bqman

If I want to put thicker tires on my '96 camaro z28 (275-315)mm, do I need to get a bigger wheel (ie. 17-18)"?

Right now I have stock 16" wheels that hold 245mm tires. I was told I can go as high as 275mm but it would be a tight fit and the tires may look like they are bulging out of the rims.

I've also heard people buying corvette wheels and then having problems fitting them on a camaro, something to do with the studs not lining up properly.

So, if I want to go with thicker tires, do I need a larger wheel, and what size should I be looking for? What other problems incur with changing the wheel size (speedometer, fitting, steering, etc.)?

JakeRobb

You need to go to a wider wheel. Your stock 16" wheels are 8" wide. 275s should be on a 9" wide wheel, and 315s should be on an 11" wide wheel.

The easiest wheel and tire combinations to find and fit are 275/40/17 on a 17x9" wheel and 315/35/17 on a 17x11" wheel. Unless you want to do some modifications or tolerate rubbing when you steer to full lock, don't go any wider than 275 in front.

bqman

So with 315's in the front, I'm definetly going have to do some wheel well modifications. Do you know the stud configuration on a '96 z28?

JakeRobb

It's 5x4.75" on all 4th gen F-bodies, including yours. I think it might be that on all F-bodies ever.

315s up front is a popular config with the autocross guys. I don't know what modifications are necessary, and I've heard that on a small percentage of cars, it fits just fine with no modifications. You might try searching this section, the Autocross and Road Racing section of this board, or the F-body Road Racing and Autocross forum -- those people can probably help you figure it out.

Just out of curiosity, do you plan on autocrossing or road racing? If not, why so wide in front?

bqman

Right now I just want to drag race and drive on the road. Maybe eventually I'll get into circuit racing when I get more experienced. Just starting off in racing, this is my first race car.

For now, I'm just wondering about the possibility of 315's in the front for mere looks only. I saw a viper with 315's and it looked so hot I thought (not made my mind to actually do it) but just wanted to see if it's even possible.

yy

315's in the front are possible, but does not look right on 4th gens. The Viper is a totally different car made to accept wheels that size whereas the 4th gens look best with a 275 with 285 being the max. Register with LS1.com and contact a moderator there who goes by the screen name EugenioSS as he has 315's in the front on his 4th gen SS. IMO, our cars look best with 275's or 285's in the front and 315's in the rear.

JakeRobb

I have 275s all around on my car, and I think it looks great.

bqman

I was going to go with 275's in the front and 315's in the back with the wheel and tire bigger in the back to give it the muscle car look (raised in the back, lowered in the front). Then a thought occurred to me, how am I going to rotate tires, I will have to replace them all. So I'll probably just do, 275 all around. Is there a noticable difference between 245 and 275?

JakeRobb

Yep, both visually and in grip.

Note that tire choice makes an even bigger difference on grip. I went from a high-end summer-only 245 to a low-end all-season 275 (budget restrictions... I'll upgrade later), and grip is roughly the same. Also, my 275s tramline like mad.

Basically, what I'm saying is don't skimp on tires.