E-Body Tire Combos

[JAS]

JAS -- I've never run Hankooks but I'm satisfied with the newer BFG T/As on my car... just for street and mostly highway cruising.  255-60-15 fronts, 275-60-15 rears... mounted on vintage-style "Performance" brand 15x8 minilite rims.  "Street" truly doesn't count.

For better handling performance (hwy/road course lapping.. HSAX/HPDE), I use BFG G-Force Comp T/As.. 255-50-16 f/r on 16x8 minilite rims.

For yet ultimate handling performance, for competition pylon AX (SCCA) or HSAX, I use Hoosier A6 275-45-16 f/r on lightweight Centerline forged aluminum 16x10 rims.

Mopar Mitch, how did you fit a 255/60r15 on 15x8??? and what is your offset.  It doesn't rub at all?

[Sinatra]

I've run 255/60R-15s on factory 7" wheels on the back of several cars.  They look just the slightest-bit squeezed, but they worked very well.  Suggested rim width range is 7"-9" on that size, actually.  For my Challenger, I have 255/50R-17 Nitto NT555s on 17"x9" Minilite replicas all the way around.  The shorter aspect ratio demands a wider rim, but they still could've been squeezed onto an 8" without problem.  Though my car is still without an engine, I've driven these tires hard on other cars and been very impressed with the price:performance ratio.

[Mopar Mitch]

JAS -- A 255-60 is no problem on an 8" rim, even for a 7" rim.   My rears are 275-60 .. previously on factory 7" rally rims.. now on 8" rims... no problem.  The taller sidewall does allow forgiveness without severe pinching, like on shorter 50-456-40-35 sidewalls would do.

My fender lips are flushed (f/r), car is lowered f/r, ... no rubbing at all.. tight stiff suspension helps prevent diving.

The 8" rims have a slight extra offset of 3/8" (pushing the rim out towards the fenders a bit)... still.. no problems.   I really like the taller sidewalls (60) with my stiff suspension setup -- it allows some extra cushioning (for "street)... and an overall comfortable ride.

Like I said, for better performance driving (HSAX/HPDE...road course lapping sessions), that's when I put on the better rims/tire setups... it makes a good difference overall.

[JAS]

Thanks for the info Mopar Mitch

[Mopar Mitch]

JAS -- I previously had 245-60-15 on the front rims (rally 7" wide, as well as the minilite 8" wide rims)... 245-60-15 are too small, but ok.  The 275-60-15 rears do add a rake, and for handling, you don't want a lifted rear rake.... the added height of the 255-60-15s in front pretty much leveled the car for cruising (with minor stuff in the trunk... camping tent, sleeping bag, etc).

[Clemenza]

I wondering if I could get some opinions. I've read through all the posts but I'm still a little confused. I'm a novice at this. I am building a Pro Touring 1970 Barracuda and I'm at the stage where I want to order my suspension, wheels, and tires. I want to run a RMS Alterkation in the front and RMS Street Lynx in the rear with a 14in Wilwood set up. I want the car to sit as low as possible where I can still drive it everyday. If I run 18s on the front and back what size should I run to get the biggest widest tires with no mini tub. I'm confused on backspacing and the best tire combo to purchase. I don't want to make the wrong decision. I was also debating 20s in the back but for a street driver I think 18s may be better. Any recommendations would be helpful. Thanks

[The Cuda Guy]

I have a 73 Barracuda with 69 B-Body width Dana 60, 1.5 inch spring relocation kit and caltracs.

I'm going with 10" rims with a 5.5 backspace. 

My question is can I fit 315/60/15 drag radials in the stock wheel wells?  I wont have any heart burn if I have to trim/roll the inner fender lips.

I know stroker did with a Challenger and I think his Dana 60 was about a 3/8 - 1/2" shorter than mine.

Have any of you guys run this or a similar combo or know someone who has??? 

Thanks for your time.


Don

[72bluNblu]

I have a 73 Barracuda with 69 B-Body width Dana 60, 1.5 inch spring relocation kit and caltracs.

I'm going with 10" rims with a 5.5 backspace. 

My question is can I fit 315/60/15 drag radials in the stock wheel wells?  I wont have any heart burn if I have to trim/roll the inner fender lips.

I know stroker did with a Challenger and I think his Dana 60 was about a 3/8 - 1/2" shorter than mine.

Have any of you guys run this or a similar combo or know someone who has??? 

Thanks for your time.


Don

The 17x9's I have on my Challenger have a 5" backspace, and are almost perfectly centered with my '70 B body rear axle and a 1" relocation kit. I run 275's on mine, but I have room for another 2" of tire on my car. 325's would definitely fit, 335's would probably fit if I rolled/trimmed the quarter lip.

If anything I'd be looking for a little more backspace if you've got the 1.5" offset kit, maybe as much as 6" if you can get it with the 10" rim. The inner wheel tub will probably come into play before the springs do though.

[The Cuda Guy]

The 17x9's I have on my Challenger have a 5" backspace, and are almost perfectly centered with my '70 B body rear axle and a 1" relocation kit. I run 275's on mine, but I have room for another 2" of tire on my car. 325's would definitely fit, 335's would probably fit if I rolled/trimmed the quarter lip.

If anything I'd be looking for a little more backspace if you've got the 1.5" offset kit, maybe as much as 6" if you can get it with the 10" rim. The inner wheel tub will probably come into play before the springs do though.

Thanks for the response and advice.  I don't think the rims come with a 6" offset.


Don 

[filmsurgeon]

My Challenger has an A-body 8.75 rear end which is 52-5/8" flange to flange.  E-body 8.75 is 56-31/64" flange to flange.  B-body 8.75 rear ends vary in width depending on year, but the shortest is '62-'63 @ 53-1/4" ( http://www.moparts.org/Tech/Archive/axle/16.html ). The previous owner did all the work/mods about 14 years ago.  They used a Mopar Performance leaf spring relocation kit, and did a mini-tub.  I added the Caltracs.  I have 10" w/5.5" BS wheels and 315/60-15 BFG Drag Radials.  It all fits very nicely.  However, the previous owner did modify the rear frame rails to better accommodate the tire/wheel combo. Don't know if your intended set-up will clear the fender lips.

[The Cuda Guy]

My Challenger has an A-body 8.75 rear end which is 52-5/8" flange to flange.  E-body 8.75 is 56-31/64" flange to flange.  B-body 8.75 rear ends vary in width depending on year, but the shortest is '62-'63 @ 53-1/4" ( http://www.moparts.org/Tech/Archive/axle/16.html ). The previous owner did all the work/mods about 14 years ago.  They used a Mopar Performance leaf spring relocation kit, and did a mini-tub.  I added the Caltracs.  I have 10" w/5.5" BS wheels and 315/60-15 BFG Drag Radials.  It all fits very nicely.  However, the previous owner did modify the rear frame rails to better accommodate the tire/wheel combo. Don't know if your intended set-up will clear the fender lips.

Thanks for the response.  I have read it can be done with what I got.  If I have to trim I will.  Did you need to mini tub or did you choose it?  Looks like you might fight 325's under there?  How do those BFG drag radials hook at the track?


Don

[filmsurgeon]

Thanks for the response.  I have read it can be done with what I got.  If I have to trim I will.  Did you need to mini tub or did you choose it?  Looks like you might fight 325's under there?  How do those BFG drag radials hook at the track?

I'd have to get wider wheels with a different BS to go with wider tires (i.e. 11' wide w/6.5" BS, or 12" wide w/7.5" BS).  Right now there's about 1/2" clearance between the tire and the fender/wheel lip.  The previous owner did the mini-tub.  I assume they felt it was best or necessary.  Haven't had the car at the track yet.  I've been doing a ton of work on it gradually since I bought it in 06/2006.

[filmsurgeon]

I'm happy with the 315/60-15s.  Plenty of meat.

[Mpdlawdog]

Ok...I'm narrowed it down....can you help if this set up will work??

Front
17x9...+5
275-40-17 tire or 255-45-17

Rear
18x9.5...+10
295-45-18 tire or 285-35-18

My rear end is in the stock location....any ideas??

My lips will be rolled...and have spacers if needed...

[72bluNblu]

Ok...I'm narrowed it down....can you help if this set up will work??

Front
17x9...+5
275-40-17 tire or 255-45-17

Rear
18x9.5...+10
295-45-18 tire or 285-35-18

My rear end is in the stock location....any ideas??

My lips will be rolled...and have spacers if needed...

Fronts should work with either tire. The 275's will probably need the fenders rolled. Keep an eye on your outer ball joint clearance, you might need a small spacer. My 17x9's are "0" offset and it's pretty close on the outer tie rod, but that depends on the style of the rim too.

In the back I'd stick with the 285/35/18 if you've got the stock rear end and spring locations. Should be ok with a roll on the quarters. A 295/45/18 is nearly a 29" tall tire, and anything with a lower profile than that won't fit on a 9.5" wide rim. With a +10 offset you might need a small spacer to adjust for spring clearance, but that's easier than the alternative.