Drag radial/tire and Wheel recommendation for 68-72 Nova

**JRSully** · #1 03-21-2021, 07:30 PM

Looking for a recommendation on a Wheel and Drag Radial/Track tire combo that will fit comfortably in the tight wheel well of a 68-72 Nova. Seems like a 15x8 Vette ralle with a 25-26 high x 9-10" max width would work.? Just looking to get the car to comply with Track reg's, not looking for a Funny car run. Thx

**L78_Nova** · #2 03-22-2021, 01:22 PM

8 inch rally will put the outside of the tire into the fender lip unless the back is up in the rear.

**ls6owner** · #3 03-22-2021, 02:59 PM

As an example, I just installed the following. 17 x 7 with 4" BS, 0 offset with 255/45/R17 on my son's stock 1970 Nova SS. The tires are 26.06" high and have a section width of 10.04". It's close to the fender lip, but won't rub as I can fit my fingertip in between. Quite a bit of room on the inside but the only way to go bigger would be with less offset to pull the tire/wheel in. I test fit an 8" Corvette Rally wheel with no tire during the tire /rim decision stage and I was concerned that it was very close to the shock mount. Without a tire on it I couldn't test the fit against the fender lip, but with about 4 1/2 inches of backspace, IIRC, the tire would have to end up right against the fender.

The 17's moved the inner lip below the shock mount which helped too but the 8" Rally would have fit on the inside, just close. I'm not promoting the bigger size as I voted for 15's but our son wanted bigger. I think it turned out looking very nice. A pic is attached.
Hope this helps.
Oliver

**Too Many Projects** · #4 03-22-2021, 09:23 PM

I have 15X7 corvette rally wheels on my '67 Camaro with 255/60x15 tires. They have a decent amount of room to the fender, but are close to the inner wheel house and do rub going up a slanted driveway at an angle. Other than that, I've never noticed them rubbing during normal driving.

I see you have 3.55 gears. Hopefully you have an M20 4 speed. A 7-8" drag radial may be all you want for traction, as the engine may bog on launch with a wider tire and solid bite. I raced a '70 SS Chevelle, LS5 and then 6 during the 70's with 3.73 gears and the M22 with 8" wrinkle walls and the bog was terrible. I had to run 10 lbs of air and let them spin off the line to keep the rpm at 3,000 during launch.

**JRSully** · #5 03-22-2021, 09:56 PM

Thx for all the input, I guess a 15x7 GM wheel might be a better wheel choice.? staying with a 26 x 9.5/10 tread width. Appears 15x8 will be too tight. I actually have 3:73's in the car now and may be going to 4:10's very shortly with an M21. Thx again

ban617 · #6 03-23-2021, 10:43 AM

I have had 8” wheels on mine with I believe 4.5” or 5” backspace with 30X9 Hoosiers ... As far as a drag radial if the track is prepped for it I would go with a Pro 275 Mt ...

NorCam · #7 03-23-2021, 03:16 PM

I went with 7" Cragars (3.25" backspace) which set the wheel nicely between the suspension and the outer lip. This car had rolled lips and was still marginal when I fit them with a 275/60 Pro Trac tire. Nova's are a defined fit for sure. The more you try and push that limit, the quicker you'll know it. (lol)

Some pics in case it helps.

**ls6owner** · #8 03-23-2021, 04:41 PM

Folks, I just realized I made a mistake and gave everyone the wrong rear wheel specs. The size I listed above is what we put on the front.

The correct rear wheel we used is 17 X 8, 4.810" backspace and +8mm offset. The rear tire I listed above is correct-255/45/R17. My comments about fitment on the rear apply to this combo. Sorry for the confusion.

Beautiful car Norcam-your's was one we were looking at when Mason and I were looking at options.
Oliver

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