New wheels for the Impala. Any ideas?

[Scott Liggett]

A friend has a Jag XJS coupe he's parting out. It has 17x9.5 wheels from a 2000 era Camaro SS. They have like 2 1/2" spacers on them. I believe I'd have to use such spacers to get late model car wheels on the car. They don't usually look right when done, not to mention I worry about the safety of putting real stress on wheels that are attached spacers when side load is presented.

[Blazerteam]

A friend has a Jag XJS coupe he's parting out. It has 17x9.5 wheels from a 2000 era Camaro SS. They have like 2 1/2" spacers on them. I believe I'd have to use such spacers to get late model car wheels on the car. They don't usually look right when done, not to mention I worry about the safety of putting real stress on wheels that are attached spacers when side load is presented.

I have tried out spacers..they work fine on the track..havent used slicks though..but i like wheels that looks wide on old cars..straight wheels look tall for old cars..

[SSChevyManiac]

I agree on the mini lite style wheels. Just remember how badder asser the Penske Camaros looked with them.

[64casteel]

I know you said you dont like the torq thrust but these wheels have been on the car since 07. But i just wanted to point out that the big cars need a big wheel. These are 18 by 8 on the front and 20 by 9 on the back. I know your impala has a different stance because My belair is bagged, but bigger wheels fill up that big wheel well and make the car look lower and have a better stance.

[yellomalibu]

Looks like style (aesthetics) won't have much to do with what you choose.

Oh well.

Ha! I love it when Jim gets all smart alecky!


I was thinking earlier, after spending some time looking for/at wheels - Wheel choice is pretty personal. Asking others for suggestions about wheels is like asking someone to help you select your favorite color... It's possible they can show you a color you hadn't considered, but in the end it boils down to what looks good to you.

...but to give the other guy some credit - Scott is looking for more performance, not just looks - so strength and weight probably will be part of his selection process.

[Scott Liggett]

Ha! I love it when Jim gets all smart alecky!


I was thinking earlier, after spending some time looking for/at wheels - Wheel choice is pretty personal. Asking others for suggestions about wheels is like asking someone to help you select your favorite color... It's possible they can show you a color you hadn't considered, but in the end it boils down to what looks good to you.

...but to give the other guy some credit - Scott is looking for more performance, not just looks - so strength and weight probably will be part of his selection process.

If I could get decent tires that grip in 15's, I would. They just don't make them in a size for my car. I would widen my Cragars 10" wide if I could get tires that have some grip.

The only tires in 15" that I found that grip are 305/35/15's Pirelli's . They put them on the back of Lambo's and wide body Porsches in the 80's. They remake about 500 sets a year for guys who own those cars. $500 each. YIKES!!

Autocross competitions require a 200 tread wear rating, so buying 15" racing slicks for those days is out too.


Yes, I am of my own mind and I will decide what I think is best for my car and my wallet. But, I am looking for ideas from others. I value opinions of most people here.

[Brian Lohnes]

Yello, you nailed it right on. Wheels are a really personal decision for a car owner. I also dig when Jim goes rogue...the man's tastes are unshakable and I certainly respect that about him.

Scott, we all know you want to lift that bitch and put some huge 26" hoops on it. Come clean man, it is cool. We're all pals here.

[Caveman Tony]

Scott, I tried some 15x10s on my '65 Impala a few years ago, and ran into some TIGHT clearance issues with the front of the fender, just aft of the bumper. Its got a weird curl back that looks great, but crowds the outer edge of the tire/rim.

x100 on the mini-lites....

Although, this is definitely what I'm partial to... Murder it out, baby...


http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PC...R2-5/?rtype=10

[BOOOGHAR]

[Scott Liggett]

Yello, you nailed it right on. Wheels are a really personal decision for a car owner. I also dig when Jim goes rogue...the man's tastes are unshakable and I certainly respect that about him.

Scott, we all know you want to lift that bitch and put some huge 26" hoops on it. Come clean man, it is cool. We're all pals here.

Why measely little 26"ers? Go for the big show and get 30's.