hi all! new to the club...looking for help on wheel selection

[1971mmach]

Hello, my name is rob and I own a 1971 mach1 351c4v. I bought her 13 years ago and am now putting her through her first major resto.

I am trying to figure out what back spacing and tire size to go with if i switch to 17 american racing ar500 (or vn500) which are basically an aluminum version of the magnum 500. I was wanting to go with 17x 8 all the way round, and keep all 4 tires the same size for rotation purposes. i was looking at 4.5 or 4.75 back spacing. the tire sizes I am considering are:

235/50/17
245/45/17

it has a one inch drop on all four and know I will need to the camber kit. everything else is pretty much stock.

let me know if you have any suggestions!
Thanks
Rob

[1969jimmach]

Welcome Rob how about some pics.New or old dont matter.I am sorry I cant help you with your question but im sure some one can.Again thanks.

[don29163]

Welcome to the site ! I'd like to see you start a build thread so we can all follow along on the restoration.

[Mach 1 Club]

Welcome to the site! Thanks for joining up!

[c9zx]

Hello, my name is rob and I own a 1971 mach1 351c4v. I bought her 13 years ago and am now putting her through her first major resto.

I am trying to figure out what back spacing and tire size to go with if i switch to 17 american racing ar500 (or vn500) which are basically an aluminum version of the magnum 500. I was wanting to go with 17x 8 all the way round, and keep all 4 tires the same size for rotation purposes. i was looking at 4.5 or 4.75 back spacing. the tire sizes I am considering are:

235/50/17
245/45/17

it has a one inch drop on all four and know I will need to the camber kit. everything else is pretty much stock.

let me know if you have any suggestions!
Thanks
Rob

The 4.75 back spacing would be perfect for the rear. It will be close on the front at the upper ball joint. This is based on experience with 15 inch magnums 15x7 with 4.25 back spacing in the front with 245x60x15 tires and 15x8 with 4.50 back spacing 275x60x15 tires on the rear. With the extra height provided by the 17" wheels it probably will clear.
Chuck