WHAT ARE THE CORRECT WHEEL OFFSETS FOR 8X17 FRONT AND 11 X 17 REAR ON A 72 PANTERA
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quote:
Originally posted by BIFF:
WHAT ARE THE CORRECT WHEEL OFFSETS FOR 8X17 FRONT AND 11 X 17 REAR ON A 72 PANTERA
When I purchased my wheels last spring, I asked and received many answers to the same question. Here's what I can tell you: for an 8" front wheel, the backspacing is 5.25"(If you don't know wheel terminology, got to your local tire shop and ask or pick up a pamphlet). I've been told that going to 5.5" (bringing the wheels in)actually improves the steering geometry. I decided to go for a 5" BS with my 16x8" wheel to eliminate any question of clearance between the inside edge of the tire and the wheel well. This also pushes the wheels out, giving it a more aggressive look. Surprisingly, this improved steering for me and actually reduced the effort needed to turn the wheels, particularly at low speed. Also, there were no clearance problems with the outside edge of the tire and the fender. I chose a 16" rim to maintain better proportionality with the rear wheel, especially the sidewall height of the tire. A 17" is fine and will give you more options should you choose to upgrade your brakes. Just remember to get a shorter series tire so that the rolling diameter (circumference) is how you want it. The larger the diameter, the greater the chance of rubbing the wells when the wheels are locked to one side or the other.
The Backspacing for the rear 17x11" is 6.25". You can go in as far as 6.5" and still clear stock exhaust (I've been told as much as 7.25", but I wouldn't reccomend it). I went with a 6" BS because the wheels I chose were pseudo-custom built, and my choices were 6" or 6.5". I didn't want to worry about interior clearance, so I went with the pushed out backspacing. I did alot of measuring and was comfortably sure that the tires wouldn't rub the top of the fender under suspension loads. As it turns out, the top, center, outer edge of the tire sits flush with with the highest, center part of the fender. The non-flared body of the '72 curves in from front to back. So the fender in front of the rear wheel sticks out farther than the tire (335/35/17), and tire sticks out further (slightly) in the rear. I've had no clearance problems with this set up, but when I lower my car an inch, the top of the tire may rub the top of the fender. If this is the case then I will have to order the 6.5" BS wheels, or go to a narrower (295 maybe) tire. Hope this helps you. This is only a guide, so don't send me the bill for $800 a piece custom wheels if something doesn't work out. If you like, I can e-mail pics of my '72 so yu can see the results for yourself.
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