Smokin' 6 Shooter
Semi-New Member
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2013
Been doing lots of research here and on other sites to see what will work best for my application. Wheel design, stance, driving style, etc. is a matter of taste so I'll try not to bore you with mine. However, the laws of physics apply and numbers do matter so I recognize there are limits to the size(s) I can stuff under my ride. Other self-imposed parameters:
1) No notch or lip roll. Essentially a bone-stock '87 GN, its future monetary value is in keeping it that way. Present fun value will be subservient to reversible modifications.
2) No racing. Apart from storming freeway onramps or spirited passing maneuvers, I have no desire to enrich my city's coffers via citations. Track time sounds appealing but I'm more about Slowin' & Showin' so onlookers can admire the Regal's clean lines. Keeping up its street cred I leave to the rest of you.
3) Period appropriate. While reading and getting excited about its potential back in the '80s, I had GNX-sized dreams of out-doing Buick's engineering. But I could barely afford a used GN and had other life and career aspirations beyond performance cars. Fast-forward to now and maturity brings a more nostalgic view. The largest factory performance wheels GM offered at that time (17") came on the 1988 Corvette so, in keeping with the era, I will let that temper my ambitions.
4) Available rubber. Back in the day, the GNX's 255/50-16 rears were considered "steamrollers." How times change and, to my recent discovery, 16" sizes are dwindling. 15's seem to hold due to the classic muscle market while 17's are now the more common (and inexpensive) 'new normal' for larger options.
Given the above (scarcity of 16's notwithstanding), I'm going for a staggered set up:
16x8.0 (front) 245/45-16 (alt: 245/50-16, 225/55-16, 225/50-16)
17x9.5 (rear) 275/40-17 (alt: 275/45-17, 285/40-17)
A few others here adopted this approach and, observing that the Regal profile grows 'thicker' toward the rear, larger wheels look proportionately more accurate. Its a subtle effect to be sure but one that feels appropriate (to me anyway).
My first choice will put the rear diameter at 25.7" and the front at 24.7" which (I assume) will create a slightly more aggressive rake on a stock suspension. Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems many folks here run these wheel/tire widths in non-modded wells without rubbing issues. I hope to also have success but, just to be sure, will invest in a Percy's Wheel Rite tool to verify correct back spacing and clearances.
Am I missing something? I welcome input from all, congratulatory, constructive, critical or otherwise. I'm here to learn and willing to take lumps and/or lauds with equal enthusiasm.
Thank you...
1) No notch or lip roll. Essentially a bone-stock '87 GN, its future monetary value is in keeping it that way. Present fun value will be subservient to reversible modifications.
2) No racing. Apart from storming freeway onramps or spirited passing maneuvers, I have no desire to enrich my city's coffers via citations. Track time sounds appealing but I'm more about Slowin' & Showin' so onlookers can admire the Regal's clean lines. Keeping up its street cred I leave to the rest of you.
3) Period appropriate. While reading and getting excited about its potential back in the '80s, I had GNX-sized dreams of out-doing Buick's engineering. But I could barely afford a used GN and had other life and career aspirations beyond performance cars. Fast-forward to now and maturity brings a more nostalgic view. The largest factory performance wheels GM offered at that time (17") came on the 1988 Corvette so, in keeping with the era, I will let that temper my ambitions.
4) Available rubber. Back in the day, the GNX's 255/50-16 rears were considered "steamrollers." How times change and, to my recent discovery, 16" sizes are dwindling. 15's seem to hold due to the classic muscle market while 17's are now the more common (and inexpensive) 'new normal' for larger options.
Given the above (scarcity of 16's notwithstanding), I'm going for a staggered set up:
16x8.0 (front) 245/45-16 (alt: 245/50-16, 225/55-16, 225/50-16)
17x9.5 (rear) 275/40-17 (alt: 275/45-17, 285/40-17)
A few others here adopted this approach and, observing that the Regal profile grows 'thicker' toward the rear, larger wheels look proportionately more accurate. Its a subtle effect to be sure but one that feels appropriate (to me anyway).
My first choice will put the rear diameter at 25.7" and the front at 24.7" which (I assume) will create a slightly more aggressive rake on a stock suspension. Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems many folks here run these wheel/tire widths in non-modded wells without rubbing issues. I hope to also have success but, just to be sure, will invest in a Percy's Wheel Rite tool to verify correct back spacing and clearances.
Am I missing something? I welcome input from all, congratulatory, constructive, critical or otherwise. I'm here to learn and willing to take lumps and/or lauds with equal enthusiasm.
Thank you...
