Wheel Fitment Experts Sound Off

[69onmymind]

I have a 69 Camaro that's been a labor of love project for 11 yrs. I am now in need of some advice for wheels and tires. I'd like to purchase some Coy C-5 wheels (5 spoke American Torque Thrust II type wheel) in 18's. My question is will a 18 x 8 (4.25 or 4.5 BS) and 18 X 9.5 (5.5 BS) fit my car. I currently have drop spindles in the front with 1.5 in. Hotchkis lowering springs, disc brakes on all four corners, Hotchkis multi-leaf lowering springs in the rear, KYB gas shocks, stock suspension subframe with 1 7/8 front sway bar, and a Moser 12 Bolt rearend (GM Style). Will I have clearance issues with a 245/40-18 or 245/45-18 (front) and 275/40-18 (rear) tire set up? The rear shocks are stock staggered and I have rolled my inner lips on my rear fenders. One of Coy's reps related I possibly will have an issue with rubbing along the front subframe with an 18 x 8 wheel, but not with an 18 x 7 wheel and a 235/40-18 front tire. He also stated it might be a little tight in the rear with the 18 x 9.5 wheel unless I made sure the rearend was totally square with the car. If not, I could have a half in clearance on one side and less on the opposite side. I'm all ears for your input. HELP!

Thanks,
Joe

[XcYZ]

Hi Joe, it can be tight with those wheel/tire sizes, but those are the sizes that I've used in the past and I recommend. The only thing I see is the backspacing on the front. I'd recommend an 8" wheel with 4.75" backspacing, although some guys prefer 5" backspacing. Your 4.5" of backspacing is going the wrong way and might give you issues with the tire rubbing on the rear opening of the fender.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Scott nailed it. We like 4.75 ourselves. but if you have any irregularities up front like the front being swayed, not mounted perfectly square, or a irregular wheel well opening, you can rub a bit on the outer edge.

[Rybar]

You should be fine with 9.5" rears with 5.5" BS and a 275-40-18 tire.

Alot of guys have run this setup wih no problems.

[rwhite692]

Hi Joe, You have a PM -Rob

[DriverzInc]

Beating a dead horse, but yes, 4.75" BS, or what we always run is a 4.875" back space. Your rear spacing sounds right on the money.

[69onmymind]

Thanks guys for your responses. They have helped a lot. Sorry, for the repetitiveness. I'm just trying to get it right the first time.

[slys65ss]

hey fellas, would your answers apply to a stock 79 Z28 reguarding wheel sizes. I'm looking at 17's in front and 18's in the rear. Not entirely sure yet.
Thanks.........Jason.

[ProdigyCustoms]

On a second gen we do a front 8 with a 4 1/2" backspace, 8 1/2 with a 4 3/4" backspace. On the rear, a 9 1/2" with a 5 1/2" backspace, or if you dare, a 10" with a 6" backspace

[slys65ss]

Thanks for the info, and so quickly. I look forward to spending lots of time on this site.........Jason.