17" wheels on a 70 GSX

[Frank70GSX]

I've just finished putting a set of Baer Serious Street disk brakes on my 70 GSX. I picked these because I wanted to keep the stock 15x7 Rally wheels. It turns out that the front calipers just barely fit, but I was VERY disappointed to find out that the rear calipers are bigger and the stock wheels don't fit. So much for going stealth!! Has anyone else run into this and figured out a work-around?

So now I'm looking into stepping up to larger rims. I'm closing in on 17"ers because there is a better tire selection then 16". I've found a Billet wheel from Wheel Vintiques that I think I can make look pretty close to the stock rally wheels with some black rally paint. It's the 88 Series Billet Lakester wheel, see attachment below.
My question is: What is the right tire and wheel size for 70 GSX?

I've done the measuring and research and this is what I'm thinking right now:
Front - 17 x 8 w/ 4.5" back space wheel & 245/45-17 tire. (OD = 25.7")
Rear - 17 x 10 w/ 5.5" back space wheel & 285/40-17 tire. (OD = 26.1")
OR - 17 x 9.5 w/ 5.25" back space wheel & 275/40-17 tire. (OD = 25.7")

Can anyone confirm that these will fit WITHOUT any modification? Anyone got a tire brand to recommend?

Thanks for your help,
Frank

[gsxnut]

Frank,

I have 17" x 8" wheels on my GSX all the way around with 4 3/4" backspacing 4 1/2 or 5 backspacing would work. I have 245/45/17 tires all the way around also. It looks to me like 17"x 9 1/2" will work all the way around as well. As for the tires I could have gone for a little taller tire to be closer to stock. If you go to www.tirerack.com they can help you with the tire dimemsions to get the same rolling radius as the stock tire. Check other threads on the board for more wheel information. This has come up several times.

Mark

[gsxnut]

I am using the Bridgestone Potneza SO3 tire. I like it alot. I hear the Pilotsport is also decent. Check out tirerack for some reviews and comparisons.

Mark

[flynbuick]

Frank

I remember the ratio for the effect on deceleration by brakes is something like 80/20 front to back. So by going with the stock size wheels with drum brakes you will lose only a fraction of the 20%. It is a matter of personal taste, but if I had an X (and we do) I would not change the stock wheel size or looks for the small gain in deceleration capability. It defeats the purpose , in my view, of having an old classic muscle car to try to make it look in part modern with today's wheels.

[sailbrd]

Frank,
I am looking at the same wheel. With a little black paint it will look close to stock and should be lighter. Also I think you can get more custom sizes with that wheel. If possible I want to go no more than a 50 series tire for ride and durability. Just do not think that the cornering improvement would be worth it. With stock wheels and Goodyears mine will corner harder on the street than good sense would dictate doing. If you are going to autocross like Mark then it is a different story. Post pics if you go ahead with this.

[gsxnut]

Frank,

IMHO I think the G-Machine muscle cars are very cool looking. I like the cars with custom wheels and lower stance. I really see no issue with having custom wheels on an older car. The custom wheel industry is about a $2 Billion dollar a year industry so I know I am not alone. I also think original cars are very cool looking. It all comes down to personal preference. We all own our cars and since we own the car it is our right to make the car as we see fit. If you want an all stock car then great. If you want a custom car then great too.

Mark

[Dwane Williams]

Frank;

I don't have the Baer setup on my car (Stock disks on the front and Drums on the back). I am running Cragar 17x8's on the front and 17x 9's on the back with 4 1/2 back spacing. There is easliy enough room to fit 9.5's or even 10's with out any modification. I am also running the TA 3" in exhaust and those pipes take up alot of room behind the rear tires but the rims still fit.The tires I am running are the Pirelli Asimmetrico's (225/45's on the front and 255/45's on the back). I am in the same boat as Mark with regards to the profile, I should have gone with a larger profile. I have not put the car through and rally runs yet but I noticed a huge difference in how the car hooks up now. More rubber more traction.

[Frank70GSX]

Frank

I remember the ratio for the effect on deceleration by brakes is something like 80/20 front to back. So by going with the stock size wheels with drum brakes you will lose only a fraction of the 20%. It is a matter of personal taste, but if I had an X (and we do) I would not change the stock wheel size or looks for the small gain in deceleration capability. It defeats the purpose , in my view, of having an old classic muscle car to try to make it look in part modern with today's wheels.


Jim,

I did want to keep the car looking as stock as possible while improving the cars all around performance. The upgrade to rear disks has forced the change. I really wanted to keep the stock rally wheels as I was already running 255/60 x 15's. I've spent a lot of time trying to find a wheel that looks like the Buick Rally wheel. I think these wheels will look close and I am trying to find a tire that has a similar hight to the otigianl G60's. The car needed better handling and braking. The Global West front end (upper & lower contol arms, sway bar), Hotchis rear end (upper & lower trailing arms, sway bar), TA Traction Bars, Bisten gas shocks and poolyurethane bushings have all improved the handling and hook up. I wanted the improved braking now that the car is going faster.
I also wanted you to know that I have kept all of the origianl stock parts and not done any modification that can't be reversed. With more speed comes the need for better handling and braking. I'm confident that the Baer brakes will improve my 100 to 0 times.

Frank

[Frank70GSX]

Frank,
I am looking at the same wheel. With a little black paint it will look close to stock and should be lighter. Also I think you can get more custom sizes with that wheel. If possible I want to go no more than a 50 series tire for ride and durability. Just do not think that the cornering improvement would be worth it. With stock wheels and Goodyears mine will corner harder on the street than good sense would dictate doing. If you are going to autocross like Mark then it is a different story. Post pics if you go ahead with this.

Doug,

I would also like to find a tire that has a bit more side wall then the 40 profile, but I haven't had luck finding it. There aren't many R17's that come with anything more then a 45 profile. Have you found an R16 or R17 performance tire with a 50 profile that is close to the hight to an origianal G60 15? I'd go with it if you did. I'm currently running 255/60 X 15 all the way around and that looks real good.
I will post pictures when it's all down, it's this wheel and tire selection that is holding me up right now.

Frank

[Frank70GSX]

Frank,

IMHO I think the G-Machine muscle cars are very cool looking. I like the cars with custom wheels and lower stance. I really see no issue with having custom wheels on an older car. The custom wheel industry is about a $2 Billion dollar a year industry so I know I am not alone. I also think original cars are very cool looking. It all comes down to personal preference. We all own our cars and since we own the car it is our right to make the car as we see fit. If you want an all stock car then great. If you want a custom car then great too.

Mark


Mark,

Thanks for all your feedback. I did review other threads prior to my posting and saw many solid comments from you and others. I was hoping to find someone that is actually running 17 x 9.5 with a 285/40 on the rear to confirm that they fit without a hitch. I'd like to find a 50 profile, but haven't found one that is wider then the 255/60s I'm currently running.
I've found your comments to be quite helpful. I know my car will handle better and I think it will look good too. I'll post pictures as soon as I get it back on the road.

Thanks,
Frank

[staged70]

Frank did you contact Wheel vintiques . I bet they can make you up a set of Buick Ralleys in 17X8

[Frank70GSX]

John & Terry ,

Yes I did contact Wheel Vintiques and they do not carry the Buick Rallies in a 17. I told him what I was trying to do and he steered me towards their Series 94 Magnum which he said a Buick cap could be installed. That wheel is more of a Ford wheel and I didn't go for it. I ended up ordering the 88 series Billet Lakester and intend on painting the inner section to make it look like the Buick rally. I'm hoping it will look good. I ordered 17x8 w/ a 4.5 " backspace for the front and 17x9.5 w/ a 5.5" backspace for the rear. I'll post pictures once it's back on the road.

Frank

[staged70]

If they are the ones pictured I bet they will look fine , waiting for more pics

[b4551971]

If you have a Firestone near you stop in and ask to have a look at a set of Fuzion ZRI's. They are basically the S03 Bridgestone tire for less than half the price. The Fuzion is a W rated directional tire with a very aggressive tread pattern, they also hook up decent from a dig for street tires.

If you come through Columbus sometime and still need tires look me up I can get you a good deal on just about anything Firestone sells.

[EODLEGS]

How much room do you need your original wheels to clear the calipers? If the caliper is too close in the "width" portion rather than the “height”, they make spacers to "bump" out your wheels to clear. I had to do that to clear a set of Wilwood's to my aftermarket 15" rims (that Wilwood said would clear :mad: ). Hopefully THIS (http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=egnsearch.asp&Ntt=wheel+spacer&N=4294847663+4294906455&Ntk=KeywordSearch) link will work. If not, go to summit racing's site and put in wheel spacer as a key word.

Of course, your original offset will be altered and possible wheel flex (is there such a thing?) might create a rub every now and then on a hard corner. It's an option if you don't have WAY too much of a clearance issue. Good luck.

BTW a painted stealth 17" rim would not look too shabby either! :TU:

[Frank70GSX]

Thanks to all for your feedback. I've decided to go with the Wheels Vintiques 88 Series Billet Lakester wheel and will paint part of the center black to simulate the Buick Rally wheel.

Front - 17 x 8 w/ 4.5" back space wheel & 245/45-17 tire. (OD = 25.7")
Rear - 17 x 9.5 w/ 5.5" back space wheel & 285/40-17 tire. (OD = 26.1")

I'll post pictures once it's back on the road.

Does anyone know the height of the original G60 15? I think that was the original tire on the 70 GSX, right?

Frank

[b4551971]

a G60 15 should be 26" tall

[Frank70GSX]

a G60 15 should be 26" tall


Thanks for that measurement. Then the tire sizes I have picked should look right and my speedo won't be too far off.

[BigTodd]

Frank70gsx where did you order your rims from? I am looking for Crager 5 spoke and am looking for a good source to purchase them from. I will be using the same measurments as you are for my order. :cool:

[Frank70GSX]

Todd,
I ordered my wheels from Wheel Vintiques because I wanted a wheel that looked similar to the stock Buick Rallies. These were the closestest I could find in a 17". If your looking for the stadard Crager SS wheel, I would just order it from Summit Racing. If you need tires also, they will have a good selection and will even mount and balance them in the deal. There turn around is really good and their I've always found their prices to be very competative.

BTW: I really like the look of your white convertible GSX. That's got to be a very rare car!

Frank

[macbuick]

"""It defeats the purpose , in my view, of having an old classic muscle car to try to make it look in part modern with today's wheels.
__________________
Jim Lore
BPG 1037 """

Hi!
Jim, you're right, these wheels are "today's wheels", but don't you think that they have also a "nostalgia attitude" and can be fitted to these muscle cars?
Take the Salt Flat or the Billet Magnum 500, they look like if they come from the 60', but they are in big diameters. If you are reasonnable in size(max 18")!! I find that cars with 22' looks a lot like a "Hot Wheels" toy!!!
When you see today's cars, i prefer the look of my Skylark!!!
I'm still waiting for Buick to do like Ford has done to the GT40 or Mustang 2005. But it won't happen :Do No: , so i will do it myself; stock body with Bear brakes, upgrated suspensions and 17' Salt Flat...and it won't look as much modern as these plastic imports :grin:
David

[thepartsman]

[QUOTE=Frank70GSX]Mark,

I'd like to find a 50 profile, but haven't found one that is wider then the 255/60s I'm currently running.




Frank,

Check out the BFG g-Force 255/50ZR17 or Bridgestone Potenza RE750 255/50R17

[gstewart]

sorry guys, but i dislike the those 17"+ wheels sizes. i believe it removes the true classic features of our cars. a couple of years ago at the woodward cruise, i saw a cutlasse (~~84) & grand prix (~~85) with 18" chromed styled wheels, i did not know whether to cry or to laugh. that is how ridiculous these cars looked to me. i guess, it is each to his own.

[AlaskaBuick]

Frank,

I just finished the swap on my sport wagon. SSBC advertised that a 15" wheel would work and the Calipers rubbed. I had to grind off some of the caliper and then my 15 x 7 rallies worked.

This may work for you on yours?


Dennis

[TimR]

Waiting for those pictures...!!!

I too was not a fan of the larger wheels, but Dwanes car (picture further up in this thread) looks excellent with 17" crager wheels. A lot depends on the car, the wheelwells on these things are huge so if the car sits right 17" looks like it should be there. Fills the wells out nice and makes the entire car look smaller. But once over 18" or so, tends to take away from the car.

Also, any chance you could weigh one of those wheel/tire combos before you install them? Would like to see the difference between them and steel 15" rally. Unpsprung weight is everything!

Later
Tim

[macbuick]

Hello
I finally have my wheels under my car!!!
American racing Salt Flat
front: 8x17 (4.5) with 235/45/17
rear: 9.5x17 (5.5) with 275/40/17
Tires : Hankook ventus sport Tires will be changed next year for Michelin 245/45/17 and 285/40/17
Car is now undergoing a frame off restoration .
See also: http://www.lateral-g.net/members/baland/

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/7826/buick28fh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/6279/buickskylark66ve.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Todd69GS]

Looks great. It's definitely a little off the beaten path as far as what I've seen on A-bodies but I like it.
I don't understand why some people have to pipe in and give lectures about what you should or shouldn't do with your car. It's your car, do what you want with it. :TU:

[73-462GS]

I ran 17" rims and tires part of the year last year and went back to the original 15" rims and 275 60 15 in the rear and 245 60 15 in the front. I didn't like the way the car rode on the short sidewall tire. It was too harsh. You felt every little pepple and crack in the road. Mike D.

[TimR]

I like. :TU:

later
Tim

[skyphix]

You nailed it :TU:

[paul c]

i have the goodyear eagle f1 gs-d3. got them from the tire rack and on ebay. they seem to ride well and corner very well.

[sbbuick]

Mark,

Thanks for all your feedback. I did review other threads prior to my posting and saw many solid comments from you and others. I was hoping to find someone that is actually running 17 x 9.5 with a 285/40 on the rear to confirm that they fit without a hitch. I'd like to find a 50 profile, but haven't found one that is wider then the 255/60s I'm currently running.
I've found your comments to be quite helpful. I know my car will handle better and I think it will look good too. I'll post pictures as soon as I get it back on the road.

Thanks,
Frank

That would be me. I have 17x9.5" with 5.5" Back Spacing. They fit very well.

[MikeM]

sorry guys, but i dislike the those 17"+ wheels sizes. i believe it removes the true classic features of our cars. a couple of years ago at the woodward cruise, i saw a cutlasse (~~84) & grand prix (~~85) with 18" chromed styled wheels, i did not know whether to cry or to laugh. that is how ridiculous these cars looked to me. i guess, it is each to his own.

I'm an "originalist" too. I don't go for the big wheels. They look silly to me. Sorry but that's what my eyes tell me. I like the 15" 255 tires on the back and 15" 235s on the front. Call me old fashioned.

[StratoBlue72]

a G60 15 should be 26" tall

A G60-15 is 26.5", and the closest in a metric size is a 245/60/15 which is 26.6.

[macbuick]

To Gstewart and ChinaMikeM,
I noticed that all the cars on this thread are max 17", not 17"+ !!! :pp
But i agree , big chromed "gangsta" style rims sucks on muscle or old cars. And that 's not what Pro-Touring is all about...
Thanks
David

[V8s4ever]

If you are interested in larger rims that wont make your car look too far from
stock,you need to check out the 17 inch Billet Vintiques Buick Ralleys.Go to
the Newstalgia website,man they sure are pretty! Also very expensive but
wont make your Buick look like a ghetto sled.I may get a set because I have
Wilwwood rear discs and it dont look like the 15 will work.For me the 18 is too
much rim and I dont have a posse :grin:

Mike B.

[Ryans-GSX]

this is by far the coolest wheels in a 17" I have seen


<img src="http://www.newstalgiawheel.com/images/inventory/l_975.gif">

[Ryans-GSX]

link to the wheels cool buick 17" wheels (http://www.newstalgiawheel.com/listproducts.asp?cat=101180)

[TimR]

Look at those prices!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ouch.

Cool though, 17" rally....that would mess up some people i think.. :laugh:

later
Tim

[macbuick]

Too bad, price is very expensive !!!!!!!
Wheels look cool but they are not in my budget... :Do No:

But i'm happy with my Salt Flat. :TU:

[Ryans-GSX]

macbuick do you think you could post a close up of one of your wheels they look nice but I would like to see them a little clearer

thanks :beer

[TimR]

I second that, little larger pic would be cool. What size are those, the back ones look a little bigger (18"?) than the fronts??

later
Tim

[Todd69GS]

That's not macbuick's car. That is a pic from the nostalgia wheel website. And those are not the Buick ralleys. Those are either the Magnum 500's or the Chevelle SS wheels. That picture was on that site when I was scoping out the SS and the Magnum wheels for my car and that was a few months ago. Before they came out with the Buick Rally.
Looks good although I don't like the 18" rear 17" front look.

[TimR]

I knew they weren't buick rallyes but DOH I guess we could have figured from the post it wasn't his car. Tha salt flats do look cool....

I'm thinking its time for some 17" rally wheels.

Later
Tim

[Randy_W]

Mark,

Thanks for all your feedback. I did review other threads prior to my posting and saw many solid comments from you and others. I was hoping to find someone that is actually running 17 x 9.5 with a 285/40 on the rear to confirm that they fit without a hitch. I'd like to find a 50 profile, but haven't found one that is wider then the 255/60s I'm currently running.
I've found your comments to be quite helpful. I know my car will handle better and I think it will look good too. I'll post pictures as soon as I get it back on the road.

Thanks,
Frank

I know it's not the same but I'm running 17x9.5 Boyds Smoothies on my '73 Century Luxus coupe. I have 285/40 BFG KDWS on the rear and 255/45 on the front. There are no clearance issuse anywhere and I could have easily run larger rear tires. :bglasses:

[iacovoni]

i am usually a BNL fan, but that looks really sharp. They look like Buick Retro's. You are making me think I may need to update to the current trend of larger diameters.
What was your total cost?

[87GN_70GS]

'....Power Tour look for your SS396 or Olds GS...."

Found that interesting statement on their GM SS page.

[macbuick]

I posted pics of my car with Salt Flat some thread ago......, the black Buick illustrated the look with look-a-like Rally wheels...sorry if some guys didn't understood :Dou:

This is my car:

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/1331/badddddddddddddddd0hj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ToddsGS]

this is by far the coolest wheels in a 17" I have seen


<img src="http://www.newstalgiawheel.com/images/inventory/l_975.gif">


I'll be ordering a set of these for my GSX Resto Mod. I'm thinking 17" right now because I want to run the Mickey Thompson Drag Radials on the Rear.

I tend to like Musclecars with the Original Size wheels, in fact I have a brand new set of 15" rallye wheels with BFG's that are on the car now but I wanted to try the 17's as well. My car has a bit of Pro Touring theme to it so we'll see how they look. I'll post pics once we receive them.

Here's a rendering we had made up with a bigger Buick Style wheel:
http://www.diecastmusclecars.com/images/GRex17.jpg

If anyone is interested in these 17" & 18" Buick wheels, just click here >
Newstalgia Wheel / Buick Rallye (http://www.newstalgiawheel.com/productdetails.asp?id=4571)

[TimR]

Todd, I think everyone would be really curious to see the weight difference between the stockers and the new billet wheels with tires. Any chance you could weigh a stock wheel/tire combo and compare them just as a rough estimate??

The more I look at those wheels, the more I like them. And they are super easy to swap out of course.

BTW, the car is looking good, i check the website every so often, gonna be a cool machine...

later
Tim

[ToddsGS]

Todd, I think everyone would be really curious to see the weight difference between the stockers and the new billet wheels with tires. Any chance you could weigh a stock wheel/tire combo and compare them just as a rough estimate??

The more I look at those wheels, the more I like them. And they are super easy to swap out of course.

BTW, the car is looking good, i check the website every so often, gonna be a cool machine...

later
Tim

Tim,

I'll definately weigh them! I'm always checking the weight on stuff and looking for ways to lighten the car.

Thanks for checking out the website, I'm hoping the car will be completely done in May sometime. I'll post some new pics soon!

[DrededSS]

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/6279/buickskylark66ve.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This pic makes me think that a 17x10 will also fit without any clearance issues. What do y'all think?

[TimR]

Yup, I measured my ragtop, the 10" wide will fit with room to spare on a 5.5" backspace at the back.

285/40R17's would look great, common size too so not super pricey...

later
Tim

[DrededSS]

Thanks Tim. I'll keep that in mind.

[buickgsman]

I saw some 17 x 7 or 8 Olds rallye wheels in Carlisle. I have to say I didn't like them at all. They were nice quality, but there was too much chrome between the center and the tire. It looked like a giant bell. If anyone was considering ordering a custom set of steel wheels, i would consider seeing them in person first. Just figured I would throw that out there.

Bob

[Curtis Litzen]

Hi, Any new pictures yet with a car with 17" rallies or the lakesters painted
black.Thanks Curtis :beer

[ToddsGS]

Hi, Any new pictures yet with a car with 17" rallies or the lakesters painted
black.Thanks Curtis :beer


Curtis,

My GSX "Restomod" is about a week from being completed. I haven't received my 17" Billet Buick Wheels yet but they're due any day!

I'll post pictures as soon as they arrive. And I'll be weighing them as well for the guys interested in the weight differences.

Here's the latest pic of my GSX (Factory 15" rallyes on at this time)
http://www.diecastmusclecars.com/images/GRexRear.jpg

17" Billet Buick Rallye due any day:
http://www.diecastmusclecars.com/images/LS2Wheel.gif

[TimR]

Whats up with the prices on these Billet Buick wheels??? They were 350-380.00 each just a few weeks ago, now they are 430-450.00 each???WTF??? Thats a pretty serious price jump....ouch!

[VandaLL]

for anyone who wanted an update on these wheels, here they are on Todd's gorgeous GSX.. they look stunning! i would like to see a set of 18", too.. :Brow: i don't understand the pricing, either. it looks like newstalgia charges way more than what wheel vintiques charges?

http://www.lateral-g.net/members/miller/

Todd, i hope you don't mind me posting this, but i was very curious what the final product looked like so i'm sure others are, too

[ToddsGS]

for anyone who wanted an update on these wheels, here they are on Todd's gorgeous GSX.. they look stunning! i would like to see a set of 18", too.. :Brow: i don't understand the pricing, either. it looks like newstalgia charges way more than what wheel vintiques charges?

http://www.lateral-g.net/members/miller/

Todd, i hope you don't mind me posting this, but i was very curious what the final product looked like so i'm sure others are, too


No problem Randy. Thanks for checking it out!

Here's another pic I snapped a couple weeks ago:
http://www.diecastmusclecars.com/images/GRexFall2.jpg

If you're interested, my GSX is scheduled to be in the January issue of Car Craft magazine. (Due to hit newstands in a week or so)

Thanks again for checking it out!

[racenu]

These guys may have the stock looking rims you are looking for?
www.newstalgiawheel.com