[connoisseur]

Hey guys, just joined this site. I have a 1978 Fairmont with a '77 460/C6/8.8 3.27 and I have 235/60 15 tires in the back. It looks like I might fit something slightly bigger, so I'm wondering what is the biggest size 15 or 16 tire that will fit without any body or suspension mods. Also, the biggest with minor mods like squeezing in the inner fender lips.
Thanks!

[Drew0569]

I don't know any specific sizes from experience, but I imagine it should be the same as for '79-'93 Mustangs since the Fairmont shared its fox chassis with those model-year Mustangs. If I learn of any specific sizes, I'll let you know.

[southrivermotorsports]

Mine has 275/60/15 drag radials, mounted on a 10x15 with a
5 1/2 inch offset and the fender lips rolled, almost gone actually, but keep in mind it has a FAB9 housing, stock width.

[z7turbo]

I use a 9 inch out of a mid 70's granada (yes they had them), which is about 3' narrower than an 8.8. I built a jig and fabbed all of the brackets. I had a 325/50/15 BFG drag radial under the car with 4 1/2" back space and rolled lips....It was just too close on the inside of the wheel well for my liking....I think a 325/60/15 would have been better because it has less section width. I currently have 27.5"x9"x15" hoosiers on 3 1/2" backspace rims....actually need 4" backspace. Hope this helps a little.

[connoisseur]

Thanks, though I've seen '79 and up 'Stangs with 275/60 15 and they are usually jacked up and 'Stangs seem to have a bigger wheel well.

[connoisseur]

Thanks; never heard of a FAB9 housing though. That's one bad-ass wagon you got there! Where can I see more pics/specs/perf. #'s?

[connoisseur]

Thanks, wish I had the skills/tools/garage to do all or most of the work myself, but I don't. I'm thinking of changing my C6 to a C4, though it would be alot cheaper to just get a perf. rebuild kit for $370 and have some tranny guy toughen up the C6. Probably save $900 if I kept my stock converter. I looked up in summit 4 tires; all 255/60 15 and was surprised at differences in section width. Firestone FireHawk 500 is 10.03, MasterCraft Avenger GT is 9.73, Mickey Thompson Sportman S/T is 10.24 and M/T ET Street Radial (DOT Legal Drag) is 10.10. What stall speed do you use? Do you ever drive it on the street?

[lincolndriver]

have you considered going to a 16 or 17 inch wheel? I see you mentioned 16, but there is also 18 to consider.
just a thought

[z7turbo]

Originally Posted by connoisseur

Thanks, wish I had the skills/tools/garage to do all or most of the work myself, but I don't. I'm thinking of changing my C6 to a C4, though it would be alot cheaper to just get a perf. rebuild kit for $370 and have some tranny guy toughen up the C6. Probably save $900 if I kept my stock converter. I looked up in summit 4 tires; all 255/60 15 and was surprised at differences in section width. Firestone FireHawk 500 is 10.03, MasterCraft Avenger GT is 9.73, Mickey Thompson Sportman S/T is 10.24 and M/T ET Street Radial (DOT Legal Drag) is 10.10. What stall speed do you use? Do you ever drive it on the street?

It's a street car, and I wouldn't have it any other way....I'm just putting the finishing touches on it right now...basically plumbing, wire, and fire....It would have been done a long time ago if I had bought everything....but I don't have that kind of money.
Don't count out the c6....it's one tough tranny! My friend ran c6's for years behind a stout 468, then later a 557...he switched to a glide to tame the launches down...he started breaking driveline parts leaving on the footbrake. Every few years the trans would just require a new set of clutches for a freshen up...that would be it!
I currently have a 4000-4200 stall converter....engine combo is fairly mild, but with a lot of compression....it might be a little too much, but as the power goes up, I'll grow into it. With the 3.50 gears, it should be a perfect nitrous combo!
We'll see in the spring!

[Stymees'mont]

Welcome connoisseur ! Glad you made it to our humble home ! Please, make some posts and get some pic's of your ride on here .

[southrivermotorsports]

Originally Posted by connoisseur

Thanks; never heard of a FAB9 housing though. That's one bad-ass wagon you got there! Where can I see more pics/specs/perf. #'s?

A FAB9 is a Chris Alston Chassisworks housing
Chris Alston's Chassisworks, Inc.; Chris Alston's Chassisworks, Inc. - FAB9 Housing gBar Chassisworks

The white wagon's not mine but here's some more pix WITH A LINK TO MORE INFO ABOUT IT.
http://www.dragzine.com/news/rc-moto...g-radial-ride/

[southrivermotorsports]

This is my wagon.

[southrivermotorsports]

Then there's this secret weapon.

[southrivermotorsports]

Then there's this lil nasty, this guy actually works at S&W Racecars and as you can see it has a huge radial on it, I'd give him a call, just call S&W and ask for the guy that runs the fairmont wagon, I forget his name. They also have pre-bent cages for any fairmont including a wagon, just sayin.

[z7turbo]

Originally Posted by southrivermotorsports

This is my wagon.

Love the convo-pro's!

[connoisseur]

Originally Posted by lincolndriver

have you considered going to a 16 or 17 inch wheel? I see you mentioned 16, but there is also 18 to consider. just a thought

Well, I never got into the big modern wheels, especially not for old cars. I prefer the better ride, lighter unsprung weight, and much lower replacement costs when done fry'in the tires. I do like those 84-92 Lincolns, excellent seats, good body style, though they do weigh alot; I think around 3,700-3800lb.s?

[connoisseur]

Thanks; never seen so many bad-ass Fairmont wagons in my life! I live near Boston, Ma, and my '78 2dr sedan is the only one I see in about a 20 or so mile radius.

[southrivermotorsports]

Oh there's more.

[southrivermotorsports]

and more.

[southrivermotorsports]

and then some more...