G-Body / 79 MC - what rear tire sizes on 18x9.5?

[CruizinKev]

bought the boss 338 rims for my 79 monte carlo project:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/2rc4d8k-1.jpg

18 x 8 Front wheels
Offset: +2mm, Backspace: 4 1/2"

18 x 9.5" Rear wheels
Offset: -4mm, Backspace: 5"

I was looking for 275/35-18 tires for the 9.5x18 rear rim. but an awesome deal came across on some bridgestone potzenzas but 285/35-18. what do you think, they'll fit with the 18x9.5 on my 79 MC??

still couldn't bolt the rims on the car because this is how it looks like:

(old pic from 2007)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSCF1686-1.jpg

...plus the cold snow outside. can't even open the barn doors to it lol..

[mc84_zz4]

Tony_SS has some 285s on his '79 (mcss.com), and he mentioned the 3rd gen monte has a hair more space than the 4th gen Monte.
Tony_SS has 285/40/17 IIRC, but it should end up the same overall size as the 285/35/18, i believe (it seems my trusty calculator link stopped working)
His Monte is a candy red with 17 Centerline Retro's, 17x8, 17x9.5. I am not sure on the backspacing specs but your 5" backspace on the 9.5 should be right on, 'maybe' a 1/4" spacer on one side if needed.
HTH

IMO the 285s will match up the tire bulge more evenly front to back. it's going to look sick!

[Tony_SS]

Thats correct.. the 285/40's fit perfect on a 17x9.5 with 4.5" of bs. Use that as your guide. I did not roll the fenders or do anything and have a good 1/4" between the tire and frame. They do not stick out either.

All tire sizes run a little different.. but a 285/38-18 is the same diameter as mine. I would not go smaller than that. You could even fit a 285/40-18 back there I would imagine.

[CruizinKev]

cool thx guys! I'll get then the 285/35-18 potenzas :twothumbs

[CruizinKev]

ditched the 285/35-18 tires deal and just bought yokohama 295/35-18 :twothumbs lets see how much they'll rub on body & frame lol

[Tony_SS]

You might be into the frame w/that size and backspace.

[CruizinKev]

yeah maybe I'll notch the frame and give little work to the fenders.

[Tony_SS]

I would've went with 285/40's IMO. Its a great size for a 9.5" wide wheel. And a 27" tall tire is perfect on the back of these Montes. No extra work needed for them to fit.

[CruizinKev]

yeah but in Germany 285/40's are hard to find. you can find all other sizes but no 285/40.

[Tony_SS]

I see. With the right spacer you make be ok with just rolling the wheel wells a little.. Let me know how it goes!