New to the forum and I need a little help to determine what size tires will fit on my 68 Camaro.

Currently running BFG's 215/65-15 on 7" rally wheels... Recently upgraded to a Hotchkiss rear antiways, subframe connectors and CE traction bars. BFG's don't hook up in any gear (TH350 w/3500 stall speed), motor is 383 stroker, 500HP. Plan to upgrade to M/T ET Street Radials 275/60-15 (28x11.5x15) on 9x15 Centerlines with 4.5" BS. Has anyone run this combination of rims and tires? Any tire rub? I don't expect much sway with the Hotchkiss suspension.

 

68Hou - You can squeeze a 275 in the rear wheelwell of a 68 Camaro with the wheel lips "rolled", but it's a tight fit if you don't want any rubbing during suspension articulation. The back spacing of the wheel is important. Unfortunately we've seen Camaros with the differential offset in the chassis as much as 5/8" to the left or right due to manufacturing tollerances of the body and leaf springs. Worn out bushings and improperly replaced body panels can further exagerate the offset. The only definitive way to be sure you're going to fit them in there will be with lots of measuring and physically fitting them on the car.

 

thanks Hotchkis.. replaced the spring bushings with the Hotchkis swaybar and CE traction bars upgrade.. did notice that the backspacing on the left rear was about 1/4" in less than the right rear prior to the replacement and will measure again with wheels off.

 

68hou - If you’re going to spend a lot of time measuring to get the perfect fit, you may consider installing the leaf springs you plan to be running for the duration. We’ve seen leaf spring swaps move the rear 1/2” to one side…after the owner spent a lot of time relocating perches on the axle housing for the “perfect” fit. Good luck!

 

Hotchkis... The rear multi leaf springs have been replaced during the restoration and recently had all new spring bushings and pads installed. This is most likely the end game for the springs at least for some time.. never say never... perhaps I should consider a 255/60-15 (27x10.5x15) to minimize any problems. I do not want to roll the fender edges. Do you think the width of the 9x15" Centerlines is a problem with the 4.5 back spacing? /assuming I try the smaller size as suggested?

 

68Hou – considering that you don’t want to roll the fender edges, a 15x8 wheel is going to be a tight squeeze. You can comfortably fit 235s with 4.5 back space and 255s with 4.75 back space in the rear. Of course these tire sizes are typical, and with production tolerances there can be fitment issues with the wider tires. The fender lips/edges are wider than people think.

 

Hotchkis,

To close this thread and thanks for your help. I put 255/60-15 MT ET Street Radials on 8.5x15 Centerlines with 4.75" BS and there is plenty of room in the rear. No rubbing under hard acceleration or other conditions.