I know this question has been asked time and time again. I'm having a hard time getting a straight answer though. I looking to purchase new wheels and tires for my ride. I think I'm straight on the fronts. I was thinking 15x4 with 3" back spacing running 24-4.5-15 M/T ET Fronts. The backs are the question of the hour. I want to fit the fattest slick 28" tall onto the car without cutting anything. The suspension is all stock. What I want to do is purchase one set of front wheels and two sets of rear. I want to put slicks on one set and street tires on the other. If I get 15x10 5.5" back spacing would I be able to put a 295-60-15 or bigger on the back? How about for the slick? How big of a slick could I safely put on those rims. Also, does anyone have any suggestions for rims? I'm not very picky. I just want it to look good. Thanks for all your help.

Chuck,

IMO I think your front tires should be in the 25-26 range. Also I would consider a radial tire setup if the car is more street than strip.
I think you could also run a little wider wheel on the front for drivability less chance of wheel damage. The local tire guys told me 5 inch or wider on the street. Of course disreagrd all of the above if it is more track car than street car.
For the rear I have seen a 12.0 slick be about the widest on a 10 inch rim fit with no alterations you might want a tall tire (29-30) because of your steep gears. I also think the 295/60 would work for you for the street.
My 68 has 205/75s upfront and 305/50s in the rear for the street 15x7 and 15x10 draglites. At the track I run 28x10.5s on 15x10 draglites (no tubes). Wheel choice is up to the owner and I like the draglites.
Track pic:
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/ACE841/IM000097.jpg

street tire pic:
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/ACE841/jeffss2a.jpg

Thanks Jeff! This is all good info. The car is going to be more strip than street when I'm done. I'm rebuilding the engine to turbo specs and I'm going to install a twin turbo setup. I'll just be cruising it around town every so often. What back spacing are you using? 5.5"? Do you use the same back spacing for the slicks?
BTW nice ride and I like the wheels.

Thanks!!

Jeff,

where did you get those 305/50's?

The 15x10s are 5.5 BS. I got the 305/50s through www.tirerack.com (http://www.tirerack.com) but it was a couple of years ago and the tire is now discontinued. More than likely I will be going to the 295/65 if ever need to buy tires. I forgot to mention my 305s do rub slightly on the wheel well lip with passengers. Rarely do I have any passengers and the rub just takes off the tire dressing so I have a black goo to clean off the wheel well lip. I just bought a set of IROC wheels with 295/50s and I might try those tires on my TT IIs that were on my 69 Camaro that are just taking up space right now. Probably be summer before I get to that since I am busy with my 70 getting it on the road by spring. It will be running on 33x19.50s :D