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I want to pick up some handling on my Nova , I was thinking of switching to at least 17" rims would this make a big difference in the Nova?It has 14X7 cragars on it now 215-70-14 in front and 245-60-14 in the back . Do I have to upgrade the brakes also? disc in the rear and bigger disc's in the front?Also this Nova doesn't have a power brake booster , do I need this in order to have better brakes?Thanks for any help!:D
bigger rims won't do you any good except cost money. yes a larger diamater tire will assist in handeling, but why not just a thicker sidewall tire to make the tall tire, bear in mind that this could throw off your speedo a lot and it will change your rear gear final drive ratio also if it is a lot taller. The problem with your Nova is it has a BB in it and stock front everything which would have been designed for use with a small block which is much lighter, b4 assuming a larger tire will do better, change to heavier springs, add a sway bar and polyurathane bushings to the front end.
I'd go with 17 inch rims for better handling and GOOD looks.It's also a good idea to upgrade brakes and suspension,unless you want a "stock" vehicle.Better breaks are good, but you don't need a set of four piston Bear brakes.
Tires and wheels don't have the most effect on handling. To really make it handle look into some tubular upper and lower a-arms, lowered spindles and lowered rear suspension, stabilizer bars, urethene bushings in the suspension, frame ties and a cage to firm up the chassis, progressive rate front coil springs, good shocks with some adjustable valving, etc. The first thing you should consider to improve handling is lowering the center of gravity on the car and lowering the amount of unsprung weight.
I put some 16 inch cragars with Nitto's on my chevelle with big sway bars ,this thing handles like a dream I dont have the tire size now ,If you want I can get them at the shop if you email me ,Discount tire set me up. I work on BMW's and Mercedes at my shop and let a few of my good customers drive it ,they cant believe how it handles for a 40 yr old car .We spent a lot of time researching the suspension on this car I wanted it as a daily driver