I have an all stock 91 GTA L98 TPI, I am sure you all know how it looks like, I don't have picks yet (ok, its about time, had the car for 7 years already, will get to it).

Its time to change the tires.. I have a couple questions:

1. I love the original rims and don't want to replace them. I see everyone replaces them first thing, is this a purely cosmetic decision or is it because they are very heavy? How heavy are they compared to some good aftermarket 17 inch wheels?

2. This is the more important question, since I am not planning to replace the wheels unless I find out they weigh a ton. What kind of tires will fit on the original wheels? I mean the gold 16 inch wheels, you know what I am talking about.. The original tires are, I believe, 245-50R16. I'd like to put 255-50VR16's on the back, will they fit? Maybe even 255-55VR16's. I'd like to put 245-45VR16's on the front, how does that sound? Any info is appreciated!

 

GTA rims are very light compared to most, people replace them because they want a new look or some better handling.

If I were you I would stick to a stock size 245-50R16 tire all around, the 255 just don't look right and the same with the 245-45VR16's.

 

First, do you have any suspension modifications such as lowering, or an adjustable Panhard rod?

The stock specs are 245/50/16.

I've been told that 255s will rub in the front on 16 inch wheels.

I believe you will not have an issue with 255/50s out back. I know 275/40/17 in the back required an adjustable panahard rod.

As for 255/55/16, I don't think you have too many options for tires.
Tirerack.com 255/55/16

And here are some options for 255/50/16.
255/50/16.

 

Interesting.. so stock tires it is then.. I'll have to get better rated tires, mine squeel like crazy at anything over 90mph, and hardly any traction. My car is all stock, I am just starting to plan improvements. First thing is exhaust, but I am so new to all this its gonna take a while to learn it all.

As far as exhaust goes, I have the dual cat system on my TA.. So if I buy a system from Borla or whatnot, will I be using the stock cats or what? any links to full exhaust packages (minus headers/heads).. also, I am planning on turbo or super in the future, so probably shouldn't be getting any headers right now, right?

 

It's not a bad idea to put 255/50 in the back. It's just you can't rotate them to the front.


Here's a speed rating chart

N 87 mph 140 km/h Temporary Spare Tires
P 93 mph 150 km/h
Q 99 mph 160 km/h Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
R 106 mph 170 km/h H.D. Light Truck Tires
S 112 mph 180 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
T 118 mph 190 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
U 124 mph 200 km/h
H 130 mph 210 km/h Sport Sedans & Coupes
V 149 mph 240 km/h Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars

W 168 mph 270 km/h Exotic Sports Cars
Y 186 mph 300 km/h Exotic Sports Cars

Exhaust questions can be answered

here