[ewinter81]

Hi everybody, literally just created my account and figured I'd give posting a question a shot. Anyway, I've got a 1997 Firebird Formula, with 16" wheels and 245/50/16 tires. I wanted to hear a few recommendations on upgrading my wheels and tires as far as what will fit and what is practical. This is my daily driver so I don't wanna go too insane, looking to avoid "hammering of the inner fenders.." for example. Will probably end up installing a suspension kit sometime in the future if that helps. Thanks!

 

[sea dog]

No tire & wheel advice, but welcome to the forum.

 

[Injuneer]

Welcome to Firebird Nation!!

There is not much available in 16" tires. Best bet is to move up to 17's like the WS6 coupes came with (17x9.0" 50mm offset).

Even some of the 17" tires are getting harder to find in the recommended sizes.

For same size wheel/tire on all four corners, 17x9.5" with an offset in the range of 45-56mm will work. Run 275/40-17 tires, and the outside diameter will match your current tires, so no problems with speedometer/odometer calibration.

For a wider wheel in the back, consider a 17x10.5" 45-55mm offset, or 17x11.0" 45-50mm offset wheel. The 11" wide wheel can cause interferences on the inner side of the wheel/tire, and places the outside edge of a 315/35-17 tire just under the outer edge of the fender, looking straight down from above. You could fit the same tire on the 10.5" wide 50mm offset wheel with no issues.

You can also use an 18" wheel, same offsets and widths mentioned above. Tire size would be 285/35-18 for the 9.5" wide wheel, and the same of a 305/35-18 on the wider wheels.

I'll add some pictures in the next post.

 

[Injuneer]

17x9.5" 49mm offset OZ Monte Carlo wheels, with 275/40-17 tires:

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/gallery/image/44201-17x95-49mm-offset-oz-monte-carlo-wheels/

17x9.5" 56mm Corvette ZR1/GS (replica wheels in front, with 275/40-17 tires.

17x11.0" 50mm Corvette ZR1/GS (replica) wheels in the back, with 315/35-17 tires

Need to add to the above, the outside diameter of the 315/35-17 tire also matches your stock tires, so no speedo/odo issues.

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums/gallery/image/42722-zr1gs-wheels-17x95-17x110/

 

[ewinter81]

Oh sweet man thank you! Sorry for the late reply, figured I'd get an email or something. Both styles look sick, but I think I may be leaning towards the Corvette ZR1/GS (replica) wheels; however, I'll probably end up going with a 17x10.5 in the back just for good measure. Thanks again!

 

[BlackAngel]

I have a 97 Trans Am with the original wheels that have only 500 miles.

When I asked my son who is a mercedes amg technician to find me a new set he stated the following :BF Goodrich G=Force Sport Comp-2

Ultra High Performance Summer Size 245/50ZR16 97 W Blackwall style, cost about $118 from TireRack.com

Will those work for you?