I have a 91 camaro conv. 6pt roll bar, truss style frame connectors. My motor is a supercharged (Weiand 177/ 10lbs boost) Forged 383 stroker, 6in rods, AFR heads and 6 speeds trans. I want the widest rear tire that will tuck in nice and clean. The car is intended for 90-95% street use and minimal track if any. I have searched this board and picures for months, with no answer. I had my mind set on the summit brand weld knock off's in 17x8 (6"bs is avail)with a 275/40/17 M/T drag radial. Then I read that I have very little chance of hooking on such a short sidewall. So next thought is 275/60/15x8 with a 5.5 bs to tuck in well. I went to buy those tires(before the rims) and see some 275/50/15 next to them. The 60's looked like a truck tire (28") and way narrower than the 50 series, actually has less tread with than a 255/50/16. I have no Idea if a 15x10 can be made to tuck in the rear either (6.0bs?). 17's will look much nicer being a street car, but I didnt build all this motor for smoke shows only, I want to hook as much as possible. If anyone can help direct me I would really appreciate it. I don't want to gut my wheel wells but dont mind removing the bump stop and doing some hammering/trimming(already have lakewood control arms). 15's, 17's????? Help!!!!!


Thanks

 

For a 275/40-17, you should have a 9" wheel. This will work well with a 5.5 to 6" BS, with the 6" being a little close to the inner fender. Your convertible may be a little tigher on the inside if I remember correctly. A 8" wheel with 6" BS will probably hit on the inside. No reason to modify the car when you can buy the correct wheels. I run a 275/40 on my '91 with a 17x9 6" BS & a 1/2" spacer as they look better out the additional 1/2"

The larger diameter tire & taller sidewall will help greatly. For a driver, the 17 handles so much nicer, but has some traction limitations with a big motor. You can also fit a 315/35-17 on an 11" wheel, but still lacks the sidewall height. This is a lot of tire, you will still not dead hook these tires.

A 275/60-15 will probably work better, or even a Hoosier Quick Time Pro or ET street non-radial tire if you do not care about the handling qualities as much. I've put f-bodies in the 9's on 27 x 11.50-15 Quick time Pros, but they lack daily driver qualities.

I have 325/50-15 ET Street radials for my 4th gen & many have gone in the 1.30 60' range on these. I do not think these will fit under a 3rd gen though.

Your suspension will have a lot to do with the traction. Springs & shocks dsigned for drag racing will do wonders for you, but remember it will not be a corner carver afterwards.

 

First off.....Thanks for taking the time to offer advice!!!!! My only prolems are: the wheels are ony available in 15x8-15x10 17x8. So the confusion and headache remains haha. I would still like the rear's to tuck in.

 

Time to look for a different wheel.....

 

I've searched probably a dozen wheel manufacturers, been striking out for 2 months.

 

a 17x9 is rather common.

if going w/ 15's

a 15x10 w/ 5.5" or 6" bs
or a 15 x 8 w/ 5" bs is a good starting point.

Look at the tire manufacturers recommended rim width & go from there.

 

They do have a 15x10 in a 4.5-5.5-6.5bs. I was originally going to go with a 5.5bs so the wheel tucks in nicely. I would love to go with a 10inch wide wheels but I'm worried it will stick out from the 1/4 panel. I come home every night ready to order my wheels and cant seem to come up with the answer, and I don't want to get stuck with wheels that don't look right. I know the factory rear are 5.1bs....I have to get this car off the jack stand's and on the street!!!!!!!!!! The M/T drag radial calls for a 7.5-9.5 (275/60/15 & 275/50/15) 9.0-11.0 (275/40/17)

 

Ok, I think I made a decision. I'm going to go with 17x8 (4.5bs frt) and 17x8 rear. I'll get 275/50/17 m&h drag radials so that I have some sidewall and traction with a " 28 tire. Only question is 4.5 or 6.0 backspace. I'd love to have the extra dish the 4.5 will give, but dont want it to stick out from the 1/4. Anyone run a 8 inch wheel with 6 inch bs?