wheel size and handling

[sjwilliams]

I am currently finishing up a long restoration project on my 68 Firebird 400. I'm finally getting to the point where the mechanical stuff is done, and I'm just making it look good, new paint done last week, and new wheels soon. Right now it has 14" wheels, and I was thinking of going with 15's or 16's. My question is, will going with 16's instead of 15's actually make a noticeable difference in handling (this is a mostly stock, daily driver, not a race car or anything), or is it just a matter of aesthetics? Thanks for reading my post.

[hotrod_chevyz]

For a true "resto" i would run pontiac wheels. I would go with 15x7 Rally II wheels with PMD caps unless those 14's are original numbers, in wich case i would stick with those. A set of 16 inch aftermarket polished aluminum wheels would be just fine also and allow a lower profile tire to be put on. Probably lighter too.

[MrPbody]

Wheel Vintiques offers Rally IIs (correct for the '68) in 15 x 7 and 15 x 8. IMO, the 15 x 8 is too big, as the wider tire required may rub the fenders inside. We generally recommend a 15 x 7 with a 2.25-70/R15 tire. All 4 at this size, won't hit the body anywhere, and the car WILL respond well. Anything taller might require more body work, not a good thing.

Lower profile tires, while they LOOK real cool, and can help a good-handling car handle better, make the ride much 'harsher", wear out more quickly (less "roll out") and cost more. A 2.25-70/R15 Radial T/A or similar tire will make the old 'bird happy.

The single BEST change you could make for handling, would be to install the steering box from a '77 or '78 T/A with WS-6 package.

Jim
Jim

[sub006]

Good choice, Jim, the BFG Radial T/A is my "go-to" street tire.

And sjw, don't forget HD Moog ball joints, tie rod ends, etc., polygraphite bushings and Koni (my choice) or Bilstein shocks. Does your 400 have a sway bar in the rear? I don't remember, but if not, research, order and install the appropriate size. These mods made my Suburban handle less like an aircraft carrier and more like a destroyer! And yes, it has 255/70 x 15 T/A's on 8" steel rims, 60,000 miles per set.

Grease your new chassis parts with Mobil 1 red synthetic every two or three years and they'll last forever.