Hi everyone;

In a bit of a quandry. 70 Chevelle
I know I can put my 295/50s on 15 x 8s.
would a 4.5 backspace center the tire in the well?
Any advice is appreciated.

thanks
Mike

On an 8" wide wheel, a 4.5" BS will be fine. :thumbsup:

x2, will center it perfectly.

The 295/50 will fit better on a 10" rim with 5" back space.

The 295/50 will fit better on a 10" rim with 5" back space.

Make that a 5.5" back space. ;)

Make that a 5.5" back space. ;)

DITTO! 4.5" bs for 8" wheel, 5.5" bs for 10" wheel!:thumbsup:

Yes, I know it can fit on a 10" with 5.5 bs, though I may have clearance issues with exhaust and don't want to roll lips. I'm currently running 275/60s on 8" with 4 bs, and I believe the extra .5" bs would center the 295s.
Would this correct?

Yes, I know it can fit on a 10" with 5.5 bs, though I may have clearance issues with exhaust and don't want to roll lips. I'm currently running 275/60s on 8" with 4 bs, and I believe the extra .5" bs would center the 295s.
Would this correct?

Correct!

thanks for all the input. Just want to get it right, with no screw ups or returns.

I've seen plenty of 68's & 69's running 295 on 8's due to space constraints, but can anyone posts pics of 70 - 72s running 295s on 8's for a glimpse?

thanks

also, if this looks pretty centered, then I may be able to judge whether another inch in and out would be feasible. Had ran 15 x 10 Cragars w/5.5 bs 25 yrs ago, though only had 2" tails then, and minor lip rub/cuts, now have 2.5" tails so space is tight.

For every inch you widen the rim, the backspace needs to increase by 1/2 inch to keep it centered. 15x8 with 4.5BS and 15x10 with 5.5BS are both centered.

hey Mark, thanks for that reminder. I've been running the wrong bs on my current 15x8s rallys (AZ code w/ 4" bs) with 275/60s and they clear but extend too far out in the fender and really look too tall.
I like the "bulge" of a 295 on an 8", giving it an appearance of being taller, and once their properly centered will allow me to evaluate clearances. If I do go 10", would definitely be aftermarket alum with steelies being way too heavy.

i have a 15x8 with 4.5" bs and 275/50 tire and i had to roll the 1/4 lips. but i am also lowered 3".
how can you get away with a 295/50 on an 8" with 4.5 bs?

aaron

i have a 15x8 with 4.5" bs and 275/50 tire and i had to roll the 1/4 lips. but i am also lowered 3".
how can you get away with a 295/50 on an 8" with 4.5 bs?

aaron

In stock trim, 295/50x15's on that rim is nicely centered and does not rub. That's the tire I run now (but on a 10" rim w/5.5BS), and the tire I ran for years on my first '70 (on an 8" rim w/4.5"BS).

Some people can't make it work without a little trimming - depends on how centered your rear axle is, if the axle is the correct width, etc etc. Particularly after 40 years, for most of us it's hard to say what our cars have had changed or what they've been through, and 1/4 to 1/2" difference is not that hard to have between original design and current setup.

as stated, I'm currently on 8"s with 4 bs and 275/60s with an 11" sect. width which clear (close but do clear) stk. fender lips ( even with 3 passengers in rear seat). The new 295/50 firehawks claim to have a sect. width of around 12.5 when mounted on a 10". Mounting on an 8" ( which is a mfr. stated recommended size) will suck in the sect. width to probably just under 12" and the 15x8 with 4.5 bs will move it in 1/2" which should provide for clearance.

Anyone know of a mfr. that makes 15x9 w/ 5" bs ? They would be perfect!
Should be getting wheels in a few days and when mounted (and weather warms up) I'll pop 'em on and report back.

Anyone know a good tool or procedure to remove center caps without scratching? I'm using flat db caps and they mount tight to rim?

Anyone use a clear coat protectant?

thanks

That 295 is a lot of tire for an 8. Make sure you keep a close eye on your air pressure to make an even contact patch across the tread. As for the center cap try using some tape on prybar with a piece of plastic[like a bondo applicator] held on contacting point of rim. Good luck and enjoy all that traction!

That 295 is a lot of tire for an 8. Make sure you keep a close eye on your air pressure to make an even contact patch across the tread. As for the center cap try using some tape on prybar with a piece of plastic[like a bondo applicator] held on contacting point of rim. Good luck and enjoy all that traction!


Hi COPO LS7, sounds like sound advice. I'm runnin' 275/60's now, so not really much more, but better look. Thanks for the cap tip, great idea!

Hi Everyone;

Would anyone know the section width of their 295/50s mounted on 8" rims?
Does anyone measure under 11" ?

thanks
-Mike

Ours is just under 11" and it`s fine.

What kind of wheel are you looking at? Cant give availability on 9 til you let us know what you want :)

I had some rally rims custom made for me by Stockton. They are 15x9 with 5 1/2 backspacing with 295/50 BFG's. They fit perfectly on my old Monte, with NO trimming of the fenderlip. They'd also fit 70-72 Chevelle just the same.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2830795951_b878b8cbaa_b.jpg