17 ' wheels on a 1971 Challenger convertible
#983442
04/30/11 10:47 PM
04/30/11 10:47 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 85 Savage MN
sanman68
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Posts: 85
Savage MN
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I want to switch from 14" rims to 17" rims on my 1971 challenger. What width rims do I need and what back spacing. I want to fit the largest tire I can without rubbing. The car is stock specs. I am going with larger brakes and need the room. Also I will be rebuilding the front and rear suspension while I'm under the car. I am thinking I need 17x8 with 4.5 backspacing. What size tires too. Also on another subject: Anybody put a fuel injected GEN 3 Hemi in their muscle car? How hard was it? What did you do fo wiring? Did you use fuel injection? This is my next project. Thanks Sanman
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Re: 17 ' wheels on a 1971 Challenger convertible
[Re: AndyF]
#983446
05/01/11 01:32 PM
05/01/11 01:32 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886 Lost and Spaced
bboogieart
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
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Quote:
Width and backspacing for 17 inch rims would be the same as for any other size of rim. If you have a 14 inch rim that fits properly then just order 17 inch rims with the same width and backspacing and your tires will be in the same location.
Yep but you probably want to go wider as 14" wheels were very narrow. Should be able to get away with standard back space. As far as how they look that is a question only you can answer for yourself as opinions are like butt-wholes every one has one and they all stink
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Re: 17 ' wheels on a 1971 Challenger convertible
[Re: sanman68]
#983447
05/01/11 02:20 PM
05/01/11 02:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,110 SC
V194
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,110
SC
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Quote:
Also on another subject: Anybody put a fuel injected GEN 3 Hemi in their muscle car? How hard was it? What did you do for wiring? Did you use fuel injection? This is my next project.
Thanks Sanman
I have asked this a number of times and still wonder why no one has put together a book on the subject. There are a couple of magazine articles on the subject but like many they tend to publish the "highlights" Companies like web page and web page have been helpful in providing info. But generally I have found people just give you a blank stare here. Swapping the engine to my knowledge will need special mounts, the engine of course, a decision on what type of trans you want to use each has its benefits and problems. A special oil pan, special fuel tank, special headers or Jeep exhaust manifolds. Possible oil filter relocation. Wiring is usually obtained when you get your engine, IF you are getting a scrap yard pull. Make sure to get all accessories and mounts, and all of the wiring and the computer. Buying the computer separate runs like $2K or the kit with wiring at about $4K or a crate engine (5.7) at $7.5-8K). So basically the parts IMO are still too high to make it worth while on a lot of fronts. A crate 360/390 is $5K and that is 30hp more than the crate 5.7 and $2k less. So you wont really get a lot of information from most on this swap. It appears to be more of a jump in and see what happens type of thing.
A little off subject but I was interested in doing a procharger system and all of the magazines make it look simple and highly recommend the Supercharger store. I told the guy there I wanted a 30-40% increase in hp on my 440 he said the kit was $7-8K! Still again not a feasible "modification" IMO. For that price you could get a 522/600hp from CME and they build the whole thing (no parts chasing)
Just my 2 cents
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Re: 17 ' wheels on a 1971 Challenger convertible
[Re: AndyF]
#983448
05/02/11 10:45 AM
05/02/11 10:45 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,123 Grand Haven, MI
patrick
I Live Here
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I Live Here
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Posts: 16,123
Grand Haven, MI
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Quote:
Width and backspacing for 17 inch rims would be the same as for any other size of rim. If you have a 14 inch rim that fits properly then just order 17 inch rims with the same width and backspacing and your tires will be in the same location.
keep the same offset....
a typical RWD mopar offset is ~ 1/4" (6.35mm) positive offset (what a 15x7 cop wheel is with it's 4.25" back space. so a 17x7 with 4.25 will fit fine. a 17x8 with 4.75" backspace is the same, +6.35mm offset.
tires, keep the overall width/diameter about the same as what others are using (say, if they're using a 255/60R15, a 235/55R17 is the same height, ~7/16" narrower, or a 255/50R17 is the same width/height as the 255/60R15)...
if you want all the same size so you can rotate the tires, I'd go 17x7 or 17x8 with 235/55R17....lots of tire options in that size (OEM size for the mustang GT, and ford crown vic police interceptors)
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)
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Re: 17 ' wheels on a 1971 Challenger convertible
[Re: patrick]
#983449
05/02/11 12:09 PM
05/02/11 12:09 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,123 Seaford Delaware
JSR1485
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,123
Seaford Delaware
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17's off a New Charger or 300 fit no problem they have 4.50 backspace, the Mustang rims require spacers to fit , they have over 5.50 back space. You can get a 225/50r17 on the front and 275/50r17 on the rear of a A-body no problem using Charger wheels
Switched to the dark side...
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Re: 17 ' wheels on a 1971 Challenger convertible
[Re: Dago Red]
#983450
05/02/11 01:39 PM
05/02/11 01:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,527 minnesota
Kirby
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Jan 2005
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minnesota
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Quote:
Do the name "butt ugly" ring any bells????
Most of us don't like fat chicks- so what's your point?
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Re: 17 ' wheels on a 1971 Challenger convertible
[Re: GoodysGotaCuda]
#983455
06/18/11 04:20 AM
06/18/11 04:20 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 387 Montreal PQ, Canada
74_360_Cuda
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 387
Montreal PQ, Canada
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Quote:
Mine are 17 and 18s, but sharing specs.
Quote:
Rims American Racing Torque Thrust M's Front - 17x8 with 4.5" backspacing Rear - 18x9 with 5.9" backspacing
Notes - The rear 18s are running 3/4" wheel spacers to keep the tire off the spring. The axle has 3" studs to allow for proper lug engagement with the thick aluminum wheel and spacers. Also, that particular wheel has a different size hub for the 17 and 18. The 18" wheel will NOT fit on the front without modifying the hub on the car, or the wheel. I stumbled upon this when I got the 18s first and I wanted to just try them on the front.
Tires - Nitto 555 Front - 255/45/17 Rear - 295/45/18
Suspension Front ride height - 24 1/2" from the ground to the center of the wheel well. Rear ride height - 26"
Front suspension is stock torsion bar suspension. The rear has super stock leaf springs with 1" lowering blocks. (~about stock height)
Rear clearances - 1/2" from the tire to the leaf spring, and 1/2" from the tire to the 1/4 panel. 1" for the same locations, but to the actual rim lip.
Do you think you would have enough clearance in front for Dr Diff disk brake kit that add 1/4 inch?
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Re: 17 ' wheels on a 1971 Challenger convertible
[Re: sanman68]
#983457
06/18/11 08:30 AM
06/18/11 08:30 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 801 central CT
cudazappa
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 801
central CT
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I fit 17x9s with 275/40s all around on my stock suspension challenger. Backspace is 5" in rear, 5 1/16" in front. 5.25 backspace would be just about ideal. It is TIGHT in front. Yeah, I used mustang wheels and spacers because I'm not made of money...
1971 Challenger
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Re: 17 ' wheels on a 1971 Challenger convertible
[Re: BDW]
#983461
06/20/11 03:42 AM
06/20/11 03:42 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 138 Los Angeles, CA
71_dramaqueen
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Los Angeles, CA
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Forgive my ignorance, what do you mean by rib? The outer most part of the hole that centers the rim on the hub? What where you grinding with, a mill? Man a picture or diagram would sure help here.
1971 challenger. 6.2L Hellcat, T56 Magnum
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