17X8 4" BS on 71 Nova?

[LT1Nova]

I'm thinking about buying a set of 17X8's with 4" of backspacing for my 71 Nova (stock control arms, hotchkis springs).

I searched the wheel & tire section for Nova and could not find anyone using a rim with these measurements. It looks to me like 4.5 or 4.75 is the more preferred backspacing.

Anyone have any proof one way or the other before I drop the money and learn the hard way?

[MrQuick]

Yeah, 4" will put you too close to the inner well.
I like to put em closer to 5".

You can easily go 17 x 8 with 4.50- 5" backspace with a 245 in front and 17x9 5-or 9.5 with 5.25 5.75bs with a 275 in back. My suggestions as always come with a " please measure your car cause no old Chevy is the same, close but not".

[Apogee]

What size tire are you planning to run? I've seen some run 15x8 with 4" BS...seem like 17" inchers would be possible, but very close to the fender lip if not touching.

Have you checked the tire fitment page at http://www.2quicknovas.com/6874.html ?

[LT1Nova]

The rims have 245/45R17's on them. I am thinking they are going to stick out to far and rub the inner fender.

I have that other site bookmarked and did check it as well but no one there has that backspacing listed either.

I'm thinking I will pass on these and wait for some others with more backspace.

I have a 9 inch rear not to stock Nova specs so that will be different than what everyone else can run.

[MrQuick]

The rims have 245/45R17's on them. I am thinking they are going to stick out to far and rub the inner fender.

I have that other site bookmarked and did check it as well but no one there has that backspacing listed either.

I'm thinking I will pass on these and wait for some others with more backspace.

I have a 9 inch rear not to stock Nova specs so that will be different than what everyone else can run.

The nine might pose a problem. Is it a Cougar rear? They are pretty close.

[LT1Nova]

71 Mustang if I rememeber correctly, I think it was like 1/2" wider. I will probably end up narrowing it since I like rear wheels with more dish.

[MrQuick]

ok, that sounds about right. just keep your eye out. they are always up for sale.

Does the rear still have the ford pattern? too bad you missed out on these https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37723

[LT1Nova]

Nope, Moser axles with GM bolt pattern.

[buickfunnycar.com]

17x8 w/4" b/s with a 245/45 tire will work fine as long as your suspension is firm.That b/s will bring you closer to the fender but I run a 18x8 w/4" b/s and 265/35 rubber on my '70 SS454 and no issues.
Yes,4.5-5" b/s would be a safer choice but it will work.

[strtlegal]

17x7 on the front with 4" bsp would work, 17x8 4.75"-5" bsp for the rear

or you could run a 17x8 with 5.5" bso front and 17x9.5 with 6" bsp rear

[70ssnova]

71 Mustang if I rememeber correctly, I think it was like 1/2" wider. I will probably end up narrowing it since I like rear wheels with more dish.

If you are planning on narrowing it. i have a new set of torque thurst II's for sale. 18x10 5" back spacing for the rear with 296/45 nitto 555 extreme tires and 17X8 4 3/4" back spacing for the front with 245/45 nitto 555 extreme tires. will sell and ship for 1750.00. They have never seen the road. changed my mind on tire and wheel combo, is why i'm selling.