New wheels finally on the car..

[JimmyP70]

[QU

**edit** Thanks for the link. The frustration in my earlier reply was not directed at you - I spent an unbelievable amount of time researchlng this and then trying to solve the problem afterwards. I'm grateful for the the solution you provided.

I actually like the steelies better, but I grabbed a set of the aluminum ones just in case the project was a failure.

OTE="JimmyP70, post: 473460, member: 17710"]I a lot


I took a lot of measurements before buying these. They fit perfect. The only thing I would do different is use larger (wider) tires. 225-45-18 in the front, no rubbing full lock to full lock. I could easily fit a 245. I am running 245-45-18 rear, and could probably use a 275.[/QUOTE]
Mom

 

[JimmyP70]

That Malibu looks great!

 

[ssn696]

Thanks for the compliment. It's embarrassing that I've owned it for 15 years, and despite the new 400 under the hood, I still have not yet made it run. Too many obligations and distractions.

I did a bunch of research on Tire Rack, and decided 235/45-18 was the least risky size for me. Found a set on Craigslist. When I got them mounted up, visually, they have about the same cross section as a 255/50-16. I'll probably go up to a 245/45-18 if and when I get this figured out.

 

[JimmyP70]

Thanks for the compliment. It's embarrassing that I've owned it for 15 years, and despite the new 400 under the hood, I still have not yet made it run. Too many obligations and distractions.

I did a bunch of research on Tire Rack, and decided 235/45-18 was the least risky size for me. Found a set on Craigslist. When I got them mounted up, visually, they have about the same cross section as a 255/50-16. I'll probably go up to a 245/45-18 if and when I get this figured out.

I ended up buying used tires on craiglist, too. I will take some pictures tomorrow to show you how much clearance I have with my tires.

 

[williamattop]

I did a bunch of research on Tire Rack, and decided 235/45-18 was the least risky size for me. Found a set on Craigslist. When I got them mounted up, visually, they have about the same cross section as a 255/50-16. I'll probably go up to a 245/45/18 if and when I get this figured out.

This is a good call IMO.
I went 245/40/18 in the front and reget it everytime I drive. Dodging every little pothole sucks. There just isnt enough sidewall with this size for me to be comfortable with. I intend to buy 245(or 255)/45/18s next. Whats weird and sucks is it seems to me there is a noticable price jump between the 40 and 45 series tires.

Sorry for the hijack.

 

[ssn696]

Sorry for the hijack.

Not a hijack given the feedback you offered. I'm taking the budget route to 18s because I see bigger brakes in the future, and frankly, I can't see spending $1200 on rims, and then more on tires. Given how cheap (and common) the Gen 5 18" rims are, steel or aluminum, I suspect that finding a replacement when I bend one will be less of a hassle that trying to obtain an obsolete aftermarket one...

 

[JimmyP70]

Not a hijack given the feedback you offered. I'm taking the budget route to 18s because I see bigger brakes in the future, and frankly, I can't see spending $1200 on rims, and then more on tires. Given how cheap (and common) the Gen 5 18" rims are, steel or aluminum, I suspect that finding a replacement when I bend one will be less of a hassle that trying to obtain an obsolete aftermarket one...

The 40 series tires are to short.
The 225-45-18 I am using is 26.1" diameter, and the 245-45-18 is 26.4"
I wanted to keep the diameter as close to 26" as possible so it wouldn't screw up the speedometer. I ran 235-60-15 before these.

 

[ssn696]

Last night the the EBay seller had four sets of the adapters listed for sale. Well, I waited too long to grab a set. Four somebodies hit 'Buy It Now'.

He promises he will have more in about four weeks. I have no problem waiting, since the car does not even run at the moment, but I hope he follows through and makes some more sets...

 

[JimmyP70]

Last night the the EBay seller had four sets of the adapters listed for sale. Well, I waited too long to grab a set. Four somebodies hit 'Buy It Now'.

He promises he will have more in about four weeks. I have no problem waiting, since the car does not even run at the moment, but I hope he follows through and makes some more sets...

I bought mine quite a while ago, so I am sure he makes (or buys) them regularly.

 

[Judge Mills]

It's good to see some one tried these wheels! I see them pop up on Craigslist all the time, for only a few hundred bucks. I may have to go this route.