20s on firebird
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
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From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
20s on firebird
Does anyone have 20 inxh wheels on their non gfx firebirds, formulad, early ta's? I found some awesome wheels and fear 20s are too much. I could maybe see 19s front 20s being ok but these wheels are not available in 19.
Tnx
Marck
Tnx
Marck
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From: Birmingham Alabama
Car: 1991 Firebird convertible
Engine: LQ4 ls 6.0
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 342 Limited slip
Re: 20s on firebird
I dont see why not a buddy of mine has some on his 89 Iroc I can ask him what his offset is if you need to know
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
I know the required size, problem is...it may look like crap since I have no gfx
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Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Ahead of you...
Car: 1984 LG4 Camaro
Engine: 350 Roller Motor
Transmission: Level 10 700R4
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: 20s on firebird
Looks are purely subjective - although even 13" brakes will looks rediculously tiny under 20" wheels.
But they are going to weigh a ton (20lbs or more lbs added per wheel), along with the very low profile sidewall is going to make the car ride horrible and also handle like poo...
But they are going to weigh a ton (20lbs or more lbs added per wheel), along with the very low profile sidewall is going to make the car ride horrible and also handle like poo...
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
I will have at least 14" brakes but most likely 15 or 15.5
I don't mind a harsh ride, the roads are pretty smooth here
I have no complaints about my iroc w/ 19s and low profile. My buddy has 20s under his GTA it drives and handles just fine..
I don't mind a harsh ride, the roads are pretty smooth here
I have no complaints about my iroc w/ 19s and low profile. My buddy has 20s under his GTA it drives and handles just fine..
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: North Carolina
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: T-56 w/hurst short throw
Axle/Gears: unknown
Re: 20s on firebird
I would worry about tire prices. Even 19" tires cost an arm and a leg, and that's for all seasons that last a long time.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
I only tun ZR rated tires usually vredestein ultrac sessanta no all seasons for me
does no one have pics of 20s? Guess I'll have to grab 2 of the 20s off my buddies GTA and check for myself
does no one have pics of 20s? Guess I'll have to grab 2 of the 20s off my buddies GTA and check for myself
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Supreme Member

Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 10
From: Ahead of you...
Car: 1984 LG4 Camaro
Engine: 350 Roller Motor
Transmission: Level 10 700R4
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: 20s on firebird
It has been tested and proven in various media outlets that wheels above a certain size(depends on the car) hurt handling considerably, even if the "feel like they handle good". With the suspension design, tire diameter, cost, and wheel weight considerations, a 17" or 18" wheel is optimal for the 3rd gens in terms of maximum handling. Keep in mind that CTW Motorsports wheels in 17" x 9.5" clear the 14" 6 piston Baer 6S and C6 Z06 setups, as big as you would need in any street situation.
In terms of tires, there is a huge difference in handling between a base Vredenstein and say a Falken 615K in the same size. Of course in your area, you may not have as many choices as the folks here in the US...
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
I know, and I'm not interested in the discussion...I just want to see 20" wheels to get an idea how it looks and if I get wheels that size the rotor size is just to fill the wheel.
I don't want 17" wheels, they are played out, I had 17' wheels back in the early 90s...I want at least 19" because I think it looks better.
As for handling, there is a HUGE difference between the sessantaas and the cheap falken tires. Have a couple cars with Falken FK soemthing somethings on them, their highest rating tires... they can't hold a candle, especially in the wet. The Vredesteins are so much better. In fact, I feel the Vredesteins are better than the michelion pilot sports I have had.
I don't want 17" wheels, they are played out, I had 17' wheels back in the early 90s...I want at least 19" because I think it looks better.
As for handling, there is a HUGE difference between the sessantaas and the cheap falken tires. Have a couple cars with Falken FK soemthing somethings on them, their highest rating tires... they can't hold a candle, especially in the wet. The Vredesteins are so much better. In fact, I feel the Vredesteins are better than the michelion pilot sports I have had.
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Hamilton Ontario Canada
Car: 1985 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: GForce T-5
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.73 posi
Re: 20s on firebird
I've never understood this mentality. Does that mean in the year 2020, we'll all be rolling on 25's, cause 20's will be played out?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
Do you all have a problem reading? I asked for pictures, not for people wanting me to explain why I want what I want. I don't owe you an explanation.
If no one can show me a pic this topic might as well be locked dow. I don't feel like having to be stuck with all kinds of people who want to argue, second guess me or downright tell me I'm wrong for running large wheels.
PICS or STFU!!!
If no one can show me a pic this topic might as well be locked dow. I don't feel like having to be stuck with all kinds of people who want to argue, second guess me or downright tell me I'm wrong for running large wheels.
PICS or STFU!!!
Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 228
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From: North Carolina
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: T-56 w/hurst short throw
Axle/Gears: unknown
Re: 20s on firebird
I don't know, 20s are pretty big.
Don't go to 22s like a few guys did, or we will rain down the hate.
Don't go to 22s like a few guys did, or we will rain down the hate.
Last edited by Homer23; Nov 19, 2012 at 12:04 AM. Reason: delete
Re: 20s on firebird
Do you all have a problem reading? I asked for pictures, not for people wanting me to explain why I want what I want. I don't owe you an explanation.
If no one can show me a pic this topic might as well be locked dow. I don't feel like having to be stuck with all kinds of people who want to argue, second guess me or downright tell me I'm wrong for running large wheels.
PICS or STFU!!!
If no one can show me a pic this topic might as well be locked dow. I don't feel like having to be stuck with all kinds of people who want to argue, second guess me or downright tell me I'm wrong for running large wheels.
PICS or STFU!!!
Also, 20s look stupid on a third Gen
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
My buddy has 20s on his 92 GTA and IMO it looks good, but the car has more "body" due to the GFX, I'm afraid on mine it will look like coach LOL
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From: Everett, WA
Car: 87' IROC
Engine: L98
Transmission: T56
Re: 20s on firebird
Also, if you ever need to fill those big wheels with some brakes, I have a few good ideas!
This is a 19"

Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
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From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
I have Z06 calipers, I just need larger rotors. That's why in your brake thread I asked about the 32mm wide rotors 
These are the wheels I'm looking at

These are the wheels I'm looking at
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From: Everett, WA
Car: 87' IROC
Engine: L98
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Re: 20s on firebird
I like those wheels alot. I do think they will look big though, considering the spokes come all the way to the lip of the wheel.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
Yes, unfortunately they don't have them in 19
Re: 20s on firebird
im interested in a pic when you decide. Polly Ta has 19's or 20's I believe but I know also it has ground effects. The turbo firebird with the username andrew91gt has pics early on with large c6 z06 wheels on it. Search 2000hp capable firebird. Probably seen them but with tubs and stance this car pulls the large wheels off the best I have seen on a firebird.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
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From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
Andrew has 18s/19s of a C6 and they look to be on the ragged edge of what looks goo on a non gfx car....but some wheels work better than others
Best thig I can do is put my buddies 20s on mine and then get a pic of the wheel I want and photoshop it over them so I have the correct sizing from the 20s on there.... guess that's my plan.
Best thig I can do is put my buddies 20s on mine and then get a pic of the wheel I want and photoshop it over them so I have the correct sizing from the 20s on there.... guess that's my plan.
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From: Sylmar, So-Cal
Car: 89 firebird bone stock for now
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: B.W 9Bolt 3.27 Posi
Re: 20s on firebird
i was about to say to borrow your buddies. even like just the driver side and see how you like it.... i have the same body without the ground effects and i think it looks pretty good with a decent set of rims. ive put 18s on it tops but ive always wanted to put 20s to see how itll look. i think itll look badass.
best regards -aaron
best regards -aaron
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From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: '91 Camaro Z28, '85 Camaro Z28
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Re: 20s on firebird
Hmm, I was always under the impression that that car had 19's. Looks pretty good. I have been considering 20's lately as well (ZL1 wheels) but have been unsure if it'll look good or just donked out. That picture may have made up my mind. Although I agree, on a non-GFX car they may look a little too big.
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From: Valdosta, GA
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Engine: L98(5.7 L TPI)
Transmission: 700r4(A4)
Axle/Gears: G80 RPO, 3:23s, Auburn Racer's Diff
Re: 20s on firebird
What backspacing is your buddy using and how wide are those wheels? Do they decrease turning radius or rub? Obviously the car is lowered. But, does it sit at stock ride height with the bigger wheels? How much did he lower it?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
lowered with eibach sportlines
the tires do rub full lock and the inner fenders need tweakign (the plastic) although the 92 has different inner fender platics than 90? and earlier.
the tires do rub full lock and the inner fenders need tweakign (the plastic) although the 92 has different inner fender platics than 90? and earlier.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
yeah but you have gfx
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From: south florida
Car: 88 firebird convertible
Engine: 305 tbi v8
Re: 20s on firebird
honestly, unless you lower it, its gonna look tall. go on youtube , you will see a few. i got 20's on mine but i got the Predator kit on my vert. so if you do it, kill the gap some. but to each their own, ima go 22's later on when im done with him.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
What is a predator kit? already have lowering springs and intend to cut them down a little more
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From: Valdosta, GA
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Engine: L98(5.7 L TPI)
Transmission: 700r4(A4)
Axle/Gears: G80 RPO, 3:23s, Auburn Racer's Diff
Re: 20s on firebird
So the tires only rub at full lock, its not bad otherwise? I wonder if there would be any negative impact during racing. What size tires is he running?
Was trimming the plastic on the inner fenders a big deal?
Any bottoming out of the wheels in the fenders?
How wide are the wheels? What's the backspacing on those rims?
Sorry for all the questions, I love that look!
Bill
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 51
From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: 20s on firebird
rtimming was in 1 spot on the rear, I took out a section and fabbed a plate to go bhind it, it's sort of a bulged area.
wheels don't bottom out or other issues
these are the available sizes
20.00" x 10.00"+ 18, +34
20.00" x 8.50"+18, +20, +32
I think he has the et 18s, not sure if he has 10" in the back, will have to check
wheels don't bottom out or other issues
these are the available sizes
20.00" x 10.00"+ 18, +34
20.00" x 8.50"+18, +20, +32
I think he has the et 18s, not sure if he has 10" in the back, will have to check
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