Im getting a set of Baer Track brakes for all four wheels, and also getting a complete set of 1" lowering springs, I decided to go with 18x9.5 wheels all around with 275/40/18 or 275/35/18 tires does this sound like a proper set up? I don't want the wheels to extend beyond the fender wells or the 1" lowering springs to interfere with the wheels, I have a 1995 Z28 with stock wheel set up, any and all opinions are welcome.

 

275/35/18 would be perfect thats what I have. If I had to do it again though I would go bigger in the rear either 18x10.5 or 19x10.5.

 

Oh also in regards to the brakes if I were you I would get an LS1 brake conversion. Its only like $250 and it would save you a ton of money over the Baer track and perform almost the same.

 

Go with 275/35/18s. Thats what I'm going to use with my 18x9.5 Z06s. Just make sure you go with the right offset and backspacing to avoid the wheel sticking out or being tucked in too far and you'll be fine. LS1 brake conversion seems popular. In mag tests, the LT1 brakes put up better numbers (shorter stopping distances than LS1s). So I decided to not go that route and wanted better brakes but not at a Baer or Wilwood price. Hence, I bought C5 brake adaptor brackets. The same work needs to be done to fit the C5s as the Baers I believe plus all that is required is genuine GM parts in addition to the C5 adaptor brackets. Cant wait to install my Vette brakes in a few months.

 

all i want in brakes at this point is bigger disks. They look like **** behind the "big" 18's

 

Instad of investing in the Baer kit, look at the Wilwood. 6 piston caliper fronts, and for what you get a bargain compared to a comprable kit like Baer. My cousin had them on his 2000 SS and the 4 pistomn rear set up. The only limiting factor in stopping was his tires. The faster the speeds, the better the car did. Frickin' outstanding. LG carries the kits.

 

I find it hard to believe that the LT1 brakes outperformed the LS1 brakes. The LS1 brakes have dual pistons compared to the LT1s single piston, larger rotors and more pad contact area. All other things being equal (tires, pad type, etc) I would bet the LS1 brakes stop better. Do you have a link to these tests?

 

I'm sure the articles can be found on Motor Trend, Car and Driver and the other publications' websites. There are multi-page discussions on it here on the board. Some in LT1 tech and the best one being in the Advanced Tech section. I believe that the LS1 setup should be better, but not by much.

 

How can I tell what the right off set and back spacing is for my car?, sorry im new at this modifying stuff.

 

For our cars, the "right" offset and backspacing is 56mm for the offset and 7.5" for the backspacing. Granted that on modified cars or depending on application, other combos may be more appropriate. But in most cases and mine, those are the values that are needed for 4th gen offset and backspace. I'm not really and expert at all. All I know is that is what I needed to order my Z06s in and what fits properly according to AFS and what I've learned on this board. Perhaps if needed, someone can explain better.