18X8 on front of 69 camaro

[Tucks69]

I have read several post's about wheels and tire's. The majority say 18X8 with a 5 inch backspacing on the front of a 69 Camaro. I was wondering if anybody used a 4 1/2 backspaced wheel successfully? The wheels I am looking at only come in the 4 1/2 backspacing. The car will be lowered almost 3 inches in the front. I would also like tire size that would fit.

Mike

[6'9"Witha69]

I run a 17x8 with 245/45/17 on the front of my 69. No problems. But then again, my Wilwood setup makes a very slight difference as well. Not enough to account for 1/2" in backspacing though. You should be fine. What is your front brake setup?

[J2speedandcustom]

It's going to be close. With the car that low your probably going to rub the fender lip and fender well when turning.

[68Formula]

It'll help if you use improve the camber gain (Gulstrand or taller spindle) and run at least .5° negative camber that way the wheel will move in towards the center of the vehicle as suspension compresses.

[Tucks69]

Thanks for the info. I bought a set of 17's, but they were polished. To much upkeep. The spindles are 2" dropped spindles from Classic Performance. They use the factory disc parts. They also allow 12" and 13" brake kits to bolt on. I plan on the bigger brakes later, for now i have the stock disc. I have read somewhere that there is a template to change the upper arm geometry by redrilling the mounting holes? As for the fender lips I could notch the fenderwels and roll the fender lips.

Mike

P.S. Here is Pic with 17"s before I dissassembled the car