i run 255's with my 20's that are 8.5 no rub unless you get people in the back then you better go slow over bumps or indents!

 

I think it would be easier to run 15x8" rims with 245/60-15 tires. I'm trying to maintain the current ride height and really fill the fender wells with rubber, so i'd think those tires would do a good job of that, right?

Does anybody know the offset of the stock wheels? I've heard they were around 45 mm, so running a 50 mm offset should be fine right? Maybe i'll see if I can measure everything.

 

maybe i missed something here, but why are we going down to a 15" anyway?

 

I've always loved the NASCAR 'look'. Plus, the 'NASCAR' rims that i'm getting only come in 15".

Don't get me wrong though, i'm all for 17" & 18" rims, I think they look great with the right tires on our Montes, but I love the look of smaller rims with more rubber on a Monte, compared to a lot of rim and low profile tires. They both look great, but I prefer the more rubber route. [8D]

I guess there are performance benefits as well, but I haven't really looked into that aspect yet. Obviously the wheels are REALLY light, so i'm assuming it takes less energy to move 'em. *Shrugs* Also, i'm going with a wider tire, so braking, acceleration and cornering are probably enhanced a little bit. Again i'm only guessing here. The whole wheel diameter is going to stay about the same though, there's only about a .04" difference between the new set up and stock.

 

This is what it looks like

http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/b...yan-car003.jpg

 

Kent, your Monte looks awesome! I really love the look of the biggerwheels and tires on it. Looks ready for some off-roading action, just kidding!

Now, you're positive that i'll need a spacer to clear the front brakes? Keep in mind i'm probably not going with the 10"wheels just for ease of installation, but do you figure it's the same for ALL 15" wheels?

 

It doesn't sound like body clearances have changed much in the Monte over the last 30 years. I've got a '72 that sits pretty on 15X8 Corvette rallyes from a '68. I squeezed 255/60R15's on the rear, and 245/60R15's on the front. No problem with the fronts, but had to take an angle grinder to the rear wells after I sliced my sidewalls flying over some train tracks. If you take your time and can draw a straight line, you just have to shave up to an inch off the quarter's lip.
I think the rallyes have 4" backspacing, and the NASCAR look will outlive the bling.

 

The spacers will probably depend on the shape of the rim and the off set, 15 inches is enough to clear the brakes but i had a problem because the shape of the wheel was hitting the outside of the caliper. It would be best to test the rim by just placing it on the wheel studs in different positions ans rotating it a little just to be sure. I guess if your ordering them new this may not be possible... you may want to call the manufacturer, they build the wheels and could prolly give you some insight on how it may function with your vehicle

 

Hey Kent, do you know the size of the spacer you used, and the backspacing of the wheel? I contacted Bassett a few days ago, but they still haven't replied to me, yet. If your offset was 2", and you used a 1" spacer, getting a 3" backspacing would eliminate the need for a spacer (in theory) correct? Thanks.

 

from doing a little research its going to depend on the space of the wheel. I looked up my wheels on the american racing site, and if they were properlly ordered for the 88 camaro they were on the backspacing is 3.75 in. A perfect fit monte rime on american racings site lists a 5.625in back spacing. The spacer i used either 1/2 or 3/8, but def under an inch. the 15 is plenty to clear the outside of the caliper, just that the assebly is designed to have a rim like this (--- to provide room. I also had the agx struts expressed to me and they should be on in a day or two!!