What is the biggest 16 inch tire size that I can put on the back of my 66 el Camino. I have 16 x 8 inch rims... 285/50 ?
B/S 5.5 ??? Am I close?
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del4, who makes a 285/50R16, never seen one. Your best bet is going to be 255/50R16. Or step up and buy some 17" :D Then you have real choices.

I know BF Goodrich sells a 295-50-16 but I'm not sure if they would fit in your El Camino. I have a 67' Elky and would also like to know the widest 16" tires that would fit. How about a little more guys.

I know BF Goodrich sells a 295-50-16 but I'm not sure if they would fit in your El Camino. I have a 67'
Elky and would also like to know the widest 16" tires that would fit. How about a little more guys. I know 295-50/15 will fit, so the 295-50/16 should also fit ( I have about 1/2" plus extra room with no outer lip mods).

BUT, rim backspacing will be critical to fit such a large tire...

IMO, I would either go to a 17" rim size (if getting new rims) as their are more tire choices (both size and brands), and new rims will probably have a better availability of differing offsets to help fit the maximum tire in the wheelwell.

If you already have the 16-inch wheels, then disregard all of the above, as you need to mount the wheels on your car (even if they are bare), and then measure to dee what will fit...

Do a search on my userid. I have explained this many times and how to measure the rear wheel weels for determining the optimum backspacing for your car. I have 65 El Camino that is lowered and has 17X8 with 5" bs that fits with no rubbing problems. But because of nonoriginal axles, body placement, and other varibles, it may not work for yours. It's best if you measure it on your car.

I run 255/45/17s all the way around on 17x8s with 5.25 inch backspacing. I have Global West front suspension so it moves everything out .25 inches, so 5 inch backspacing would have worked very well with 8 inch wheels and these tires. For whatever it's worth.