20 INCH wheel question 93-96 FWB

[caddycruiser]

Originally Posted by The_Hearsecutor

Just wanted to update everyone on the tires- after unsuccessful attempts for a proper balance, I swapped the BF Goodrich tires with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport. Let me tell you, they are certainly worth the $$$$ premium. There is NO substitute for a smooth ride- esp. on a Cadillac!

Agreed, and being familiar with the Impala SS crowd and the car that came stock with BFG's, they certainly don't have a reputation for being either the best performing or refined treads. Some are quite good, but most will never match something like the Michelins you now have. ESPECIALLY the larger the wheel and shorter the tire--you just have to have the best quality there, or drive quality will be completely wrecked.

Then again, I have Nittos on my '95 FWB's SS wheels largely due to there's no choice whatsoever in the size I wanted, and they perform wonderfully, though I do have a bit of a strange vibration that may or may not be sourced down to them. I'll probably get another set if I ever wear these out, but I really wish there was more choice. Oh well.

[psychosis]

Good luck with finding the right wheels. I've been looking for 17s, 18s, 20s, vogue tyres, etc, to fit my Fleetwood and in frustration I've given up several times, always going back to the thought of keeping with the chrome originals. Its a hard decision and when you talk to the wheel dealers half of them tell you their wheels will fit no problem and rest say they won't. None will commit to anything though and once you spend the $2k plus for wheels and tires, you're on your own. I hope they keep this thread up a while because Im anxious to see what everyone has to report. Its a real problem with these late model Fleetwoods.

There are a million and one (almost) wheel calculator java programs out there but I ran across this one which is unique. It calculates the difference in speddometer error between tire sizes and give all the dimensions. Check it out.

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




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

[psychosis]

HEARSECUTOR
Wow, Thats definately the coolest looking wheels I've ever seen on a Fleetwood. I have a 95 TRIPLE BLACK FWB as well. Its like new w/44K miles but I just can't take looking at these stock alloys any longer. Actually out of frustration I was about to sell it off because of the wheel fitment problem but after seeing this, now I'm hooked again. I simply have to have these!

If you would be so kind as to check my information before I shell out $2500 or so on something that won't fit, I would be most eternally grateful.

Arrelli Geneva 20X9 5 Lug RWD Offset
BF Goodrich KDW 245/40/20s

Will this application require Hubcentric Rings?? If so, what do you recommend? I have to admit, I don't have good understanding of how these rings work.

Thanks in advance and I can't tell you how much I appreciate any wisdom you could provide. I know it must have been a long hard road to finally find something that worked so well.

PSYCHOSIS

1995 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Blk/Blk/Blk

[96Fleetwood]

The centerbore on our cars is 77.8 mm.

I had to get hubcentric rings for my Enkeis and OZ wheels. Most wheels are made with a generic larger centerbore so you can get hubcentric rings to makeup the difference.

Without hubcentric rings, the wheels is relying on the lug nuts for stability instead of being in contact with the hub.

Hope this helps,
Elias

[The_Hearsecutor]

Psychosis-

Awesome! Another TRUE triple-black FWB! Your miles are really low, too! I'm in the low 60's, but still, not bad for 12 yr old cars. I sold my non-black 96 for my 95. The main factor was I HAD TO HAVE triple-black, and it is my understanding that build quality was a little better than 96. Never had any trouble out of either, but I definitely like the 95 better.

Been awhile since I have been on the board. There's been a Snake in my garage taking up most of my time these days. Your reply to this post reminded me that I needed to get some updated pics of my interior upgrade posted. Hopefully soon....

It was a long, drawn out process getting to a wheel that not only had proper fitment, but looked appropriate on this type of vehicle. The choices are limited, and unfortunately, most of them look more at home on pick-up trucks and European sedans. This design, being a "full-face" rim, capitalizes on the vast expanse of chrome on the lower rockers.

In regards to tire choice, I changed the BFG's for a set of Michelin Pilots after 500 miles. I had to pay nearly $600 difference, but it was money well spent. The BFG's could not be balanced to my satisfaction, and the Michelin overall is a superior tire. The ride quality is outstanding. I have been very pleased. As long as you don't go lower than a 40-series tire, you should be ok.

Hubcentric rings serve to fill in the "gap" between the center bore of the wheel and your hub. Your factory wheels have center bores that match the hub. The burden of carrying the car's weight rests on this area, which is designed to handle the load. Most aftermarket rims have univeral large bores that are compensated with rings. The rings serve to center the wheel to the hub so that your wheels are not rolling in an "egg shaped" pattern. Additionally, without them, the weight of your vehicle would be carried by the lugs nuts and this can cause potential problems down the road because we all know those break... Word of advice- try to get metal rings opposed to plastic. After a while, the plastic and/or composite rings are prone to cracking under the heat and pressure. This doesn't affect their intended purpose, but once your remove the wheel and the ring is in a couple of pieces, re-installation could be aggravating.

Thanks for the compliments. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and hope you go with these rims. I feel that you will be most pleased with the Arelli wheel.

Good Luck!

[Lord Cadillac]

Originally Posted by The_Hearsecutor

Well, THREE's a charm! After the 3rd trip to ATL and the 3rd set of wheels, they fit! Behold, the Arelli Geneva, 20x9, 15mm offset with BF Goodrich KDW's in 245/40 series riding on a fresh IMPALA SS suspension/Bilsteins/Hotchkis sways.

ABSOLUTELY no clearance issues in front @ full turns, and I was even able to drive home with my skirts on- there's still 3/4" clearance between the tire and latching levers.

Come to think of it, I believe I like this wheel a little better than the TIS 05...
Either way, the full-face design continues to exude full-size luxury much in the way of the factory wheel that many, including myself, as rather fond of.

BTW- At one point, there was ~1million dollar$ worth of machinery at the shop- comprised of only 6 cars-

*2x Bentley Flying Spurs (one of which belonged to comedian Ron White- so much for blue collar, huh?)

*2x AMG SL55s

*1 360 Modena

*1 Phantom

Eye candy, for sure. There's usually high dollar machinery there at any given point when I've been there.

Anyways, just wanted to thank everyone for your help and information. Otherwise, without such assurance, I would have assumed a 9 inch wide wheel would have clearance issues and spent the day writing a FOR SALE ad instead of making the trip. I hope this information is also of help to anyone looking to udgrade to 20's. The 245/40 is definitely the way to go.

Later tonite, I'll make my "formal", albeit late, introduction- and share with you more on my Fleetwood project as well as pics of my other Caddy's. In the meantime, enjoy!

Thanx!

Freakin' amazing....... Those wheels are perfect.....

[The_Hearsecutor]

Thanks for the compliments. The Fleetwood has been sold and is now prowlin' the streets of Oregon. The wheels were a big selling point.