[DanG]

I have 2:73 gears in my 71 and the gears feel a little higher than I would like. I would like to get new wheels and I thought while I was at it, I would get something a little taller which should reduce my gears also. I searched history but it seems everyones questions are how big can I go etc.
I am interested in how tall and wide also but more concerned about lowering the rpm's on the highway. It sounds like if I go with 17" I need to change all my brakes... maybe a 16" with a 65 or 70 height? Would that look bad, backspacing 4"? I don't want to spend $1500 and be unhappy about it.
Thanks

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71-SS-454-4spd
Never say Never
http://hometown.aol.com/ucpglover

 

[Clint44]

Do you have 2.73 or 3.73 gears? If they are 2.73's,I can't imagine wanting taller gearing than that. Most people want shorter gearing than those Bonneville numbers. Nevertheless,you can install a much taller tire than you have now. What size rear tires are you using now?
17" wheels and tires will not require a change in brakes. What gave you that idea? They will allow the installation of larger brake rotors.

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Clint Hooper
ACES #1650
Wichita Falls,Tx
69 El Camino (prostreet soon to be protourer)
]http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint_hooper.htm]
91 Callaway Aerobody ZR-1
ht]http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/members/usazr1/purple-9.jpg]ht

 

[green70]

Clint, I believe he is trying to say that if he changes out his 15" wheels for 17" wheels there is a large gap between the inner circumference on the wheel and the outer circumference of the brackes. It just plain doesnt look good. Wnen was the last time you say 17" Billet wheels and stock 9.5" drums behind them?

 

[Clint44]

Well,I sure wouldn't rush out and buy new brakes.

Worst case,go buy a pair of stainless dust shields/discs that hide those ugly drums. That's what I'm going to do when I install my new 17's on my Elky. Its 9" rear still has drum brakes.

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Clint Hooper
ACES #1650
Wichita Falls,Tx
69 El Camino (prostreet soon to be protourer)
]http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint_hooper.htm]
91 Callaway Aerobody ZR-1
ht]http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/members/usazr1/purple-9.jpg]ht

[This message has been edited by Clint44 (edited 02-04-2003).]

 

[DaleM]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by green70:
Wnen was the last time you say 17" Billet wheels and stock 9.5" drums behind them?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

From this w/drum brakes to this with 13" Baer's. Oh yes, stopping has improved as well

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TC Gold #92/ACES #1709
67 SS & 67 Elky
GR8PMKN

Dale's Place Team 67
Midwest Chevelle Regional Governing Council
Integrity: If you have it, it doesn't matter - If you don't have it, it doesn't matter.

 

[DaleM]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DanG:
I have 2:73 gears in my 71 and the gears feel a little higher than I would like. I would like to get new wheels and I thought while I was at it, I would get something a little taller which should reduce my gears also. I searched history but it seems everyones questions are how big can I go etc.
I am interested in how tall and wide also but more concerned about lowering the rpm's on the highway. It sounds like if I go with 17" I need to change all my brakes... maybe a 16" with a 65 or 70 height? Would that look bad, backspacing 4"? I don't want to spend $1500 and be unhappy about it.
Thanks

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If you know your current tire size, you can go here and compare current wheels/tires with whatever you desire and see the overall rolling difference. Helped me a bunch trying to find the same overall tire diameter when switching from a 15" rim to 17" rim so it wouldn't mess with my speedo.

You won't have to change your brakes with larger wheels but they will look a bit funny with 17" wheels...16" aren't too bad. Clint's suggestion of the dust shields would work.

 

[Clint44]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dale McIntosh:
From this w/drum brakes to this with 13" Baer's. Oh yes, stopping has improved as well

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
There's always a showoff in every bunch.

j/k

 

[DanG]

Sorry guys I meant 3:73

Green is right I am talking about the way it looks only. I'm not sure where you get the dust shields, that might be the way to go until I can afford to do the brake upgrade. What tires you 16" wheel guys running?

[This message has been edited by DanG (edited 02-05-2003).]