So I was about to hit the buy button at Summit for the American Racing VN501's. 17x9 with a 5" backspace. Then I saw they they also had 5.47" backspace for this wheel. I have a 1971 GS and 1" lower UMI Springs in the rear. Which one of the options is the better choice?
Gary, I currently have an 8" wide wheel with 4 1/2" of back spacing. That isn't enough on one side of the car. It rubs a bit on the driver's side. I currently have 2 more 8" wide wheels on order from Wheel Vintiques, with 5" of back spacing. In theory, a 9" wide wheel would need another 1/2" of back spacing to 5". If I was ordering those wheels, I would want the extra 1/2" of back spacing, so 5.47". I can't guarantee what will fit YOUR car, all I can tell you is what I would do for MY car. Be guided accordingly.
Thanks, Larry. I was thinking the 5" would be pretty close. When I saw the 5.47's, I was happy, but not entirely sure. I am also putting Baer 13" rotors on it and I need to check to make sure they are the same as the drums, but with the extra backspace and your experience, I am much more confident it will work fine.
I just mounted 275/50/15 on 8 inch wide rims with 5.5 bs on a 72 GS. There is about 5/8 to 3/4 “ of space between tire and inner wheel well/frame, 1.5 inches between tire and outer wheel well lip. As long as drum face, position of wheel when mounted on your disc brake are the same, your back space and rim width should position your wheel in center of the wheel well.
Thanks Canadian. That helps. I believe the tire will be a 245/45/17, but not sure of that just yet. I will contact Baer and check the measurement. If its too wide I will have to make another choice, but I believe its all good.