built67

Looking at some new shoes for my 67 coupe. Id like to run some Mickey Thompson ET Streets. I cant decide between a 17 inch rim or a 15. If it was 17...i would go 17x9 (5.5 BS) Torque Thrust II with a 275/40/17 Mickey. If it was a 15 I would go with a 15x8 (4.5 BS) Cragar s/s with a 275/60/15 Mickey.

1) Will I have any fitting issues with any of these sizes? Stock ride hight in the back. Brand new 4.5 Leafs, and I have the chrome fender molding on my car also. Fenders are not rolled.

2) Will 17s result in less traction than the 15s due to less sidewall? I remember hearing that due to a smaller sidewaller, the tire is stiffer and has less flex, resulting in less traction. Whereas the 15s has a fat sidewall that can flex nicely.

I need to lay down a big paw print bc a 408 stroker will be going in! Any suggestions, pictures, comments are appreciated.

Thanks!

TRexGAWD

15x8 is a little narrow in my opinion but can be done.. And if you're looking for the best grip go with the 15 and more sidewall.. It wont "drive" as nice when cruising as the 17 would

built67

Thanks TRex...why wont it drive as nice? i thought with the 17s the ride would be harder...i dont know if they make a larger 15" rim than 8...maybe 8.5?

TRexGAWD

To me, nice not only involves comfort but handline ability.. I know that in a classic this isn't exactly sought after as it's not built for handling, but a smaller wheel larger sidewall will handle a bit worse in turns because of the flex.. This is my main reason why I don't drive around with 15x10s on the street.. If handling isn't an issue to you then go for it..

dodgestang

I have run a best of 11.4 in my 65 with a 410 running my old BFG 275 40 17 drag radials. I bought a pair of M/T Drag radials and have had them sitting on the shelf for over a year now....I fully expect to run faster with them than I did with the BFG......which will result in me being kickout since I don't have a 3 point bar in the car. So the question I suppose is....how fast you think you'll be running....because the 17s will be just fine to get into the 11s and look cool while doing it with matching 17s on the front and big shiny disc brakes to stop you better at the end and on the street everyday

I can also state I run a 275 40 17 street tire on my 351w powered 68.....and I do like the look.

built67

oh that makes sense...i can see how the 17s will handle better...but then in a straight line ill just be lighting up the tires bc it wont grip...or is there really not THAT much of a difference between the sidewall of a 275/40/17 and a 275/60/15

built67

dodgestang...im expecting at least 500 hp from this 408w...the rear suspension is 4.5 leafs, calvert drag shocks and cal-tracks...even though this is going to be a street car haha...a 5 speed will be going into it as well...i guess being realistic i can expect low low 11s out of the motor...i saw on your chart that a 17x9 with 5.5 bs on a 275/40/17 will fit even with the chrome fender molding and no rolling so that got me pretty excited...thats a big wheel haha. The low sidewall doesnt hurt you on the street?

TRexGAWD

About 2 inches of sidewall difference.. but like dodgestand said he runs that 17 with no issue.. It all depends on how muhc power you're looking to put down

built67

ive also seen a lot of debate on if 275/60/15 will fit...some say yes and some say no...

built67

that makes sense...im looking to put down high 400s to the wheels