I have a 1972 Chevelle SS and I will be putting 215/70R15 BFG Radial T/A on 15X7 weld draglites on the front and 275/60R15 on 15X8 on the rear. I know this has been asked a hundred times and I have read the ideal backspacing for a 15X8 rear is 4.5, but what is the ideal backspacing for the front. Any help will be appreciated.

Ideal backspacing for balance in the wheel well for a street car is 5" and to make maximum use of the wheel well 5.5" (usually measures 5 3/8") from weld or Cragar is max. For the front, 4.5 works very well, they usually measure 4 3/8

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'71 468 Street/Strip Monte Carlo 3950lbs, 9.8:1, 3.55's, 11.46 @ 117, 7.29 1/8 mile
1.62 60'

[This message has been edited by mc71454 (edited 08-02-2002).]

I have to concur, for 8" wide go 5" to 5-1/2" I have 15x8" rims on my 67 GTO, they have 5-1/4" BS and I could have gone more.

On a stock Chevelle rear, Zero offset will center the wheel and tire in the wheelwell. Go with 4.5" BS on an 8 inch rim. You'll have plenty of room both inside and out. A 5.5" BS on that rim is going to offset everything very close to the frame rail.

On the front, 4.5" should also be ok for your 15x7 rims.