I want big tires on my cutlass help please!

[85_455_cutty]

I want to put some wider tires on my cutlass and im not sure how to go about it. I know i can get my frame notched and get some tubs but i dont know if i can put a good sized wide tire without losing the back seat in my car. If anybody can help me figure this out with what size tires and back spacing on the wheels i need would greatly be appreciated. I want to use a 15 inch rim by the way.

 

[67rstbkt]

Generally, a 275/60/15 is the widest you can go without modification. You could also probably squeeze in a 295/50/15 if you roll or cut away the inner edge. Beyond that, you need to either go with a frame notch and interior customization. It all depends on how extreme you want to go. I would also consider the car's purpose? Are really wide wheels just for looks? Or do you have other plans in mind for the car?

 

[85_455_cutty]

its gonna be a street/strip car. I already plan on doing the frame notch as soon as i have the cash. I want to be able to get traction when i need it when i take it to the track and all that. I have 14 " ralleys on it right now and with having 450hp it dosnt hook up to well

 

[khan0165]

traction? How much HP/Torque are we talking here?
... really, traction and big wheels becomes an issue when running +800hp, or a good gob of juice off the line.
as mentioned, 275/60R15 is a good size before modifications are needed. It works well with 4" or 4.5" backspacing. We're talking almost 11" wide of tread here.

If you're going for a frame notche, you can look into 305 or 315 series tires. A if you're looking at a tub job, to run Pro-Race car style slicks, have you also considered frame modifications? You'll need a whole new rear frame section, custom made... $$$

there's a few guys on this forum running 11-10sec cars with nothing more than 9" wide slicks. They get plenty of traction... quality tires are essential, but a well setup suspension helps too.

... hope this helps

 

[rptw32]

as mentioned, 275/60R15 is a good size before modifications are needed. It works well with 4" or 4.5" backspacing. We're talking almost 11" wide of tread here.

this apply to all G-bodies -?? I have 84 cutlass and I can't fit a 255x60x15 on it on stock 7" olds rim w/o rubbing the
frame... ???? I have heard that 8" rim with 3 3/8" back space is the magic combo ..

anybody care to chime in on that - I'm in market to get some rims / tires and need to know what is best for 275x60x15
without any body mods to accept.

thks

 

[eversmann79]

i have an 8 inch rim with 275/60's and works well, looks grat on my 78 regal aswell

 

[Wile E]

You can do a notch and mini tubb while keeping the rear seat. Just need to tweak the seat frame/cushion a bit.

 

[khan0165]

as mentioned, 275/60R15 is a good size before modifications are needed. It works well with 4" or 4.5" backspacing. We're talking almost 11" wide of tread here.

this apply to all G-bodies -?? I have 84 cutlass and I can't fit a 255x60x15 on it on stock 7" olds rim w/o rubbing the
frame... ???? I have heard that 8" rim with 3 3/8" back space is the magic combo ..

I'm glad you bring this up...
I've heard backspacing numbers all over the place. Seems like you really just have to try it out to be sure.
... you 7" wheels may have more than 4" backspacing. And if your frame has been replaced, it can car even more issues. Forexample, my rear rails were replaced, and are now a little wider... and I can barely run 3.5" backspacing in a comfortable way.

 

[85_455_cutty]

Yeah that does help alot. Everybody around here told me I wouldnt be able to fit a 10" wide tire without doing mods to the frame and stuff. If you guys have seen the post "what do you think of my car" with the hurst olds thats been tubbed that is the biggest id like to go. I love how it looks. but i dont know how wide those tires are it just says it was tubbed with 29" tires. And that car also still has the back seat so its perfect for what im looking for.

 

[Possumz]