I've searched and searched, and can't find much info on this. I'd like to have 17x9.5's all the way around, but I'm not sure if they'll work. Looks like most people run 17x8 fronts when they go to 17" wheels. anyone run 17x9.5's??

I am. See my link below for pics.

Keith,are you the fella that's running ZR-1 wheels on your Elky?
I called PS Engineering today about increasing the backspace on my front 17x9's from 5" to 5.75" and they said "no problem".

Keith, what's the backspacing on your front wheels?

they look awsome, btw! graemlins/hurray.gif

Keith,are you the fella that's running ZR-1 wheels on your Elky?
I called PS Engineering today about increasing the backspace on my front 17x9's from 5" to 5.75" and they said "no problem".
That's me.

Keith, what's the backspacing on your front wheels?

they look awsome, btw!
Thanks! The offset is 38mm and the backspacing is 6.75". I have a 1" wheel adapter plus another .3" with the disc brake hat so my effective backspacing is 5.45".

Have you got a side shot of your Elky with the ZR-1 wheels,Keith?

Not a good one yet. Maybe in a few days.

I think I've about decided to just go 17x8 on the front, and 17x9.5 on the rear. I don't want to deal with spacers or rubbing or any other complications.

You won't need spacers or other aftermarket parts to run a 17x9.5 wheel on the front,Brian. I'm running 17x9 wheels with 5" backspace and 275/40/17 tires on the front of my 69 El Camino. At the moment,all front end components are stock. No interference problems have occurred. I would order the 17x9.5 wheels with 5.5" backspacing for both front and rear. They will look great on your 69 Malibu.
The only reason so many people run 17x8's on the front is because they are not sure anything wider will fit w/o problems. From personal experience,I can tell you that a 17x9.5 wheel will work fine with 5.5" backspacing and a 275/40/17 front tire. This combo looks great and doesn't look too big,either.

Originally posted by Clint44:
You won't need spacers or other aftermarket parts to run a 17x9.5 wheel on the front,Brian. I'm running 17x9 wheels with 5" backspace and 275/40/17 tires on the front of my 69 El Camino. At the moment,all front end components are stock. No interference problems have occurred. I would order the 17x9.5 wheels with 5.5" backspacing for both front and rear. They will look great on your 69 Malibu.
The only reason so many people run 17x8's on the front is because they are not sure they will fit w/o problems. From personal experience,I can tell you that a 17x9.5 wheel will work fine with 5.5" backspacing and a 275/40/17 front tire. This combo looks great and doesn't look too big,either. Alright, I'm tired of fretting over it, ordering these puppies right now! Vintage Wheel Works V40's smile.gif smile.gif graemlins/beers.gif

I can tell you that 17"x8" Intro Pentia's will rub your front sway bar. That is if your running a 1.25" sway bar. Other than the slight rub on the sway I have had no problems. I would however think the problem would be more pronounced if the wheel were wider.

Regards,

Steve Haraway
1971 SS396

Are they rubbing the sway bar at full lock,Steve?
I have a 1 1/8" front bar and it clears my wheels w/o interference.

Yes, the rubbing is at full lock. The edge of the tire just barely rubs the turn on the sway bar.

Regards,

Steve Haraway
1971 SS396

my V40's will be here in about a week, woohoo!!!