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Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: feets] #1357435
12/28/12 05:07 PM
12/28/12 05:07 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101 Offline
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SoCal
Hey feets, or anyone? Aren't Nitto tires known to be a little smaller (dimension wise) compared to the other brand's equal-sized counter parts? I've only heard good things about the NT555, but I recall reading that in some of the reviews I've seen.

Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: MuuMuu101] #1357436
12/28/12 05:33 PM
12/28/12 05:33 PM
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Posts: 104,346
Garden Grove, CA
OzHemi Offline
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I put the 555's on a car (they were one of the few doing a 285/40-18 at the time) and also ran thier matching fronts...245's from memory and they "seemed" size correct from memory at least.

Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: mopardamo] #1357437
12/28/12 06:55 PM
12/28/12 06:55 PM
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Oregon
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AndyF Offline
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Oregon
I covered the topic in my B-body book and included a few pictures. For a daily driver type of car I'd keep the ride height near stock and use a 235/55-17 tire on a 17x8 wheel. For a road racer look alike then you can slam the car down a bit and use a slightly shorter tire.

The 235/55-17 is a great tire that looks just fine in a Mopar wheel well. It is very close in overall dimensions to some of the tires that were available in the '60s and '70s. A lot of people won't even notice that you have a 17 inch wheel or tire on the car if you use a 55 series sidewall.

Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: AndyF] #1357438
12/28/12 10:18 PM
12/28/12 10:18 PM
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Ohio
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blown71duster Offline
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Ohio
I mocked up a 275/55r17 under a challenger . I think it has a musclecar look to it.


Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: DoctorDiff] #1357439
01/01/13 01:58 PM
01/01/13 01:58 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,123
Grand Haven, MI
patrick Offline
I Live Here
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Grand Haven, MI
Quote:

I recommend 18" wheels. Tire selection/height/width suits muscle cars better than 17".




yeah, about the only 17's that look good are the somewhat limited 255/50R17, or the common 235/55R17....but it's hard to find a 17" wider than 255 that's tall enough for a muscle car...lots of options in 18's, though...


1976 Spinnaker White Plymouth Duster, /6 A833OD
1986 Silver/Twilight Blue Chrysler 5th Ave HotRod **SOLD!***
2011 Toxic Orange Dodge Charger R/T
2017 Grand Cherokee Overland
2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude (holy crap, my daughter is driving)
Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: mopardamo] #1357440
01/01/13 03:21 PM
01/01/13 03:21 PM
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E. Okla line
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m88mark Offline
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E. Okla line
Put TT IIs & 555s ON the 70, 255/50, 245/45 17s. The 45s were about the same dia as my 245/60 15. To me the 50 doesn't look too bad, but the 45 looks too short. If I could get the 255 to fit the front maybe, but for now I put the magnums back on.

Mark

Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: feets] #1357441
01/01/13 06:27 PM
01/01/13 06:27 PM
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Posts: 2,836
Detroit boy in Saugerties, NY
BrianShaughnessy Offline
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Detroit boy in Saugerties, NY
Quote:

For taller tires you can go with the Nitto NT450 and it's V rating.

225/50R17 94V
255/50R17 105V
275/50R17 110V







I settled on 450's for Project Sinnamon on 17" YO cast magnums.
225/50 on 8" front.
275/50 on 9" rear.


Black Betty: '69 Charger RT: 440 6 pack, TKO600 5 speed, 3.73 Dana.
Sinnamon: '69 Charger RT: 440, 727, 4.30 8.75. High School Sweetheart.
El Grande: '98 Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited.
Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: BrianShaughnessy] #1357442
01/01/13 07:07 PM
01/01/13 07:07 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,442
NW Chicago suburban area
Mopar Mitch Offline
pro stock
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NW Chicago suburban area
With all the talk of going to larger diameter rims, one single main reason why such larger rim diameters have ever existed, as well as introduced into the industry, is only to allow for larger diameter brakes. Just changing to larger diameter rims without other valid reasons, becomes a questionable act. So... its something to consider with the expense involved, not just to follow a fashion trend that some hobbiests are doing.


Mopar Mitch "Road racers and autocrossers go in deeper and come out harder!"... and rain never stops us from having fun with our cars... in fact, it makes us better drivers! Check out MOPAR ACTION MAGAZINE, August 2006 issue for feature article and specs on my autocross T/A!
Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: Mopar Mitch] #1357443
01/01/13 08:09 PM
01/01/13 08:09 PM
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Maryland USA
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beatgoeson Offline
mopar
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Maryland USA
Can ask what back spacing are you guys are using front and back on a typical E or B-body when when using a 17/18" wheel? factory leaf spring locations.

Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: beatgoeson] #1357444
01/01/13 08:48 PM
01/01/13 08:48 PM
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alberta
Publicbottle Offline
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alberta
And what about the option of doin a 18" rear and a 17" front? Just to promote the musclecar "rake" stance?

Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: beatgoeson] #1357445
01/01/13 08:50 PM
01/01/13 08:50 PM
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E. Okla line
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m88mark Offline
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E. Okla line
I think my 17/8 is 4" with 255/50. About 3/8 clearance inside & 1/4" to the lip moulding on rear, front 17/7 I think is 3 1/2 245/45.

Mark

Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: beatgoeson] #1357446
01/01/13 08:51 PM
01/01/13 08:51 PM
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Posts: 801
central CT
cudazappa Offline
super stock
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central CT
In general you want 0 offset. on an 8" rim that's 4.5" Backspace, on a 9" that's 5".

On my Challenger, with 275/40 17s on 17x9s the fronts are a very tight fit. 5.25" backspace would probably be just the ticket. I just ran more negative camber instead of buying new rims. I have no issues whatsoever with 17x8s and 245/45s.


1971 Challenger
Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: beatgoeson] #1357447
01/01/13 10:44 PM
01/01/13 10:44 PM
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Posts: 3,001
Coram, NY
Pool Fixer Offline
master
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Coram, NY
Quote:

Can ask what back spacing are you guys are using front and back on a typical E or B-body when when using a 17/18" wheel? factory leaf spring locations.




on my charger i run
FRONT:17x8,, 4.5" backspace, 245/45 tire
REAR:18x9.5, 5.5" backspace, 295/45 tire

front all stock suspension, a body discs w/ 11.75" rotors
rear hotchkis springs, stock location. i had a little rubbing in the rear due to 2nd gen chargers having this odd rectangular "thing" in the outer wheelhouse. i got rid of it by cutting that small area and putting in a small sheetmetal patch. probably wouldnt have had a problem if i went 275wide and/ or 40 series sidewall

if i had gone with custom wheels id have liked 4.25" backspace on my 8" fronts and 5.25" on my 9.5" rears to push both rims towards the wheel lips just a hair more. i may try a 1/4" spacer all around just for and

Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: Pool Fixer] #1357448
01/01/13 11:16 PM
01/01/13 11:16 PM
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Maryland USA
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beatgoeson Offline
mopar
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I looked at a set of 17x7 and 17x8 a guy was selling. the 7's had 4 3/4" BS and the 8's had 4" BS? they seemed ass backwards to me. They would have fit my 70' RR if the 8's had the 4 3/4". I don't think the 8's with 4" BS would fit with anymore then a 245 tire?

Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: cudazappa] #1357449
01/02/13 10:17 AM
01/02/13 10:17 AM
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Posts: 16,123
Grand Haven, MI
patrick Offline
I Live Here
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Grand Haven, MI
Quote:

In general you want 0 offset. on an 8" rim that's 4.5" Backspace, on a 9" that's 5".

On my Challenger, with 275/40 17s on 17x9s the fronts are a very tight fit. 5.25" backspace would probably be just the ticket. I just ran more negative camber instead of buying new rims. I have no issues whatsoever with 17x8s and 245/45s.




stock RWD mopar offset is approx 6-12mm positive offset. keep it around there and you'll be fine


1976 Spinnaker White Plymouth Duster, /6 A833OD
1986 Silver/Twilight Blue Chrysler 5th Ave HotRod **SOLD!***
2011 Toxic Orange Dodge Charger R/T
2017 Grand Cherokee Overland
2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude (holy crap, my daughter is driving)
Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: patrick] #1357450
01/02/13 04:47 PM
01/02/13 04:47 PM
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Nebraska
72Swinger Offline
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Nebraska
Always measure TWICE before pulling the trigger on wheels!


Mopar to the bone!!!
Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: 72Swinger] #1357451
01/02/13 07:56 PM
01/02/13 07:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,001
Coram, NY
Pool Fixer Offline
master
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Coram, NY
Quote:

Always measure TWICE before pulling the trigger on wheels!






in these sizes, even budget oriented wheels are going to set you back 800-1000 bucks. for 70 odd dollars, this tool would be worth it

wheelrite

Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: MuuMuu101] #1357452
01/08/13 06:46 AM
01/08/13 06:46 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,862
the frozen wastes...
Pale_Roader Offline
Swears too much
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the frozen wastes...
Quote:

Hey feets, or anyone? Aren't Nitto tires known to be a little smaller (dimension wise) compared to the other brand's equal-sized counter parts? I've only heard good things about the NT555, but I recall reading that in some of the reviews I've seen.




Yes. They are smaller than other brands in the same size. Noticeably. Too bad, i hear a lot ov good things about them. If you dont need ridiculously wide tires though (315's, 335's) then just get the measurements you need, and find the Nitto tires you want in that size, regardless ov the numbers on the side. Ie: if you want a 275/40/17 tire, buy a 295/40/17 Nitto (just an example, i haven't measured either size). And dont go by the website spec either... find some you can take a tape-measure to.

Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: beatgoeson] #1357453
01/08/13 05:05 PM
01/08/13 05:05 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,307
BC, Canada
Black_Bee Offline
pro stock
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BC, Canada
Quote:

Can ask what back spacing are you guys are using front and back on a typical E or B-body when when using a 17/18" wheel? factory leaf spring locations.




I run 17/18s on my '69 Bee:

17x8 4.75" BS
18x10 5.5" BS

Unlike others on here, I had a heck of a time finding tires that were wide and tall enough for the rear. I ended up going with a Falken Azenis 295/40/18 on the rear. Side by side with my old 275/16/15s, the new tires are actually a hair taller (and wider of course). In hindsight, I should have just gone with the Nitto 295/45/18s and saved a bundle of $$$, but wanted something super agressive.



Paul
'69 Super Bee 383 EFI Turbo
Re: 17" or 18" wheel package for 71 Challenger? Opinions? [Re: Black_Bee] #1357454
01/22/13 03:26 PM
01/22/13 03:26 PM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,867
MA
Mass_Mopar Offline
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MA
Quote:

Quote:

Can ask what back spacing are you guys are using front and back on a typical E or B-body when when using a 17/18" wheel? factory leaf spring locations.




I run 17/18s on my '69 Bee:

17x8 4.75" BS
18x10 5.5" BS

Unlike others on here, I had a heck of a time finding tires that were wide and tall enough for the rear. I ended up going with a Falken Azenis 295/40/18 on the rear. Side by side with my old 275/16/15s, the new tires are actually a hair taller (and wider of course). In hindsight, I should have just gone with the Nitto 295/45/18s and saved a bundle of $$$, but wanted something super agressive.







I also went with 17s/18s on my Charger. Personally I think 17/18 looks the best on B-bodies at least, the 17" wheel in the rear looks too small.

I bought forged aluminum Centerline Softtails
and Nitto NT555 rubber

The Centerline wheels are made in America, light enough for me, and great looking

Front: 17x7", 4"BS 235/45/ZR17
Rear: 18x9.5", 5"BS 295/45/ZR18

If I did it again I'd definitely go wider up front, probably a 17x8 or 18x8" rim and a 255 or 275 tire.


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