Thinking about rims for my 'Bird

[r_simmonds]

I've spent countless hours staring at my car and searching online for wheels that suit me. I had originally wanted some of SLP's Firehawk wheels. But, now that they're out of production, fat chance of finding a set.

Another option I've considered are some C5 ZO6 style wheels. If I go this route, I'll prolly go with the factory charcoal color, or maybe get a set of replica style ones and refinish them in full black.

I've also considered some of the WS6 style wheels. If I go that way, I'll prolly get some of the Collector's Edition style.

The Speedlines are the last one I've considered. And if I would use those, I'd prolly have them refinished in gloss black.

Anyways, I was hoping I could get some input on these ideas, just to see what some other people thought.

[FrankyZ]

Re: Thinking about rims for my 'Bird

I like the C5 Z06 style its what i would like to get for my car unless i come across a smoking deal for a set of WS6 style. I have found you can get repilcas of the Z06 from ebay pretty cheap.

[Sean_99_3.8]

Re: Thinking about rims for my 'Bird

Get some C6
Bird+c6=:eek:

[r_simmonds]

Re: Thinking about rims for my 'Bird

I had considered 17 inch C6 ZO6 wheels for a minute. But, I think I may get a set in silver for the GTO instead. I was just never that big on the way the standard C6 rims look on an F-body. And the 17 inch C6 ZO6 style look nice, but just don't have what I'm looking for appearance wise for the 'Bird.

I kinda want something that has factory aesthetics to them. But, at the same time, I want something that will make the car look more aggressive. Something to bring the shoulders of the tires closer to the outside of the fenderwell, giving it the appearance of a much wider stance.

Basically what it boils down to, is that I want the car to have a racier look, but still keep it clean. Kind of like a factory equipped package, like the Firebird GT's that came with the Speedline rims.

Not too many people around here know much about the F-bodies (unfortunately I'm stuck in a town full of Mustang fanatics). But it does present the opporunity to build the car up, and make people wonder what it is. The Y87 moniker (whenever I can get some) on the rear bumper should raise some questions. That along with all of the modifications that I'm working towards, should definitely make for alot of fun around here.

But anyways, back on topic. The whole point of me looking into some of the other factory style rims from GM is the fact that when done correctly, they should give it some style that's not too gaudy, but not quite subtle. And the reason I'm considering black, is that I've started to trim alot of stuff in black. An example, I bought a used set of T/A cast aluminum exhaust tips and had them powdercoated in textered black, and I plan on doing the same with alot of the underhood components when I get into the engine build.

[stevethepirate]

Re: Thinking about rims for my 'Bird

price range?

[Smoke Panther]

Re: Thinking about rims for my 'Bird

The Speedlines are the last one I've considered. And if I would use those, I'd prolly have them refinished in gloss black.

Basically what it boils down to, is that I want the car to have a racier look, but still keep it clean. Kind of like a factory equipped package, like the Firebird GT's that came with the Speedline rims.

then how 'bout you get some speedlines..

I kinda want something that has factory aesthetics to them. But, at the same time, I want something that will make the car look more aggressive. Something to bring the shoulders of the tires closer to the outside of the fenderwell, giving it the appearance of a much wider stance.

There's no "giving it the appearance of a much wider stance," you either got it or you don't. The width of the tire is determined by the width of the wheel, and width of 17" wheels come (generally) in 5 varieties: 9", 9.5", 10", 10.5", and 11"

[r_simmonds]

Re: Thinking about rims for my 'Bird

The Speedlines are the last rim I would consider. What I was referring to by the GT's having the Speedlines wasn't so much that I like the look of the rims themselves, but rather how they used the rims from a much higher level car on the GT. Kind of like how the Camaro's got the Corvette ZR1 style rims if you ordered certain upgrade packages.

And perhaps better wording would have been a good idea when I said that about the wider stance. What I meant was the aggressive appearance that comes with a wider stance.

And not to sound cocky, but I know about how the section width would relate to the rim width. I've already figured that if I go with the ZO6 rims, the correct tires would need to be somewhere around a 275/35R18 for the 18x10.5 rears and either a 245/40R18 for an 18x9.5 inch front or a 245/40R17 for a 17x9.5 inch front. I have a feeling that standard Corvette offset rims that are 10.5 inches wide would have rubbing issues on the rear, just as the 9.5 inch fronts may also. I haven't really looked into it. Anyone have input on that? I'm sure someone around here has tried it before. If I have to I'll just buy one of those tools that helps you figure out if a certain wheel/tire combo can fit under your car.

[r_simmonds]

Re: Thinking about rims for my 'Bird

I haven't set a price range yet. I just don't want to pay an ungodly figure for a set of rims. Although, if price were no object, I wouldn't be asking advice, as I'd have already bought a set of the Corvette's magnesium wheels(nice way to shave a few pounds, not really worth the cost though):) :drool:. Once I figure out which wheelset I really want to get though, then I'll factor in the extra costs and work towards saving the money for them.

[Bird_Of_Prey]

Re: Thinking about rims for my 'Bird

I paid $400 for my magnesium wheels off ebay for my C5 Coupe. Gotta look around and be patient.

[stevethepirate]

Re: Thinking about rims for my 'Bird

i suggest just looking on ls1tech. Bunch of people over there have too much money for their own good, so they change rims a lot. some nice rims go up for good prices over there.