Backspacing question?

[2000.malibu.ls]

Im sure this has been covered before, but can i make a wheel w/ 6 inches of back spacing work?

 

[2000.malibu.ls]

will 9" wheels work on the front of a cutlass even?

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

No, and probably not. 6 Inches of backspacing out back would mean you need to have a wider rear axle or some time with a cutting torch. Up front, the tie rods would likely hit the rim (depending on diameter) and then the wheels would not want to turn as they would be too close to the frame and suspension. Even an 8 in wheel with a 4 in backspace can be a bit of a squeeze on a Cutlass. If you remember, I posted how I made it work on my car and it required a lot of work to fit without rubbing. My car is cut to fit 245 50 16's, or about 1 size narrower than the FE3-X car that had flares (FE3-X ran 16x9's with 255 50 16's). Just go find the pics on my thread of how GM made these front wheelwells stock and it is not hard to see why they don't like wide tires without a bit of work.

 

[2000.malibu.ls]

does anyone make rims FOR g-bodies!?!?! im so sick and tired of everything fitting camaros and firebirds, but not working for my damn cutlass! i just want some damn 17 x 8's w/ 4 inches of backspacing w/ a 5x4.75! GGRRRR!!!

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Plenty of companies make wheels with 4 in backspacing, but maybe not the ones you like. What exactly are you looking for?

 

[2000.malibu.ls]

well... ive decided to wait on rims and make the car handle like a champ, but im going for the same thing you are, pro touring, so some alluminum 17x8's, preferably black w/ pollished lip, but like i said, im focusing on suspension first. 85CB, you might know, what size tire would be good to run on a 15x8 wheel for a good handeling feel, and if i run a bigger back tire than front, am i gunna sacrifice handeling?

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

That is a loaded question. The whole front vs rear tire size thing and handling balance will depend on a number of factors such as weight distribution and chassis setup. I just downgraded my budget a bit on my car and have decided the cheapest way to get what I want is with the Trans Am GTA wheels. They look like what I have, but have a staggered offset. On a stock G body, this is a no-no, but with the tall spindle conversion you need more offset up front than in back. Since this is in my plans, I can actually use a whole set. As an added bonus, there is a slight chance of finding a used set for cheaper than one 17x8 in wheel I would want. Sure, they are only 16x8's, but it is a size that I think still looks good on a G body without breaking the bank. As an added bonus, they are not really cool to a huge number of people, so there is less chance of getting my car stolen for them. Since the Cutlass may become my only car by the end of summer, this is important. All I need to do now is scour Craigslist and the junkyards in hopes of finding a complete set that isn't bent.

My planned tire sizes? 245 50 16 front, 255 50 16 rear.

 

[2000.malibu.ls]

if you get them, when we meet up in november, would you be willing to sell your 16's?

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Sure, but mine are not straight, and I am missing one center cap. If I have them that long, and I get something else, I would probably let mine go to you for a very reasonable price. However, if I find another set, I may want to get rid of these quickly so they don't take up too much room. When the time comes, I will post pics of the new ones in my thread. Contact me then and I will come up with a reasonable arrangement for you to get them.

 

[2000.malibu.ls]

oh, should i keep the tires that are on the wheels now, 225:65:15 or should i go 235:60 15? (im getting new tires tommarow, so either way lol.