Would a set of 17X 7.5 wheels work (well) on an SS? I've used the wheel comparison calculator links on this site, and they look as though they will fit... Going down to a 205 /50 tire ok? They are Quantum Tek S10's.

http://www.madautosports.com/product...TOKEN=53346406 S10

 

205-50? thats a skinny tire for a 7.5 rim...at least a 225-50.... 17's will work fine..unless you have Brembo brakes, then its hit or miss depending on how the wheel is designed.

 

Depends. What is the offset of that rim?
It will probably clear non-Brembos brakes with no problems. If you have Brembos, then it's iffy.

 

One member has 16" mags on his (non-Brembo) SS hhr..

There is room...

 

The offset looks the same as the SS's, but there aint no offset numbers on the wheels themselves, or that I can find on the net. The tires on em now are 205 40 (they came off a honda), so I was going off that. How wide a tire could go on them?

Stupid question #2: Clould I put the stock SS wheels on my '74 corvette, perhaps via some adapter?

 

Best to call the manuf. and get the offset and bolt pattern(s). Those wheels are "fit all" with the double drill pattern. No telling about the offset. Don't assume they will fit.
Also you didn't state if you had the Brembos or not.
The car came original with 45's. Why go to a skinnier tread?

 

No Brembos, and Quantum Tek ceased being a company some time ago so not alot of info on the rims.

I'd actually like to go taller not skinnier, and figured since 18/45 is stock, going to a 17/50 would work out to be similar enough in size.

I would like to go as wide as I can with them (225?)

 

Go here and try those sizes.http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos
What I'm seeing is a smaller and skinnier tire with the 205/50/17.

 

You could measure the offset.. It's not hard (see pic).
Offset is measured from the rim center (width-wise) to the mounting flange..
The greater the number, the more the rim will set further inward..

Stock offset is + 42mm, or in inches = 1.653 inches.

Tallest tire would be not much taller than 26" to be safe imo.. The front strut plate is the limiter..

I got 225's on mine.. No problems. Lots of room...