Ok, maybe not paralyzing, but I did have some questions, see what saith the forum. My 92 Formula--for some reason--was ordered originally as far as I know with black GTA rims. (16x8) Im not crazy about how they look on a Formula, I usually prefer the silver directional wheels that most Formulas came with. My 91 I had years ago had them, and I still love the way they look. But I have three choices.

1. Stay with the rims I have. While Im not crazy about them, they don't look bad, and it would keep the car all original. I would also save big bucks on tires, because only my rear tires need to be replaced, the front are almost new. If I do so, it will be about $300, but theres $300 I could use toward new rims that is gone, and Im stuck "forever" with the old. (Im not rich)

2. Buy a set of more traditional Formula wheels. The down side to this is that new versions of these cost about $800 a set--which is more than I would pay for the new 18" rims I was looking at on OEWheels. You can buy a set of used ones for about $300 on ebay, but they are usually a little beat up, and you have to pay to have them refurbished. Wheel paint is nice, but it only goes so far. Anyone know how much that costs? I would also still have to buy the two new tires I need. As above, these are only 16", and Im thinking of going to 18" to make it look more modern. And this option would possibly cost just as much as going with new 18's.

3. Buy a set of 18" C6 rims from OEWheelsllc.com. $550ish, and then I have to spend another $500ish on tires for them, plus spacers to make them fit. This would probably look the best, but what says the forum about originality, and overall appearance with efficiency in cost considered?

1. $300 on tires, leave well enough alone even though Im not totally happy with it.
2. $1100 on Formula rims and tires.
3. $1200 on C6 18's

What say you all?

 

Based on the steadily shrinking supply of 245-50-16 tires, your best bet is to move up to 17" or larger wheels - where there are dozens of choices of tires to fit.

In terms of dollars spent vs choices vs. performance I would suggest a set of 17" x 9.5" wheels with 275-40-17 tires on all 4 corners - they will give you the most amount of rubber on the ground, lightest weight, and lower cost of tires. If you have your heart set on 18" wheels, a 18" x 9.5" (or 10") wheel with a 275-35-18 tire is another very viable option. Keep in mind that an 18" wheel and tires will weigh more, tires are more expensive, and the sidewall may not be so friendly to rutted roads.

 

Ok thx. Thats the kind of feedback Im looking for. Very helpful.

 

How about Ronal R15 reproductions? 17x9.5 and a "stock-ish" look?

 

I have 17x 9.5's on my 98 Camaro, and they look nice. I may go with that size too, its a good option. I also had the thought of going with 15's with bowling *****. I was a big Knight Rider fan when I was a kid. Plus, my favorite Christmas present ever was a 1/16 scale model of an early 80's Firebird. It was red like mine, and had the bowling ball wheels with the early 80's black spoiler. The main trouble I have with those wheels is that they are too narrow, make the car look a little anemic. Right now Im leaning toward keeping and refurbishng my GTA's to keep cost down for the moment. But the retro bowling ball look is out there, and wouldnt be terribly expensive to pull off.

 

the more and more cars i see with vette wheels the more i dont like them. i put zr1s on my 4th gen because i liked them but the longer i had them on there more i didnt like them because EVERYONE has corvette wheels. when searching for my wheels on my third gen i made a huge effort to find something unique. i found a set and they look killer. with wheels being such an important part of the car id really search long and hard for a set that you really like

 

Those are good points. Part of the trouble is expense. If I get too unique I cant afford it right now. And, its part of why Im thinking of sticking with my black gta's for now. If everyone is going to vette wheels, then not as many are staying stock. Plus, I just bought the car and put about a grand into getting it mechanically sound-I hope. May be a good idea to drive it for a while longer to make sure its sound before dumping $1200+ into wheels. I found some decent 245/50/16's on tirerack.com in the $100 range that might tide me over til I feel comfortable doing more with the wheels. Its one of three cars I own, so I wont be driving it a ton, and certainly wont be racing it.

 

that may be a good idea. im so happy i went with something unique. i agree i dont hate the look of factory wheels. i have a soft spot for the cross laces. bfg super comp IIs are a great tire and about 120 each in the factory size, the indy wide ovals also arent a terrible tire and are 98 each.

 

The picture is small, but those wheels of yours look a little like torque thrust. The 20's on my Mustang are similar to that, only mine have the rivets. Looks nice.

 

details on rims are in my sig

i have no idea why TGO is cropping my pic, the image on imageshack is fine but you get the point

 

C4 sawblades

 

LOL

I like the sawblades on the 84ish vettes, not so much on the early 90's. They got too busy around 90-92 imo....