17x8's...correct offset/backspacing, opinions

[Steve87GN]

I'm looking at going with the American Racing Salt Flat's in 17x8 in the near future and need some help. First, what would be the correct offset/backspacing? Any chance I can get the rears different to compensate for the front track being wider?

Second, which do you guys think would look better? I'm contemplating either the polished ones or getting the painted ones and having them painted/powdercoated black in the center, polished lip/center cap/lugs.

Thanks

 

[8UWITH6]

years ago I ran 17x8 TTIIs, polished, w/ a 4" BS on a 245/45R17 tire. Looked great........................... You might consider this

17x7 front, 225/45R17 4" BS to suck the fronts in a tad

17x8 rear, 245/45R17 4" BS rears Give you kinda the big and little look, smaller wheel lip on the front vs the rear.

Check out my post on my new 17" and 18" combo........... fun stuff huh? You and I think a lot alike........ dont steal my idea! HAHA, JK

 

[Steve87GN]

Gee, I thought you had a GN, not a WE4 lol j/k :tongue:

What I was actually thinking about was 17x8's all around, 245/45's up front and 255/45's in the rear. I wouldn't have to do any speedo recalibrations, I'd have a nice set of Firehawk Wide Oval's for her to dig in with and unique look to say the least .

Now, do you think putting a 4.25" backspacing on the rear would help get the rears out a little more? Maybe help line the wheels up instead of having the fronts out further?

Also, I'm guessing you think I should go with the painted Salt Flats and powercoat them black, huh? lol

 

[Steve87GN]

Ok, let me change my above question. If I put a pair of wheels with a 4.25" backspacing on the front and 4" backspacing on the rear, will that align the front and rear tracks (or get them at least close) without any rubbing?

 

[Red Regal T]

Ok, let me change my above question. If I put a pair of wheels with a 4.25" backspacing on the front and 4" backspacing on the rear, will that align the front and rear tracks (or get them at least close) without any rubbing?

I run 17 X 8s on both my TRs. The backspace on all the wheels are 4.5". I think you'll be good with the 4.25 on the front and the 4" backspace on the back. On my rear axle I use a 7/16" spacer to move the tire out, so it's very similar to the offsets you've mentioned.

By the way, the tire sizes I run are 255-50-17s on the rear, and 255-45-17s on the front. 27" tall on the rear and 26" tall on the front.

 

[Steve87GN]

Thanks John for the reply . You don't have any rubbing with the 4.5" backspacing, right?

I'm looking at running 245/45/17's up front, 255/45/17's out back...wider than stock but still the same height out back

 

[RUQWKNF27]

If i did a 8" wheel up front i the maximum BS would be 4".. I like my wheel to sit out toward the fender more instead of tucked in where it might rub. I remeber doing 15x8's with 3.5 BS an 15x7's with the same 3.5 BS an it looked real good. Actually this was the best formula in GS Xtra Newsletter years ago on what to run for wheels. Im about to do 20x10's with 4.5 BS an going 20x8's up front with 3.5 BS to get that nice staggered look an keep the tires set outside toward thefender trim instead of all tucked in. Heres the link to the 15x10's I did last weekend>>>http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191224

 

[corymc]

mine

i got 17x8s with 4 1/4 bs and they rub in the front i think its a 245 50r 17 not too sure right now its supposed to be like 25.9 dia with the tires i got

 

[Red Regal T]

Here's my GN with 17" X 8" IROCs with a 4.5" backspace. On the rear I used a 7/16" spacer to move out the 255-50-17s. Fronts are 255-45-17s. Rears are 27" tall and fronts are 26" tall. I don't like 25" tall tires. Look too little for my taste.

Oh yeah.......red T has 16X8 IROCs. 4.33" BS. 255-50-16s on rear and 225-60-16s on the front.

 

[49-blues]

I have a brand new set of salt flat specials,15x8 w 4" bs and 15x6 w 3 1/2" bs, comes with brand new hoosier quick time prs 275x60x15 and 225x60x15 on the fronts. i paid over $1600. plus mounting and balancing-will sell for $1500. never driven on, only mounted on car while on jack stands-they look great. matt-1-347-680-8642 --need money to finish my motor.

 

[corymc]

my wheels

http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/...urrent=DSC00967.jpg&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch3
http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n52/corymclean/?action=view&current=DSC00977.jpg

I think that they sit in to far i think its 4.5 or 4.25

 

[BlackMetal]

Here's my GN with 17" X 8" IROCs with a 4.5" backspace. On the rear I used a 7/16" spacer to move out the 255-50-17s. Fronts are 255-45-17s. Rears are 27" tall and fronts are 26" tall. I don't like 25" tall tires. Look too little for my taste.

Oh yeah.......red T has 16X8 IROCs. 4.33" BS. 255-50-16s on rear and 225-60-16s on the front.

Do you have more pictures of your car? I really like filling up the wheel-well like that.