Well I finally pulled the trigger on some new tires and wheels for my cat. I picked up some of those Sumitomo’ Mustang Unlim had for cheap. The HTR A/S P02 225/50V16.
And with Cyber Monday I bought Brand: American RacingStyle: AR105 Torq Thrust M
Size: 16x7
Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 (5x4.5")
Offset: +35mmBackspacing: 5.38"(136.65mm)
So since all these numbers are new to me I am hoping to get some affirmative feedback on sizes and had a question on the back spacing number.
I ran these through a tire calculator and found that my new wheel back space is 12mms (.47")more than what the calculator shows it should be(124mm). My question is am I in trouble then with space on these? Or will there be some options to make them work? Hope that makes sense.
I haven’t seen many using 16" rims so just wanted to know why that is too?
I know this may not be the most exciting post but I am super excited as I have never purchased custom wheels before but I need some of that great Sage level knowledge I know is on here for guidance on this. This is my Christmas present to myself.
This is a pretty specific issue. It would really take some one with the exact set up you have to give you good information. I hope that happens but it is probably unlikely. The good news is that it sounds like a 12mm spacer can fix the problem if there is one.
Thanks Bill for the reply. I just got the wheels delivered yesterday. Initial test for looks pretty good but till I get a tire on and and can see what my clearance looks like I’ll have to wait and see.
It just seems like most are running 15" wheels so I didn’t know if I overshot this as I just have no previous experience. If I am still drums all the way around does that make it any less likely for any problems relating to back spacing?I
I think a lot of people are also busy with the Holidays right now and maybe less on this great forum.
Tire selection for 16" is still limited. 17" is more popular and puts the tire above the upper ball joint. 4.5 back spacing works with a 17" rim. I don’t know about 16" and most likely will depend on how wide of a tire you’re going to run.
So looks like you are definitely right on a 16" wheel not clearing the upper control arms. So if I drop down to the 15" inch up front will the 7" wheel width clear OK?
I had ordered a 225/50/16 so tire width would be 8.9" for the 225mm. Any insight on that too.
I’m hoping I can use the 16" wheels on the back and just get the 1 5" for the front.
The back spacing is still a question because these are 5.45" as noted above.
Are there options on changing the control arms to some that might work better?
Sorry for all the questions but this is a first for me.
Sfhess, thanks for the reply. I don’t know if there are any differences between 68 - 69 but it is interesting to learn your 16x7’s fit and mine clearly lands smack into my upper control arm. I’m wondering if might be how I have it resting on the back stands. Or mine have to much back spacing.
This is why I’m asking to learn this stuff.
I do not think that you will find much of a difference between 68 and 69. I know that the spindles are the same and I am pretty sure that the upper and lower control arms are as well. I do not believe that the jack stand location would make much difference. If you have the stands under the frame then the suspension is dropped down as far as it will go. If you have the stands under the lower control arm then the suspension will be up as far as it goes. Either way if the wheel hits the upper control arm now then you would still have a problem if you were driving the car and needed full suspension travel.
Randy, thanks for your input. I am thinking at this point to return what I purchased and start over. I underestimated the many nuances in wheel fitment.
I think since I am trying to stay as close to stock on my 68 XR7, a 15" wheel seems the more likely choice with the correct back spacing to avoid any issues.
Here is some information I collected that other members of this site and the other site have posted over the years, regarding wheels, tires, backspacing and year.
May be of some help.
It’s not very organized, been meaning to put it in a spreadsheet. WHEELS and TIRES.pdf (252 KB)
Zman, this is an awesome resource and great tool for those of us not well versed in wheel/tire sizes. I can see this out into a spreadsheet format and definetly utilized as I’m sure it already has been.
It’s just a nice cross section of our fellow Cougar owners and what they chose for their cat.
Much appreciated!
Mark, you are very correct. I ordered them without tires so I am having no issue in returning them.
Although I just won’t get my money back till they reach them and sign for them so may take a little while this time of year. I’m in no hurry.
I am actually going to put back on the original steel wheels for now so I can move it as needed for the remaining rest o project. I only need to finish my floor pan patch welding and some body work to get it ready for paint!
Is there a market for selling my full set of original wheels with XR7 hub caps? I also have the original spare that has never been used and looks like new.
The one blessing with the tires I ordered from the Mustang Unlimited sale is they will fit my son’s Subaru Forrester as he has 16" wheels so he is happy to be getting some free new tires from Dad!
I am leaning towards the Legendary wheels WCCC sells in 15 or 17 as I know they have the correct back spacing out Cougar s need to fit.
Much thanks!
