I just ordered rims for my 1971 Dodge Challenger. 17x9 with 5" back spacing and 17x8 with 4.5 back spacing for the front. I have done some research and I believe 275/40/17 will work in back and normally people are using 245/45/17 in front. My concern is I am using a Wilwood front brake kit that moves the front rims out by .17" or about 3/16". If you are running 245/45/17 on the front of your car how much clearance do you have? Would moving the tire out 3/16" matter? The info I have read says 245/45/17 with 4.5 BS is pretty tight when turning but works. The tire I am looking at is the Nitto NT555 and is available in 235/45/17 which would make up for the offset. My suspension is brand new in front and back. I plan ro adjust the ride height after I fit the tires then get an alignment.

Thanks
Sanman

I think those tires might be too short. 235/55-17 is usually a better fitting tire than a 45 series. The 45 series tire will work if you lower the car a ton, but then you have other issues to work out. The 55 series tire is closer to the OEM diameter so it fits in the wheelwell better than a short tire.

If I want 275 17" tires the only ones I can find are in 40 series so I was picking a front diamter the same as the rear. My car will be lowered atleast some due to the clocking of my new PST 1.03 torsion bars (Not by choice). I am set on the rims and want to get wide performance tires. Ride height will be adjusted to get the car to look right (my opinion). I has 14" tires on it and the new tires are taller.

Quote:

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If I want 275 17" tires the only ones I can find are in 40 series

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nitto has a 275/50-17.

Well I had not seen any info on any tire other than the 275/40/17. I would be open to any tire. Does anybody have a tire they would recommend? The rims are on the way I have not ordered tires. You guys could save me from getting the wrong tires expense.


Thanks
Sanman

So, Now I have been looking at different size tires. I have ordered 17" rims but I'm not going to race my car. I want a tire that works good for my combination. A taller tire as long as it clears will give me more ground clearance (which is never bad). I see Falken makes a 265/50/17, a little narrower(more clearance). I don't think I would even notice the differnce in the wirth . Anyhow; I know lots and lots of you guys are using 17" rims, probally most have the same offsets I have. What tires are you using? How do they fit? My rear end is not narrowed and I won't be rolling my fenders.


Give me some advise.
Thanks
Sanman

Have you thought about going with 18" perhaps ?

I know this is not a Challenger....but it gives you an idea since it's close

Camaro I built...has 285/40-18 out back (Nitto 555) and is a really nice overall diameter to me at least

Oh, didn't see your other reply about already ordering the 17's...

A 275/40-17 is 25.7" tall (in a kuhmo for example) and they also do a 285/40-17 that is a tad taller at 26"

Guess it depends on how tall you actually do want (and how much width room you have)

I want a good fit. It is a balance of width and diameter. If I go to wide it will rub but I want as wide as I can get away with. I would like a large enough tire to "fill" up the wheel well height wise. I would like to hear from some people who are running 17" rims on challengers.

Sanman

Had to do some digging...but here are 17 x 9's with 275/40-17 on the back of a Challenger we did in Oz.

I can't remember for sure (it's been some years) but I think the fronts were 235/45 ?

I've got front 245-40-17 on 8" (0 offset) wheels. Front is lowered, and there is more than 3/16 clearance to the fender lip. I'll measure it tonight if you need. Also the 40 series is a tad wider then the 45 series, so you should be fine for that size.

Nitto 450 has a 275-50-15 but the front would be 225 or 255 50's. At one time I was thinking of switching to those. I have the 315-35-17 on the back now,

I can tell you the ride is pretty stiff with the tires I have. Your choise of 275-40-17 and 245-45-17 isnt going to be much different than what I have.

this chally has nitto 275/50-17 (27.8x10.8)in the rear and 225/50-17 (25.9x8.9) up front.

These pics are awesome keep them coming. All of you have been very helpful.

When I first looked at the pictures I was thinking there was not much difference but after looking anf them for a while I am starting ro think the 275/50's look meatier. Probably because they are slightly thicker side walls.

Both cars are beautiful. I assume no modifications were done to either car and rubbing has not been a issue.


Thanks Sanman

Here's my set-up

Rims are American Racing Torq-Thrust
ARE-105MS7865B
ARE-105MS8965B

Dr Diff 1" relocation kit gives me about 0.75" clearance from tire to leaf spring on each side.

17x8 (4.5" BS) up frt - 17/225/50 (25.9") $95 each
18x9 (6" BS) in rear - 18/275/40 (26.7") $115 each

I looked at the 285's for the rear but it was almost $100 more per tire. I looked for common sizes to keep the cost down.

Too bad you already ordered the 17s. I prefer 18s on the back. Here are the 295/45-18 on the back of the hot rod.



The fronts are 245/45-18. I certainly would not go any shorter on the sidewall.



They make for a nice package.