Wheels with bigger hubs

[downinit25i]

I've found the wheels that I want but they have 3.30" hub circles while my car is around 2.8" (I think, I know my hub is smaller by a good amount). I sthere an easy swap for the hub, or am I better off spending my time finding some hub centric rings that are the right size? It seems like the rings are just all around the easiest way to go if I can find some metal ones. The plastic deals just make me nervous.

The wheels are going to be Cragar 15x7 black D windows with 3.5" backspacing, btw. I thought about 15x8 but I want to see these on the car first. It will be a good change from the stock 14x6's.

 

[khan0165]

Hey downinit

I am using the white versions of these wheels for my slicks. Yes, the hub circle is too large, however the lug holes have a "conical seat". In english, that just means the wheels have a proper 30degree seat for the lug nuts. So get youself some conical lug nuts, and you'll be fine. Because the hub is larger, I would avoid using large spacers (anything bigger than 1" spacer will require you to beef up your studs). Other than that, you have nothing to worry about.

On another note... why do you want to use 15x7? Why not go 15x8 for the rear?
I am using 15x8s. The reason I had to use the white ones is because they do not go smaller than 4" backspacing with the black D Windows on 8" wide rims.

here is a picture of mine...

The one thing I don't like about mine is that they are VERY heavy! They're made from really beefy steel, and it just weighs a ton.

 

[downinit25i]

The plan is not to use any spacers. I may yet go 15x8 in the rear, they do look pretty beefy. I figured adding 1.25" to the outside of the wheel would just about do what I wanted to, and I figured keeping it balanced wouldn't be bad either and I cuold rotate tires. I plan to mostyl drive, not drag. Do you have a shot of your car from behind?

I hear you on the weight. I had a line on a set of draglites at half the weight and the same price but the guy never followed through for me.

 

[khan0165]

these slicks are too wide. From sidewall to sidewall, they are almost 13" wide, and rub my frame without small spacers. I got them for an amazing deal, so I won't complain. They are 27x10.5-15, but I'll probably go for 28x9-15 next time I buy slicks.

here's a shot of my normal tires on 8"wide rims, I run them on 16x8 IROC wheels with 245/50R16 tires all around. Although, I would like some skinnier tires in front for a more staggered look.

 

[khan0165]

for your 15x8s, I would recommend 255/60R15 for the rears. You COULD go up to 275/60R15, but that may be excessive for street use.

If you're doing 15x7s, I would recommend 245/60R15 for the rears.

Or, if you plan to have balanced, for rotation, you should do 225/65R15 all round

 

[downinit25i]

How did the handling change when you guy went to bigger tires or different sizes front and rear?

 

[khan0165]

Well, I bought the car with IROC wheels on it, and I have not driven another G-body before... So I honestly can't say 100%... But my suspension is stock, and the wheels/tires and rear sway bar are the only additions to handling it has.

I have very good BFG KDW tires in front, and the wide 245/50R16 makes a world of improvement in front end handling. However, the car does wander slightly on a bumpy road, because the grippy tires follow the contours of the road. I am telling you this because I once read a HotRod article that explained this phenomenon on a GM A-body, where someone who went to wider front tires experienced slight wandering. This was solved by a alignment adjustment, with slightly modified camber, caster, and toe-in. I don't know if this applies to G-bodies, but it may explain what is happening to my car, or my steering pump needs a replacement... I have also not heard any complaints from anyone.

The rear 245/50R16s are plenty for street use. Although, I do at times wish I had wider tires in the rear. These 16" rims and 50 series tires have made a huge improvement over 14" with 70 series tires. You'll feel a much firmer ride and more confidence in the corners. I borrowed a set of 215/60R14s from a friend once, and the car felt like it's knees had been turned to jello... it was a world of difference.