Thanks for the clarification Jake. I feel that these cars are quite exceptionally well balanced, on paper at least, and seem to be pretty competitive in that regard so far.

One area of weight distribution I personally feel is a crucial aspect that could dramatically enhance the Camaro's character is center of gravity, which is also affected in degrees by proper/improper f/r weight distribution. As it stands the Camaro isn't that far off the coveted 50/50 mark.

I still contend that an SS lowered 1"-1 1/2", with higher rate springs, stiffer struts, larger sway bars and possibly just a bit wider rubber (265 front / 295 rear) could probably alone shave a few tenths off 0-60 and 1/4 mile times, as well as dramatically improve lateral G. At the same time I would think this would give the Camaro better road/steering feel and overall responsiveness.

Consider that the above-mentioned mods would not only have no warranty-voiding problems, but would all be bolt-on solutions, as long as you could fit that wide of rubber on stock 20" wheels.

P.S. Sorry if I took your thread too far of subject Jake!

 

From what I've heard, there's no room in the wheel wells for tires any wider than stock. You'd either have to tolerate the wheels sticking out of the sides (increases risk of paint chips, and looks awful, IMO), or you'd have to get/make some fender flares.

Nope, your post is well within the subject of this thread.

 

No room to fit more tire? BULLL****! I cant belive that GM didnt forsee people putting on larger aftermarket tires. It has a 29 inch tall tire, its bound to have some sort of room for a 315 or bigger.

 

OK. Well answer me this then. What were the size of the tires on the LS7 SEMA Camaro because THEY LOOKED wider than the stock 275 rear tires? According to a picture on an old SEMA thread from Camaro5 the LS7 Camaro was shod with 305/35ZR20's in the rear! Here's the pic to back this up:



And it doesn't look like the tire is sticking out any further than a stock SS....take a look for yourself:

LS7


SS


OK Jake, NOW I've gone off-page with this thread.......

 

I believe the LS7 needed some modification to fit those in.

 

im doing 295 rear and 265 22" on my camaro. wheels are already made. it was tested to fit .

 

Yeah, but how much modification would it really take to fit those tires? Probably wheel fitment with slightly offset backspacing/offset centering. It really shouldn't be that hard. The front tires would be a different story, I understand that because of inner/outer fender clearance, turn stops, and possible suspension component rubbing. In contrast 4th gen SS models cleared 275's up front, admittedly they were a completely different design.

Regardless of how you get bigger tires on the car, the point is how much the aforementioned mods have a potential to benefit the performance of the Camaro.

Oh, speaking of, thanks for the excellent research, Milk, on suspension/performance upgrades! Invaluable!

 

you can fit 315's on the front.

 

Not on all 4th gens without modification and with no rubbing, lock to lock. You'll get lucky with some cars, but most need slight modifications to prevent rubbing.

 

not a whole lot tho.

 

COOL! I actually got 305's to fit on the back of my 67 one time, though if you want to keep rubber on your sidewalls I'd recommend not to try it without a minitub!