I just got my car running recently (new drivetrain from stem to stern) and need exhaust put on. AFTER the exhaust I will be looking at new rubber and wheels. Here is my question.... I have seen some 16" wheels (maybe bigger) that seemed to fill the wheel well better and gave similar Abody cars a more current look. As much as I used to think I wanted the 15 X 10s with the fayyy 325's, I have to wonder what 16's or 17's would do for handling. Lets face it, the '70 skylark is not a handling monster and could use some enhacement where ever it can get it. Mine is currently in dire need of new front suspension (350 springs with a 455 doesnt bode well) so its even worse than norm. Before I start asking if anyone has put 16's and 17's under their 70 skylark I pose a much less common question. How does the big wheels affect traction? Are you forced into a stiffer sidewall that does not take well to hard launches? Is handling worth the price in wheel and $ for each tire? is it worth the traction loss (Im assuming there is some)? Im anxious to hear your replies.
Traction for quarter mile runs and stree handling are two totall different things. Keep in mind that basically the overall tire diameter that will fit under and in our fender wells is about 28" or so. Any larger and you start to have issues with rubbing. That being said, the larger the rim is, the greater the contact patch on the road of a tire. But also the less sidewall you will have to help absorb those bumps in the road and the less tire you have to protect the rim itself. Have you ever seen a 22" "DUB" that has hit a curb or gone over a speed bump too fast, the rim is bent and ruined because there is only 2" of sidewall to absorb the impact. I believe that the lowest aspect ratio tire that you can safely run on a regular basis on the road is a 45-series tire/wheel combo. That being said, there are a number of members here that do run, I believe 17's and 18's on their cars. They do look very nice and fill up the wheel wells. But the widest you will probably be able to go is about 245 or 255 on the fronts and about 295 on the rears and not have any problems with rubbing while driving around. Just my $.02. ps: I am looking at building a Pro Touring something, Skylark or Regal and have been looking at 17 and 18 wheel combos for the project.
Never seen a 17" or larger wheel drag radial equiped that would hook decent in the straight line on the street or strip. Most of the guys with a healthy big block will tell you sheepishly that yea they kinda suck at leaving a light. But they look cool and handle great. I say get the handling improvment from swaybars, new poly endlinks, the right springs etc. The 16 have very few tires to choose from. But you can get a good 255/50 that will provide a good compramize of handling and hooking in the straights. Overall the 15s have far and away the most tires choices. With good swaybars, end links, springs and a wide 8"+ rim a 60 series 15" tire can handle well as well as provide good straight line traction. Just depends on what is most important to you.
I would have to go with Vern on this one. I have very extensive chassis upgrades on my 70. I use 15's, 275/60 rear and 235/60 front. I cannot go into a corner hard enough (and still be sane) on the street to tax the suspension. I am sure that a low profile tire would improve steering response and ultimate grip but everything else would be worse. You also reach a point to make real improvements requires a roll cage to get a stiffer frame.
