Get wheels or narrow rear end first?

[Smitty_67]

All,

I have a 67 camaro build. The rear end is a 8.5 second gen rear with a 4 link. I planned to narrow the rear for a better wheel look. I plan to trim the wheel well lip or roll it for a wider tire. I do not plan to minitub as the 4 link gets in the way.

The Test car for the IFS and 4 link manufacturer used these tire specs.
Front Tires: 255/35/18
Rear Tires: 295/30/18

Any recommendations for wheel specs and rear end width? Or, should I plan to buy wheels and narrow to fit or vise versa?

[GetMore]

Why would you narrow the rear?
I am assuming that you want a deep dish on the wheels, so you've got a lot of wheel lip showing. When you install the 295mm wide tire you will need a rim that is about 10.5" wide (+/- 1.5"). The proper offset for this size wheel will give you plenty of dish, somewhere about 5" worth.
You only need to narrow the rear if you tub the back of the car.

Now, the bigger question is going to be whether or not those tires will fit in the wheelwells, and how much work you will need to do to get them in there.

[Smitty_67]

Thanks Jason,

You are correct. The second gen rear is wider than the first gen so I didn't think I would get much lip on the wheel. I talked to the guys at TCI about how they fit the tire. They indicated, it only required to roll the lip. I have the TCI IFS and 4 Link.

http://www.totalcostinvolved.com/TCI_68_Chevy_Camaro.cfm

[Vegas69]

My advice is to leave some room for error. I wouldn't even think of running a 295 on a first gen unless it's mini tubbed. Run a 275 like everybody else or suffer the consequences of a tire rub if you plan to drive the car. What are the plans for the car before I go any further?

[Smitty_67]

Hi Todd,

What kinda plans to you refer? This is a PT build albeit an amature (me) doing most of the work and certainly on a limited budget. I have Kris from Cars by Kris doing the Rendering. SHould have it in a week or so. The Car is a 67 Camaro, I have the TCI IFS and 4 link. I have the 8.5" Posi, 383 Stroker, 700r4 tranny, etc. It will be a Sunday driver. No plans to race the car but I'm sure the occassional burnout can't be avoided.

[Vegas69]

Hey Dave.....you might change your mind later. I'd rather see you go with a sticky 275 vs a high mileage 295. A set of Toyo R888's will stick like glue compared to a mileage tire. Trust me, I get sucked into the bigger is better deal. If you decide to autocross, and I hope you do, you could have a knarly rub.

I think you might find that the street doesn't allow you to beat on your car quite as much as you would like. I always planned to race mine a little. Once I got pulled over twice I knew it was time to take the car off road to enjoy it to the fullest. Just another perspective....

[Smitty_67]

I would love to do some racing. I just don't know where folks do it or where to begin.

[Vegas69]

Here is a link to the SCCA website. http://www.scca.com/divisions.aspx?div=sw It doesn't look like they are as active as I hoped. Anyway, you get the point. I love racing mine. Go to some shows, ask around. I bet there is something going on around you.

[wellis77]

Get your wheels first, take your measurements, then have the rear cut down. Best way to go, but definitely leave some room (I've heard 1.5 inches each side of the wheel).

[Vegas69]

No way you need that much room....more like 3/8.

[Smitty_67]

Here is a link to the SCCA website. http://www.scca.com/divisions.aspx?div=sw It doesn't look like they are as active as I hoped. Anyway, you get the point. I love racing mine. Go to some shows, ask around. I bet there is something going on around you.

Will Do. Thanks Todd

[big gear head]

Any time a rear end is to be narrowed the wheels and tires should be the very first thing that is purchased. The wheels and tires need to be put in position under the car and a measurement taken between the mounting flanges of the wheels to get the EXACT rear end width. Then the rear end can be built so that the wheels and tires fit exactly where they should.

[lowfat69]

So is there no chance a 295 will fit on a 10" rim in a stock tub on a first gen (69), even if the housing is narrowed?

[wellis77]

No way you need that much room....more like 3/8.

Noted. Bigger tire here I come!

[MrQuick]

My advice is to leave some room for error. I wouldn't even think of running a 295 on a first gen unless it's mini tubbed. Run a 275 like everybody else or suffer the consequences of a tire rub if you plan to drive the car. What are the plans for the car before I go any further?


Hey Dave.....you might change your mind later. I'd rather see you go with a sticky 275 vs a high mileage 295. A set of Toyo R888's will stick like glue compared to a mileage tire. Trust me, I get sucked into the bigger is better deal. If you decide to autocross, and I hope you do, you could have a knarly rub.




No way you need that much room....more like 3/8.



Not picking on you Todd, I just found that funny.







I just read this and i'd like to make a slight correction regarding tire spacing. A good rule of thumb is 3/4" inner and 3/8" outer clearance to be the absolute minimum.
This depends on the type of rear suspension you are running and tire sizes. A 30-40 series tire will require far less than a 60-75 series tire would.



All the cars I do get a 1/2" outer and 1 1/4" inner space and that has been a constant with no rubbing issues.


Great info other than that.

Oh another thing is to buy a rear rim with a standard backspace then build from there. Its a bunch cheaper that way.

Vince

[rob07002]

So is there no chance a 295 will fit on a 10" rim in a stock tub on a first gen (69), even if the housing is narrowed?

Very very doubtful, just not enough real estate with the stock tubs. Like mentioned, a 275 with 10" wheel is about the max. Keep in mind though a 275 on a 10" wheel will have the look of the sidewall "sucked" inward, rather then a slight bulge.