16x8 wheels and lowering

[pwmin]

i couldnt find an answer in the search for my question. my 96 has the 16x6.5 wheels and i lowered the front with st coils and im going to lower the rear with the flex-a-form monoleaf. what tire size should i get for the 16x8 cross-lace wheels so that they dont rub because of the width or height? i was told by someone that i should run 235-50's. is this a good suggestion? also, i measured the front and rear gaps from the ground and the front sits 3 inches lower than the rear (measured on flat concrete), so there is about a -1/2 inch gap in the front with the stock tires (225-60's, which rub) and a 2 1/2 inch gap in the rear (B4U of course)

[robby1870]

Well, TGPs got 245/I forgot the profile/16s, on 16x8s. So, I would find out what the profile on the TGP tires were. But, with your lowering, 235/50 might be the way to go

[Lyle's GTP]

Hey, the 225-60's are the stock size tire. They have been for like 10+ years now. These cars have been known for rubbing on the front, I think it is the rack that wears out. As far as rims go I think the stock 16" rim is a 6.5. So unless you are going to go for a wider tread, 225-60's are your best bet. Going wider will only make the rubbing worse.

Lyle

[Gemmer]

I have the 16x8s and I run 245/50s with no problem...but Im not lowered

[pepsi_coke]

The crosslace 16s (16x8s) .. which was stock on earlier GTPs (TGPs and 91-93 Prixs had em, option on SEs) the stock tire WAS 245/50/16 .. Lyle.. you have a 94 with 5 spoke wheels (guessing) which werent as wider of a rim .. 225/60s were stock on those!

[Lyle's GTP]

I believe that only the TGP had the 245's and from 91 - Present GTP's had 225's. With the exception of a couple limited editions which had 17's. It would be a stretch but you should be able to mount 225's on an 8 inch rim.

Lyle

[blk92z34getrag]

You can fit 245/50-16 on ANY W-body from the very beginning to present with no problems.

They are the same diameter as my 245/45-17. I have lowered my front end with ST spring with NO rubbing problems at all. I believe I talked to Dave (Dykz34) a long time ago and he said doesn't have problems either. He has 245/40-18 (same diameter) and same lowered front end, with FFP coils rear and he said only rubbing problems are when you have the rear coil-overs set WAY low.

You won't have any problems with 245/50-16's and any lowering. I don't guarentee it, but I'm pretty sure you won't.

And Lyle what are you talking about no GP ever came with 17's. Not untill the present GP GTP Comp. G. came out. The only wheels offered on GP's were 15x6 steelies, 16x6.5 (some wacko crap Pontiac design), 16x7 5-spokes, and 16x8 crosslace, on which were mounted 245/50-16.

Also, I thought W-bodies changed to rear coils in 95?

[Lyle's GTP]

OK here it is. I saw one of these here in Edmonton a couple years ago on sale at Don Wheaton Pontiac. Straight from the factory, Pontiac Grand Prix 40th Anniversary Limited Edition, complete with 17" wheels. I was rare indeed, but still existed.

http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicles/47345/

Lyle

[pwmin]

thanks for the help. just to reiterate, i have the front lowered with the st springs now and the stock 225-60/16's rub when i hit bumps, not under normal driving (with 16x6.5's) and i want to put 16x8 crosslaces on for cheap price and for autocrossing. so, 245-50/16's should not rub, correct?

[Lyle's GTP]

Hey guys here is wicked tire size calculator to figure this out.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Lyle

[blk92z34getrag]

That's odd, I have no rubbing problems with rubbing, even on really steep bumps that almost bottom out the suspension. I didn't with my 225/60-16's either.

You should be able to run 245/50-16's. They are like 1/2 inch shorter I believe.

[pwmin]

for some reason, my front is like three inches lower than my rear and i cant see the top of the front tire from a direct side view of the car, i have to kinda look up underneath the wheel well to see it.

here is a good tire size calculator

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/brochure/info/tmpInfoTireMath.jsp

[Jon89LE]

Oh the GPs lowering the car with the 225/60 tires will rub on the fender flare. I have a practically brand new set of BFG Traction T/As in that size since they dont work with my GP lowered on the front.