19/20's on a 71 Chevelle?

[novahollic]

Hey guys,

I am looking for some input on wheel sizes. The car is a 71 Chevelle, the suspension consists of Speedtech front upper and lower control arms and Viking coilovers front and rear. The car has stock wheel tubs.

I would like to run a staggered 19" front and 20" rear setup. I have seen a few people post pictures, but nothing that mentioned any widths or backspacing.

Has anyone had experience with this combo that could give me some direction?

Thanks.

[214Chevy]

Probably not many 19/20" Chevelle guys here. Probably more 18/19". But, I have 20's all the way around on my 72 Chevelle and I don't recall the backspacing on the rear. I can call HRE and ask them from my serial #'s if you'd like. On the rear, I have a 345/30/20 on a 13" wide wheel. If you're running the stock chassis then my rear backspacing probably won't work for you because I have an aftermarket chassis and the car is mini tubbed as well to accept the 13" wheel.

[USAZR1]

I'm running 18x9's w/5" backspace (0 offset) and 255/35/18's on the front and 20x10's w/5.75" backspace (+6 offset) & 305/30/20's on the rear.

Just a suggestion but here's a combo that will should work fine w/o clearance issues, on your 71,
19x9 w/5.5" backspace (+12 offset) and 255/35/19 tire (3.5" sidewall) 26" tall. Another option would be a 275/30/19 (3.3" sidewall) 25.5" tall
20x10 w/5.75" backspace (+6 offset) and 295/30/20 tire (3.5" sidewall) 27" tall. Another option would be a 305/30/20 (3.6" sidewall) 27.2" tall

[Ben@SpeedTech]

This '69 GTO has 285-19s up front and 345-20s out back, rolling on our ExtReme Frame.

https://i.imgur.com/NKanXMG.jpg

More HERE (http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=479/category_id=7/mode=prod/prd479.htm)

Alan's Chevelle before he went to 18s for racing- 18's up front and 20's out back. This is with the factory frame and Speedtech control arms.

https://i.imgur.com/QAxdPhc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/k1LGHed.jpg

Guy's '68 Chevelle, 18's up front and 20's out back. This is with the factory frame and Speedtech control arms.

https://i.imgur.com/qmirVUY.jpg

Although some folks do the 18/20 we like to stick with no more than one wheel size stagger if possible to try to keep sidewall heights visually consistent. I think you're on the right path with 19s and 20s for a cruiser. As has been said when we go racing we usually stick to 18s.

[USAZR1]

18/20 combos are way more common and one of the main reasons is the high cost of 19" wheels. It's very hard to find suitable 19's, for less than $1,000/wheel. If I could find the wheel I like in a 19x11 w/+6 or +8 offset, for around $500-600/each or less, I would be seriously interested. Until then, I'll most likely go with 17x11's or 18x11's with a 315 tire, on the rear of my 70. Those sizes are available in my price range, with styles I want.

The problem I have with 20" wheels, is too much tire diameter. That creates as many problems as excessive width can.

[JayR]

19s and 20s look great on that size of a car and we typically do 9s and 10s with stock wheelwells.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh175/RushforthWheels/IMG_5517_zpstcyqax9r.jpg (http://s256.photobucket.com/user/RushforthWheels/media/IMG_5517_zpstcyqax9r.jpg.html)

[USAZR1]

On the rear, I have a 345/30/20 on a 13" wide wheel. If you're running the stock chassis then my rear backspacing probably won't work for you because I have an aftermarket chassis and the car is mini tubbed as well to accept the 13" wheel.


I wish I could squeeze that large a wheel/tire combo under my 70 Elco. I know an 11" width wheel and 315 tire will fit under the car, w/o major mods.