ordered new wheels and tires

[jordan]

I just ordered a new set of rims.  I did some calculations to figure out offset to backspace.  I hope I did it right.  Can somebody check my math?  I converted mm to inches, divided the rim width by 2 and added the inches.   I got some TSW snettertons.  Front  18 x 8 with 20mm offset.  Converted to inches =.78".  Backspace will be 4.78".  Correct?  This should fit the front.

Rear rims are 18 x 9.5" with 40mm offset.  Convert 40mm to inches = 1.57.  9.5 divided by 2 = 4.75 + 1.57 = 6.32.  I have Dr.Diff 1" relocation spring hangers.  Do you guys think this will fit? 

I am planning on Michelin Pilot Super Sports   front: 255/40/18  26" overall diameter
                                                                      rear: 285/35/18  25.9" overall diameter

I am most concerned with my choice of offset on the rear.  I am not sure if it will fit.  I am also unsure of my tires diameter.  I thought 27" would fit, but now have been informed to go 26" but I dont know if the tire will look too small in the wheel well.  I only ordered my rims yesterday, and can change them asap if the community thinks I made a bad decision.  If they get here, then I have to wait another week until I get the correct ones.  I am almost ready to get this car running, so am sort of on a time crunch before the weather changes.  Any input is appreciated.  Thanks guys. 

[moparman82]

Really interested to see how they look!  Only ever seen them on euro or jap luxury cars, and one new camaro, so I'm really interested to see how they look

[SBDave]

You've forgotten that when a manufacture says a wheel is 8" wide that is inside lip to inside lip.  So the wheel is actually 9" wide over all.  So taking that into account your 8" wheel will have 4.5"+.78" = 5.28" backspacing.  Rear backspace will be 5.25" + 1.57" = 6.82".  I think your fronts *might* clear but I don't think your rears will, even with the 1" relocation kit.  Might just take a small spacer for the back.  As everyone says, the factory tolerances play into the clearance when you are pushing the limits so every car is different.  I think 26" tall looks alright if the car is lowered.  I've got 255/50R16's front and back which are supposed to be 26" tall. 
-Dave

[7212Mopar]

Might clear the spring with spacer but might not for the fender. You might need to roll the fender lips. At the back, I have 275/40/17 mounted on 17x9 YO Rallye with 5" BS, stock spring location. About 1/2" to spring and slightly less than 1/2" to fender lip.

[jordan]

I can change my rear rim to the 20mm offset (.58").  Will that help with my clearance issue?  Does that keep the rim closer to the spring or the quarter?

SBDave, your tires look fine to me as they fit the wheel opening.  Good for me since my car will be lowered also.

[dodj]

I believe the rears will be close, maybe too close. I have 6 5/8 back space rears and the Dr Diff 1.5" relo kit and it's close (1/4"). But there is lots of room for the 285's. I'm running 315's and there is still space available.
With 5" backspace there will be room for the fronts. I'm running 255/40/17 rubber with no issues, lowered and a 5" BS. 4.75 may be ok. At worst, a 1/4" spacer and you're good. 

[anlauto]

26" is about the stock hieght of an original F60X15's which came on Hemicudas. I would think a little more hiegt might look better, but I guess it also matters how high your car sits...Are you lowering it at all ?

[jordan]

I'm lowering my car about an inch according to XVs website about the level 1 kit.


I wonder if I should order up another set of rear rims with the 20mm offset and fit the both and see which one works. I will return the one that doesn't fit. I'll call discount tire in the am. Are they still a sponsor here?  Any discount for members here?

[SBDave]

I have XV's level 1 kit too.  I've had it for a couple years now.  They told me on the phone I can "put the car down in the weeds", essentially saying I can lower it as much as I want.  Well, that's not exactly true.  They supplied shocks that are too long for the car, so when I lowered my car the shocks bottomed out before any bump stops engaged.  I had them send me some shorter shocks for the rear but they are still not the right size.  I'd be very interested to see where your car comes out.  If you could measure the shocks eye to eye when you get them that would be awesome.  Take a look at any of the XV cars and you'll see they all sit pretty nice, but not "in the weeds" by any means. 

On your rear wheels I would guess the 20mm offset wheels would be closer to what you'd want but you're gonna have to measure your car with the XV suspension at ride height to really know.  I think it would be smart to get the suspension done before you spend too much time on the wheels/tires.

Dave

[jordan]

Hi Dave, I got the suspension done.  Mostly.  I need my axles back and some wheels to get the car on the ground and rolling.  I cannot adjust my rear height since I have the Dr.Diff relocated shackles.  They line up on the XV shackles at their middle hole.  Hopefully it is a good ride height.  I dont really want it "in the weeds" but a little lower to improve handling would be good.  I wonder since I moved my leafs in, it that will make my shocks seem even longer?  I already have my shocks installed or I would measure them eye to eye out of the car.  Interestingly enough, Shaffi Keisler told me the shocks were an issue on his Cuda, and switched them out to something different.  I tried calling XV recently about another issue I had with their brakes, but nobody answered, couldnt leave a voice mail, and they offer no email.  I dont have much good to say about their business.  If my shocks dont work, I will sell them off and try the Fox shocks offered by Hotchkis.  Is this all worth the work?  Do you like the ride of your car?  How does it handle? 

    I am going to order up new rear rims with less backspace to see if they fit better.  Thanks for the feedback.    J

[moparman82]

Man I can't wait to see this thing, my absolute favorite color combo

[brads70]

Looking good! If those shocks ( Afco) don't work for you I'd suggest QA1 double adjustable. I just installed them on the rear of mine and am happy with them. I've had 3 different sets of shocks on my car in 2-3 years. Good thing about the QA1's is they adjust to any situation. I plan on getting them on the front too when funds allow.  In my case the shocks suggested in the QA1 catalogue wouldn't work for me so QA1 gave me a part # to use after I e-mailed them my measurements. My car is lower than stock too.
Just thought I'd mention the shock thing so you too are not buying  them 3-4 times...?

[jordan]

Thanks for the info Brad.  I am going to have to put some miles on before I can determine what works or doesnt work.  I think I can send the shocks to AFCO and have shorter shafts put in if there is a bottoming issue.  I have had shocks rebuilt for my motorcycles and snowmobiles before.  Its nice to know these shocks are customizable.  It would have been better if XV actually developed the correct shock before selling me something I have to fix anyway.  I see that Hotchkis is coming out with their new shock from Fox.  I ran Fox on my race bike a long time ago, and was very happy with the performance as well as how much it lowered my lap times.  I am curious to see what others think.  If my AFCOs are too long for a lowered car, maybe they will work for stock height cars and I can sell them, and use the money towards the Fox.  I will keep in mind the QA1s if I look into this further later.  J

[SBDave]

I'm not saying you are definitely going to have a problem.  I bought my kit from XV probably 2 or 3 years ago.  I do like how they ride but partially had issues because my car was absolutely slammed.  I should have known better than to blindly trust everyone that helped me with the car (this is my first project car).  I've only warned you of this stuff so you don't make the same mistake I did.  Had I realized this was such a big issue early on I would have had XV correcting everything.  It's hard to justify having them replace parts 3 years later (although my car has been off the road for most of that time).  Side questions but does anyone have a contact at AFCO that would be familiar with XV?

Anyways, can't wait to see your car sitting on the ground!
Dave

[cudazappa]

Fox also sells an adjustable shock.  Just not through Hotchkis.  The Hotchkis Fox shocks are tuned for their TVS kit, so there's a certain spring rate they are damping.  Not sure how the springs from XV compare to the Hotchkis.  You may want to stick with adjustables.