I'm still trying to decide what wheels to buy for my 71. I recently changed the rear end (Finally) so now I want to remove the 14's & go with 15's. The few questions I have are with the back spacing & lug arrangements. It seems that a 5.5" BS is ideal with the 10 inch rims. After looking through the common performance catalogs most of the BS's are much less than that. If I went with the 15x8's that will limit my tire width selection & I really am considering copying Phil's setup! (sorry Phil) I've also looked at 15x9's that would allow me a greater tire selection but the back spacing is still small. What would be the ideal BS for 15x9's? I currently have the Keystone Classics (14" version) with the "universal" lug arrangement. I like the look of these as with the Crager SS wheels but those also seem to have the universal lug pattern. Is this lug arrangement allowed at most tracks or are there restrictions on the wheels? Too many choices... custom stock rallyes are looking more & more better. Thanks, Ken
COPY CAT!!! COPY CAT!!! Sorry, just had to do that. Perfect backspacing for a 15x9 would be 5". Good luck finding that. I hate to say it, but most backspacing setups are great for Chevy's, not so great for Buicks. But manufacturer's do make the wheels you need, you just have to ask for them as they are not common and therefore not in the catalogs. Your pattern should be a 5 by 4.75".
I know, I know, But those tires look great under the car. Has the traction increased considerably? I am considering trying the Mickey Thompson N50-15's and a set of Cragers for that nostalgic look but I'm not too thrilled with the universal bolt holes, I don't like them on the Keystones I currently have. Too many choices.... Ken
Traction? What's that? Currently my car overpowers any street tire. I can lay a patch for 200 ft. if I want to. I love "marking my territory" around here whenever I see someone's feeble attempt at putting down some rubber. Slicks do the job for me right now at the track.
