Re: [Chevelle-list] Back Tire Size - 66 Chevelle

[Larry Shouse]

Thanks for the lesson Clint. This email is a keeper.   Larry Shouse ----- Original Message ----- From: Clint Hooper To: The Chevelle Mailing List Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 9:38 PM Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] Back Tire Size - 66 Chevelle Here's a simple of figuring zero offset. Add an inch to the wheel width to account for the outer lips and then divide by two. For example, add an inch to that 17x9.5 wheel = 10.5" . Divide that number by two = 5.25" That backspace number would be equal to a zero offset for that particular wheel. Another thing,if you have to err on figuring backspace,err on the high side. A wheel with too much backspace can be compensated for with spacers. Inadequate backspacing will require you to raise the ride height to clear the wheel & tire,,not good. Most people would order those 17x9.5's with 5.5" backspace as that's a common combo. A 295 would probably be the limit for a 17x9.5 but no one really makes a 295/17 tire. You would need to drop back to a 285/40/17. A 315 tire is too wide for that rim width. Clint Hooper H&H Custom,owner 1969 El Camino protourer http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint/clint_hooper.htm "You may find me dead one day in a ditch. But by God,you'll find me in a pile of brass." ----- Original Message ----- From: Larry Shouse I was thinking along the lines of 17x9.5 with say, a 5" backspace or something like that. I like to see the sidewalls  coming straight down to the rim instead of being squeezed inward. You think a17x9.5 will accommodate a 295 on my 66 without any cutting?   Thanks, Larry Shouse ----- Original Message ----- From: Clint Hooper To: The Chevelle Mailing List Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 8:52 PM Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] Back Tire Size - 66 Chevelle Wheel diameter doesn't really change the backspace requirements. Wheel width does and tire width selection becomes more important when you go up in diameter. For example,you can get by with a 275 tire on a 15x8 wheel but when you jump up to a 17 or larger,a 275 tire would need at least a 9" width to work correctly because of the shorter sidewall. Clint Hooper H&H Custom,owner 1969 El Camino protourer http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint/clint_hooper.htm "You may find me dead one day in a ditch. But by God,you'll find me in a pile of brass." ----- Original Message ----- From: Larry Shouse Thanks Clint. 275's are what I decided on. When I upgrade my wheels later, I'll consider 17's and I'll be asking once again what I'll be able to fit.   Once again, thanks to everyone who responded.   Larry Shouse  ----- Original Message ----- From: Clint Hooper I see people running 295's on a 15x8 but that's squeezing the sidewalls in a little too much for me. 275's will work fine on that wheel & backspace combo. Clint Hooper H&H Custom,owner 1969 El Camino protourer http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint/clint_hooper.htm "You may find me dead one day in a ditch. But by God,you'll find me in a pile of brass." ----- Original Message ----- From: Larry Shouse I saved lots of posts, but I didn't find the answers there...   Clint or anyone, what would be the widest tire I can put on the back of my 66 using 15x8 wheels with a 4.5 inch backspacing?   Thanks,   Larry Shouse