I am new here, hopefully can find lots of good info, and share what I know(not much), haven't looked around much yet. My dad has a 68 Camaro that I will be inheriting soon, he drives it a couple times a year and has stuck a lot of money into it over the I think 25 years he's had it. It has a 355 with a 4 speed 4.11 rear end with posi. Everything is new on it from the interior to wiring and suspension. He needs something that gets better mileage than his 2500HD with an 8.1. Since they hadn't planned on giving it to me for another 10-15 years It might cost me a little bit, probably the cost of a late 90's saturn to drive to work. So I will be paying $3-5K for it. The car is worth 20-25K. As soon as I get it I will be putting Torq thrust II's on, an aluminum radiatior, and i'm looking at some disc brake kits too. I am looking for some input on the wheels, I'm thinking about 18x8.5 in the rear and 17x6-7 up front. Also if there is a good radiator to drop in, it still has the original and the car is putting out 450-500HP. Here is some pics for you.

[IMG]local://upfiles/8171/B41E4E0EDEDB446F89A1ED56FA818CE1.jpg[/IMG]

 

def put a set of disc even maybe on the rear too.

 

welcome to the forum, nice lookin car you have....or will have.

 

Welcome to the forums. My dad gave me a carton of smokes, you get a classic, some guys huh? Nice car. I like the look of the rims you have in mind, not sure on the size though. Ricksfirstgen.com has a bunch of stuff, mostly restoration though. They might have a better up-to-date rad for you. I also agree with blade on the brakes, even in the rear.

 

18" in the rear seem a bit large. Usually people by the same size for front and rear. Diameter I mean. Definately put some discs on the front if your making that much HP. I'd say 12" discs. Better start saving your money now.

 

you can get a Griffin radiator for around two bills and since you have a four speed, you don't need to worry about the need for an external tranny cooler. you could also go with a Be Cool radiator but it will cost a lot more

your tire and rim sizes should also give you no problems

 

get an electric fan

 

Jegs also has aluminum rad's that look the same as be cool's but are 1/2 the price.

 

I'll have to check out the jegs one. I don't think $400 plus is reasonable. The brakes kit i've been looking atfrom Year One are $1500-$2000, so that will probably wait. So I think the 17x7 Torq Thrust II's and a nice radiator will be first probably a new carb too. I want to make it good for daily driving and more reliable if I take it to the lakes and other shorter trips.

 

Welcome!

1969 SS posted this awhile back and its really good info:
"I just referenced some old build specs I have and I came across a CHP magazine (Jan. 2002, page 58) that had a chart that can "safely" put tires on most 1st gen Camaros and here is what they list as references. you can always go a little wider but these are safe for most applications


Fronts

Backspacing wheel width tire size

15" 3.75 7.0 225/55
16" 5.0 8.5 245/50
17" 5.0 8.5 255/40

Rears

15" 4.875 8.5 28x10.5 (which would be around a 245 or 255)
16" 5.5 8.5 255/50
17" 5.5 9.5 275/40

they didn't have a chart for 18" but I'm just trying to show you a baseline and the fact that the wider tire you use, the more backspacing you need. whenever I try to give advice on a forum, I try to be as clear as possible because I have seen people get so much wrong info and waste a lot of money.

if I have any doubts when I give people advice, I will let them know that instead of making them assume I am absolutely right"

I hope 1969 SS doesn't mind me passing this information along...

Also,
Checkout this '68 which has Boyd Junk Yard Dog wheels - 18X9 rear, 18x8 front
www.musclecarrestorations.com
March 2007 - 1968 Camaro RS/SS 396 project sees sunlight!