Thinking about doing a few things to the buick

[charleslong]

I posted on the other board, but responses seem to be very slow. I am looking at some 17's but not sure on what size tires to get for the rims. I am also wanting to replace my headers and crossover. Has anyone seen or used this http://compare.ebay.com/like/200698543004?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y&cbt=y I have been out of the TR seen for a little bit while my car sit up. I havent drove it since being in IL......

[Steve Wood]

Damn, Charles!  No need to tell us we are your second choice!   Ed and I may come pay you a visit and educate you!!

As far as those headers go, if you are lucky enuf to get them to bolt on without hitting something, then you have to convince them to not leak.

Then, you can start praying and hope they last at least a weak before the sorry welding starts cracking.

If you want to spend wisely, check out TB3's  http://www.ihadav8.com/forum/index.php?topic=3064.15

As far as tires go, spend your money on some decent tires.  I like the Nittos but I have to go look at the sizes again because I cannot find the list I made for my Challenger in a 17".

[SuperSix]

Hey Charles - good to see you.

I did a lot of research on headers - I really wanted to get the eBay ones, they look cool - but as Steve said - they leak, crack, and generally are what you would expect of a 199.99 set up headers.

TB3's are indeed nice - what's wrong with stockers or the ones you already have?

I have no input on the wheels.

[Steve Wood]

for a good all around driver, I might suggest something like the Nitto NeoGen in a 235/50-17.  This is not the cheapest tire in the selection, but, it is a damn good tire wet or dry tire.  It's about 139$ a tire in my area.  26.2" tall which is close enuf to our 26" calibrated speedometers.

http://www.nittotire.com/Tire/neogen#size

You can also take that size, and go to discountdirect or tirerack and plug the size in and look at the prices versus ratings and see what you think for others.

The one thing I have learned, more than once, in my life is that tires and brakes are the two most important parts on a car that is driven.  The last time I learned this was Christmas Eve when I hydroplaned at 70 mph in a drizzle, went past telephone post, two highway signs, and a culvert-to end up in a farmers field.  Fortunately, the ditch was gentle and there was no fence.  Went straight to Discount and spent $1135 on a set of new tires that I had been putting off...Merry Christmas to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I guess those small sipes in a tire do do something after all.  I was in my truck.  Bounced so hard that it knocked the glasses off my head and into the floor along with some guns and all the other junk in the back seat.

[charleslong]

Hey guys, how is it going? You guys arent my second choice..... lol I been busy with this new job and have spent ZERO time on the buick or on the boards. Ok, now let me see what you guys posted. Thanks for the help and its good seeing you guys also, our members are the best, and I really mean it.

[charleslong]

for a good all around driver, I might suggest something like the Nitto NeoGen in a 235/50-17.  This is not the cheapest tire in the selection, but, it is a damn good tire wet or dry tire.  It's about 139$ a tire in my area.  26.2" tall which is close enuf to our 26" calibrated speedometers.

http://www.nittotire.com/Tire/neogen#size

You can also take that size, and go to discountdirect or tirerack and plug the size in and look at the prices versus ratings and see what you think for others.

The one thing I have learned, more than once, in my life is that tires and brakes are the two most important parts on a car that is driven.  The last time I learned this was Christmas Eve when I hydroplaned at 70 mph in a drizzle, went past telephone post, two highway signs, and a culvert-to end up in a farmers field.  Fortunately, the ditch was gentle and there was no fence.  Went straight to Discount and spent $1135 on a set of new tires that I had been putting off...Merry Christmas to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I guess those small sipes in a tire do do something after all.  I was in my truck.  Bounced so hard that it knocked the glasses off my head and into the floor along with some guns and all the other junk in the back seat.

Wow, good story Steve and im glad you made it out. lol Something tells me that you have a lot of good stories. I wil do a search on that tire size. These are the rims I am looking at. http://www.sonicmotor.com/XXR-521-Tuner-Wheel-p/xxr-52177082n.htm
 

[charleslong]

Hey Charles - good to see you.

I did a lot of research on headers - I really wanted to get the eBay ones, they look cool - but as Steve said - they leak, crack, and generally are what you would expect of a 199.99 set up headers.

TB3's are indeed nice - what's wrong with stockers or the ones you already have?

I have no input on the wheels.

Whats wrong with my stock? My D-Side header has a leak and I am having the worst time getting my cross over to match up without leaking...... I hate the whole design to tell you the truth, but it seems like this is what we are stuck with. But yeah, to answer your question the D-Side is cracked.

[Steve Wood]

be sure that you buy the right lug pattern.  Our cars are 5 x 4.75 or 5 x 120.7

Don't buy any wheels that are an universal lug nut pattern because they are a real pain.

Also, I am not sure as to offset, but, something close to 4" backspacing is good for both 7" and 8" wheels.  Seems like the factory GN wheels were about 3 7/8"?

[charleslong]

be sure that you buy the right lug pattern.  Our cars are 5 x 4.75 or 5 x 120.7

Don't buy any wheels that are an universal lug nut pattern because they are a real pain.

Also, I am not sure as to offset, but, something close to 4" backspacing is good for both 7" and 8" wheels.  Seems like the factory GN wheels were about 3 7/8"?

Thanks Steve, I will remember that.
 

[Charlief1]

Long time no see Charlies.   had any more issues with the rear arms? I've got some braces that are weld on if you're interested.

[charleslong]

Long time no see Charlies.   had any more issues with the rear arms? I've got some braces that are weld on if you're interested.

It has been a long time. I dont recognize you guys with new names. lol But as far as the rear end, it is holding up pretty well sitting still. I will have to take care of the front end now. I noticed that the bushings in the a-arms are all pretty much shot..... I will replace the wheels first because I need new tires and I REFUSE to put new tires on rims that I know I dont intend to keep. That would be the biggest waste of money. How have you been and what was your old screen name on the other board? Man, I miss you guys...

[Charlief1]

B4turbo is my TBs name Charles. If you're planning on doing some upgrades on the suspension PM me your email and I'll send you a list of parts to help you out. None of it is stock parts but you can mix and match as you want. A little more expensive than stock parts but they will hold up better and help the car to handle ore like it should. GNS performance is planning on doing a poor mans upgrade page with the same parts.