To minitub, or not to minitub, that's the question

[Ornamental]

I'm currently in the process of deciding how my Challenger is going to be, and i need some advise.

For a 500++ HP engine, will the stock wheel wells house large enough tires to get the power to the ground, or will i better have a minitubbing job done in the rear?

If a minitubbing is the way to go, what tiresizes should i consider?

[72hemi]

The stock wheel wells should be fine for 500 hp. I am running 275 60 15 tires on the back of my Challenger. Just get some good tires in that size. By the way I am running a 15 x 8 rim with 4.5 inches of backspacing.

[Ornamental]

The stock wheel wells should be fine for 500 hp. I am running 275 60 15 tires on the back of my Challenger. Just get some good tires in that size. By the way I am running a 15 x 8 rim with 4.5 inches of backspacing.

Thanks, particulary for the backspacing info! I did'nt think about asking that!

At which point should one better minitub?
Horsepowerwise, how insanely over the top will one have to be to need minitubbing?

[ShelbyDogg]

It all depends on the look that you're after.  If you want the Pro-street, BIG MEAT look, then go ahead and mini tub it. That is the easiest way to get HUGE tire into that fender, for that great rear wide tire look.   Just remember that the car will be harder to sell after being cut up.

[ChallengerGary]

Considering that the 10.5" tire class of racing regularly features cars in the 8's, it's really not a mtter of tire size to horsepower.  It's a matter of maintaining traction in which the type of tire is as important (if not more so) than the size of the tire.  If you are worried about traction from a racing standpoint, consider your leaf springs, pinion snubber and tire construction (not necessarily width) as the key components.  If you are talking about the cool factor involved with fat tires, I say Tub it - but remember it will hurt resale value.  Personaly, I LOVE STEAMROLLERS 

[360 'CUDA]

Minitubbing works alot better in the earlier B-body and A-body cars

With the E-bodys the frame comes real close to the wheelwell at the back anyway so go with just the spring relocation kit or go hog wild and backhalf the car.

Minitubbing just doesn't give you more then 3/4s of an inch extra and you still have to move the springs in more to take advantage of it

[4Cruizn]

I personally would not mini tub an e-body . . . love the fat tires but lose too much in value.  JMO   

[Ornamental]

Thank you for great answers!
Even if i like the look of slightly fatter tires in the rear, the wheel wells will stay as they are.
The looks alone won't justify the cost of minitubbing.

...Just remember that the car will be harder to sell after being cut up.

...- but remember it will hurt resale value...

Selling the Chally?
The robot Bender in the Futurama series said it best: "There's an old computer saying: Does not compute"

[ChallengerGary]

Sounds like you've solved your problem