i can do?
Ihave a 87 GTA Black. Waiting on an LS2 with a 4l65E two Stage Trans to be delivered and I want to make sure I have enough stopping power.

 

I'd suggest contacting the guys over at Big Brake Upgrade. I know a lot of people on the forum here run his stuff, and I've never heard a complaint about his craftsmanship.

https://bigbrakeupgrade.com/product-...982-92-camaro/

 

Seconded. Scott does good work and has great service.

 

Looks great!

 

C5/6 13" brakes are the biggest that will fit inside the barrels. A minimum of 1/2" or 12mm spacer is required for the wheel spokes/mesh to clear the caliper