someone972

iTrader: (2)

Hello all. Like many, I've come to realize that the 16x8 rims on our cars stock limit our options quite a bit on what brake setups and tire combinations we can use. However, I really like the look of the stock 91+ Firebird Forumla style wheels. To be honest I'm not a huge fan of a lot of the aftermarket wheels I see on these cars. Even though they don't look bad I just really like that stock appearance. So that's led me to investigate getting a set of custom wheels machined in a larger diameter.

I found Augment Wheel Company in Canada (https://www.augmentwheels.com/). I was impressed with the work they've done with custom designs and sent them an email asking how feasible this design should be and they think it should be no problem. I have a cracked wheel which I can send them to get measurements off of if they need. However I'm not sure what diameter, backspacing, and width would be best, which is where you all come in. What I'd like to know is:

1. What diameter would be best? I'm thinking 17" or 18", probably not larger. Are there any popular brake setups which only fit in 18" and not 17? Which one has more tire options, particularly with different widths front to back?
2. What width should I get? I was thinking I'd probably stick with 8" in the front since I already have enough rubbing problems. The back I'm a bit more flexible on and was thinking 10". Ideally it'd be something that would fit in the stock wheel well without having to tub anything. Would 10" fit the bill? I'm planning on getting a new rear end so the axle length is adjustable.
3. What backspacing to use? I assume I should go with stock backspacing on the front and work out what the back should be based on the axle length? Do different brake setups change the required backspacing?

Since they machine each wheel custom, anyone who is also interested in a set should be able to change these dimensions to whatever suits their car, but I'd like some best guesses based on what I outlined above. They aren't cheap, around $3500 for a set of four, so I don't want to get it wrong

paul_huryk

If you are serious, just go for a 18" x 10" wheel and a 275-35-18 tire on all 4 corners and be done with it.

Formula wheels are not the worst in terms of brake clearance (16" won't fit 13" kits), but neither will IROCS or cross lace wheels. I'm sure an 18" with the right pad height would fit just about any 14" brake kit.