Backspace on 17 X 8 wheels
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Backspace on 17 X 8 wheels
I'm changing from 15" X 8" wheels with a 4" backspace to 17" X 8" wheels for the upgrades I'm making on my '73. The wheel manufacturer is thinking that I should go to 4.25" or 4.5" backspacing to accommodate for the more squared off side wall to tread design on 17" tires. I've looked through numerous threads which shows about 50% of you are running 4.5" and about 50% of you are running 4" backspace. I would like to run the wheels without having to add spacers if possible. Can you give the reasons you chose 4.5" over 4" backspacing.
#2
Drifting
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Location: NSW, Australia
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C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
4" backspace will be better every time. A lot of people run 4.5" backspace on 17x8s because wheels are more readily available in that backspace, not because it's in any way better...
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OldCarBum (01-18-2017)
#3
Race Director
Thread Starter
I'm thinking of staying with the 4" backspace.
Wilwood brake systems agrees with the wheel manufacturer.
Last edited by OldCarBum; 01-18-2017 at 10:43 AM.
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OldCarBum (01-18-2017)
#6
Safety Car
beautiful car, like the stance on your car.
these are 17" wheels. on 69 sitting high in the back due to no interior.
overall back spacing; 4" in front, 4.25 in the rear.
4.5 stuck the wheels out to far, i tried them.
these are 17" wheels. on 69 sitting high in the back due to no interior.
overall back spacing; 4" in front, 4.25 in the rear.
4.5 stuck the wheels out to far, i tried them.
Last edited by 69Vett; 01-18-2017 at 11:02 AM.
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OldCarBum (01-18-2017)
#8
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
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Royal Canadian Navy
My 18"X9.5" with 5-1/4" BS and a 275/45-18 tire. The tire is abouut flush with the top of the fender. I needed to relocate parking brake bracket. No spacers on stock trailing arm.
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OldCarBum (01-18-2017)
#10
Race Director
Thread Starter
The price on these wheels is the same. I just have to wait for the 17X8's because they are not in stock.