I own a stock 1985 Fiero GT which currently has 15" Fiero rims from an 1987 Fiero. I understand that a 17" set-up would provide a better overall experience. I also heard that a wider tire and rim on the back is the way to go. I did lots of reading on the forum and would like to pose the following question: What is the best set-up or largest rim and tire size (without altering the car) that I could install on my '85 GT?
TJS
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03:02 PM
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madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
I own a stock 1985 Fiero GT which currently has 15" Fiero rims from an 1987 Fiero. I understand that a 17" set-up would provide a better overall experience. I also heard that a wider tire and rim on the back is the way to go. I did lots of reading on the forum and would like to pose the following question: What is the best set-up or largest rim and tire size (without altering the car) that I could install on my '85 GT?
TJS
W/O rear coil-overs on a 85, you'll be limited using anything taller than a 17" in the rear.
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IMO, it would be best to stagger the rims, especially for the front to prevent the tire from "sticking" out past the lower body. The opposit for the rears, but you'll have issues since you don't have coil-overs.
17x7.5, 35mm off-set using a 235/45/17 on the rear. 17x7, 17x7.5, 38-40mm off-set using a 215/45/17 on the fronts.
W/O rear coil-overs on a 85, you'll be limited using anything taller than a 17" in the rear.
Your technically 'limited' with any rim / tire combo w/o coilovers. However there are lots of 17-19" rims that will fit. You just need to watch out on the offset and tire sizes.
Personally a 17 / 18 combo would look really good.
To keep things simple, keep it around a 35mm offset 7-8" width rims. You need to be particularly picky when it comes to 8-12" wide rims.
Front: 17x7 with a 38mm offset and 215-45-17 tires Rear: 17x7.5 with a 35mm offset and 235-45-17 tires
Is there that much of a difference in the handling with a front offset of 38mm? Should it be 40mm?
Would it be better to have a 17x8 in the rear? Will it fit without coilovers?
DISCLAIMER: OEM RIMS FOR 84-87 ARE 35MM ON ALL CORNERS. Getting a 38mm or 40mm is strickly cosmetic to prevent the front wheel from sticking outside the lower fender. A 40mm is about 1/2" inward vs a 35mm. A 38mm is splitting the two sizes. No coil-over is needed for the fronts. Check the "Rim" thread for examples. The general after-marker sizes for most Fiero owners is 17"
im running 18's all arround with no coil overs, just intrax springs which is near a 2" drop planning on adding rodneys lowering ball joints in the front aswell i just need to raise my intercooler up a tad so it wont scrape
this is an 86 which is ths same as the rest of the 84-87 suspension
Sweet car. Beautiful paint job and rims. What's your set-up on the 18" on the front and rear ... off set, tire size, rim width, etc. Would the rims fit with stock springs? Any rubbing?
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09:17 AM
$Rich$ Member
Posts: 14575 From: Sioux Falls SD Registered: Dec 2002
