wheel size
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,988
Likes: 3,366
From: NYC NY
Oh boy! Put your flame suit on. 
Now to answer your question
yes 20x8.5s will work. I think depending on what size tire (I would think 255/35-20 would work well) 4" - 4.25" backspace should be good.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 14
From: A town SC
wheel size
thanks im looking at the foose ''nitrous'' wheels. there on a car pic i found on the net. rebuilding rear bushings bearings u joints , u know the whole nightmare in the rear. and makin sure i wouldnt need offset T arms. thanks for the reply..vic
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,988
Likes: 3,366
From: NYC NY
You're welcome. With 20" wheels you will NOT need offset trailing arms. The frame is the limiting factor. If you wanted to go staggered fit in the rear you should be able to go up to a 20x10 with a 5.5" backspace and run a 275/35 tire with no problems.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 14
From: A town SC
Wheel size
[QUOTE=3JsVette;1570995405] You're welcome. With 20" wheels you will NOT need offset trailing arms. The frame is the limiting factor. If you wanted to go staggered fit in the rear you should be able to go up to a 20x10 with a 5.5" backspace and run a 275/35 tire with no problems.
Product ID: F11721061 Finish: Chrome Plated Wheels
Product Name: Nitrous 5 20x10 5/4.75 rear
Description: Foose Nitrous 5 one-piece chrome plated custom wheels from the drawing board of Chip Foose. -6mm Offset, 5.25" Backspace
Product ID: F11728561 Finish: Chrome Plated Wheels
Product Name: Nitrous 5 20x8.5 5/4.75 front
Description: Foose Nitrous 5 one-piece chrome plated custom wheels from the drawing board of Chip Foose. -6mm Offset, 4.5" Backspace
will these look right on my car (1981) i want the wheel edge even with the wheel wells
You're welcome. With 20" wheels you will NOT need offset trailing arms. The frame is the limiting factor. If you wanted to go staggered fit in the rear you should be able to go up to a 20x10 with a 5.5" backspace and run a 275/35 tire with no problems.Product ID: F11721061 Finish: Chrome Plated Wheels
Product Name: Nitrous 5 20x10 5/4.75 rear
Description: Foose Nitrous 5 one-piece chrome plated custom wheels from the drawing board of Chip Foose. -6mm Offset, 5.25" Backspace
Product ID: F11728561 Finish: Chrome Plated Wheels
Product Name: Nitrous 5 20x8.5 5/4.75 front
Description: Foose Nitrous 5 one-piece chrome plated custom wheels from the drawing board of Chip Foose. -6mm Offset, 4.5" Backspace
will these look right on my car (1981) i want the wheel edge even with the wheel wells
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,988
Likes: 3,366
From: NYC NY
You should be OK with those wheels and backspace. I think in the front you could go with a 255/35 tire and in the rear I would not go bigger than the 275/35 tire. Good luck with what ever you decide and please post pictures when you're done.
