Stock SSIII wheels too narrow

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Mac442

Master Mechanic
Apr 25, 2020
257
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Ocean County, NJ
I have been trying to keep my 85 442 fairly stock appearing, all of the upgrades are in the powertrain and suspension. But I think I have hit the end of the road in that regard.

The fuel injected 383 is just overwhelming the tires at any speed (235 60r15 Cooper Cobras) on the stock Olds SS 15x7 wheels. And it's lower compression because I planned on a blow thru supercharger. But won't touch that until I get better traction. Rear suspension is stock but fresh. New poly body bushings. lowering springs 1" rear 2" front.

The dilemma: do I get those 17x8 Year Old Olds SSII wheels and paint accents accordingly? They don't look bad but from reading on here the largest tire I can get is a 245 or maybe 255 on those rear wheels? Is that right? Would it even be worth it to go from 235s to 245s? Big enough difference? 17x9s are available too, not sure what will fit on there.

Or will it be more sensible to go with some drag radials or something?
 
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64nailhead

Goat Herder
Dec 1, 2014
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Your tires are smoke makers. Any amount of power and they will be spinning. You plan of a blow though supercharged setup is, without a doubt , going to be handful on the street. And in wet roads it will be almost dangerous regardless if tire choice.

Speaking from experience in this. My kids 421 with S480 on a 275/__r18 would break loose at 35% TPS below 5psi. Had to baby it if the roads were wet, and be careful accelerating into a highway from a ramp. It took some getting used to.

Your build with a blower/supercharger will be the same imo.
 
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64nailhead

Goat Herder
Dec 1, 2014
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He was running a BF Goodrich rain tire (should’ve mentioned.)
 

L92 OLDS

Comic Book Super Hero
Mar 30, 2012
2,872
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113
West Michigan
I have been trying to keep my 85 442 fairly stock appearing, all of the upgrades are in the powertrain and suspension. But I think I have hit the end of the road in that regard.

The fuel injected 383 is just overwhelming the tires at any speed (235 60r15 Cooper Cobras) on the stock Olds SS 15x7 wheels. And it's lower compression because I planned on a blow thru supercharger. But won't touch that until I get better traction. Rear suspension is stock but fresh. New poly body bushings. lowering springs 1" rear 2" front.

The dilemma: do I get those 17x8 Year Old Olds SSII wheels and paint accents accordingly? They don't look bad but from reading on here the largest tire I can get is a 245 or maybe 255 on those rear wheels? Is that right? Would it even be worth it to go from 235s to 245s? Big enough difference? 17x9s are available too, not sure what will fit on there.

Or will it be more sensible to go with some drag radials or something?
You have the same issue that I do. I currently run 245’s in the rear but plan to put some 255’s there. I also have some drag radials for track day but you have to warm them up to get any meaningful traction out of them. The aftermarket used to produce the SSIII’s in 8” and 10” widths. I’d really like to get my hand on a pair of those. As far as I know, there is no one reproducing even the factory 7” rim now. If you have a spare set of rims, hang onto them!!! Personally I can’t stand the look of any aftermarket rim on a 442 or H/O. That would solve the issue but at the expense of appearance.
 
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565bbchevy

Geezer
Aug 8, 2011
9,590
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Michigan
I am not sure if it would be worth the expense but if you really like your factory 15" wheels there are places that can widen them for you.
 
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motorheadmike

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Nov 18, 2009
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So many options:
 
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Texas82GP

Just-a-worm
Apr 3, 2015
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So many options:
Best part....
Screenshot_20211127-094958_Samsung Internet.jpg
 
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motorheadmike

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Nov 18, 2009
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L92 OLDS

Comic Book Super Hero
Mar 30, 2012
2,872
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West Michigan
So many options:
I do like the looks of those but we need to see them on a 442 before deciding. Thanks for that link.
 
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