Possible future pro touring build, wheel input needed

I will also agree that 18" wheels will be better than 17" for tire availability and overall performance. The side walls will not be too thin, and the ride will be fine. I you think about what new cars, trucks, and SUVs now, what is there to be afraid of with 18"? I agree that not all 17" wheels will fit modern big brake packages. Ask me how I know?
I also love mesh wheels. I have looked off and on for years for affordable mesh wheels with the correct size and backspacing. It would be easier to find bigfoot or a dodo bird.

For brakes, I am very happy with my C5/C6 based brakes from KORE3. Tobin at KORE3 is a heavy contributor at Protouring.com, and helped me tremendously. I suggest not ordering online, just call and talk to him. He will guide you through the proper decisions based on your needs. The economy of GM's production volume make Corvette brakes an unbeatable deal. Plus, small brakes look pretty goofy behind modern 18" wheels.

My suspension came from SC&C, and I am also very happy with it. Same deal - call Marcus at SC&C and he will guide you through what to buy based on your goals. Just be sure to have a couple of hours of free time when you call. He is very detailed and will educate you more than you might expect.
Tell him what your budget is, and he will let you know where to spend your money. Some parts will give you great performance improvements per dollar spent, others will give you only a small improvement for your dollar.
It is just like the old saying normally batted around when building a drag car or engine.................Speed cost money, how fast do you want to go?

 

Thank you all for the insight and input. I am going to go with an 18x10 in the rear. I really wanted to squeeze a 315mm back there but a 295 will work. I am going to create a second thread soon detailing my build and plan. I bought a loaded 71 skylark that is going to become a 70 stage 2 pro-touring car. My hope is to have the suspension done by the end of the year, then build the motor and interior over the winter.

Louie