LM Owners with Aftermarket Wheels - Offset, Backspacing, etc

[SyntheticBlnkerFluid]

So, I've been over to Brian Blackwell's site a couple times and I see what he suggests:

Late: Many people have used a variety of 14", 15" and 16" wheels on late model Corvairs, one of the most popular donors is the Camaro. Although these wheels do bolt up, you must be careful with the backspacing, especially on those 7" wide or wider. I suggest using the 6" wide versions, since they mount a 205 very nicely and are easier to find in a backspacing of 4", which fits the late Corvair well. You will need at least 4" of backspace on a 7" wide rim, and 4 1/2" is much better for steering feel and clearance.

But I want to know what you guys have and what works. The wheels I'm looking at either come in 15" or 17" and I'm looking at getting a 7" wide wheel.

I know there are guys running 17" wheels and I'd like to know what size tires you're running to keep the speedo as close to accurate as possible.

Thanks!

[azdave]

I know there are guys running 17" wheels and I'd like to know what size tires you're running to keep the speedo as close to accurate as possible.

Keeping the speedo accurate is the last thing I'm worried about when choosing rim/tire packages. It's never that far off and I can easily check the actual speed on my smartphone GPS.

I choose based upon looks, fit and performance. Having said that I ended up with the speedo being right on the money with the new rims and tires on my sedan.
Here is my data in this thread you should check out for lots of other member's data too.
viewtopic.php?f=38&t=402&p=34739#p34739


My V8 reads low by 5 MPH on the freeway and I can deal with that error.

[reidmier]

If you want to keep the speedometer reading correctly, just make sure the overall height of the tire/wheel combination you choose is around 24.6 inches tall overall and you should be ok. BTW, that's the height of a 185/80-13, which is the closest match to the original tires. Here's a great site to play around with tire size comparisons. http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp

[notched]

I run 17x7 inch rims with 4 inch back spacing. I run 215/45R17 tires which are the same identical diameter as the 185/80R13

[Toyguru]

American Racing AR23 15 x 7" with 3.75" backspacing.
205 60R15 Cooper CS5 Touring tires

[hanssmom]

Speedo didn't work for 5 years, so I wasn't too concerned. 17" with backspace adapters.

[Scott H]

Front 17X7 - 4" Backspacing - 215/45/17
Rear 17X8 - 4.5" Backspacing - 225/50/17

speedo seems to be correct