Need to upgrade wheels and tires ASAP.

[Charge_her]

On my '69 Charger I'm changing from 275/60/15's to an 18x9 or 10 rear wheel. Like many I don't want to sacrifice the meaty look in the back and also want to go with a bigger wheel. Plugging in the numbers in the vexer tool (http://vexer.com/automotive-tools/wheelguide) I get ok clearances with 275/60/18 with about 5.5 BS and a +0.5 offset. I'm doing brakes so need to go bigger than 14" in the front, so this is forcing me to make a decision on wheel and tire sizes. (Ideally Torque Thrust Originals but flexible on the tires.) Two questions:

Question 1: What are my limits as far as total wheel+tire diameter? My original combo is 28" overall. If I go 18" wheel, that's 31" overall- will that still fit in the wheel well? If not, what's my limit?

Question 2: Where are you all finding 18" tires that are around 275/60 but aren't truck or SUV tires? I checked a bunch of sites without much luck. I see lots of 275/40 skinny tires...

Moderators, I went through the wheel and tire thread and got lots of info (http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,63191.300.html), but when I posted there I didn't get any responses after a week so thought I'd repost in the main discussion area.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

I highly doubt that any manufacturer makes a good street tire in a 275/50/18 or above that isn't designed for an SUV. With an 18" wheel I think the biggest most would stock would be a 45 series tire. You might be able to find a 50 series in a 17" wheel but not an 18".

Are you sure you want a 31" tall tire? That's 3" bigger from where you are at now on an already good size tire. With that much of an increase you are throwing the suspension, the drive line angles, and the speedometer out of whack.

If you are set on 18" wheels just use a 45 series tire, there will be plenty of sidewall for a beefy look. You'll have many more options to choose from and will always know that someone will have them in stock in an emergency. There are plenty of cars out there on 18's with 45 series tires that look great. Or if you want the big 60 series tires stay with a 15" rim.

Don't rush into it, take your time and make the right choice. Wheels can make or break the look of any car.  

[Charge_her]

Not sold on 18", could do smaller. Just trying to figure out what I can fit out back as a maximum...though I do want to do bigger than 14 & 15. I'll look at 17"s in a 50 series tire and see where that gets me. I appreciate the info, been looking for months and still having a hard time choosing...

Edit: Found a good number of cheap 255/60/17 & 18's (more 18's). I lose about .5 inches of side wall, and only add 1-2" of overall diameter (29-30").

Check out these calculators:
https://robrobinette.com/tire_diameter.htm - wheel and tire diameter.
http://users.erols.com/dmapes/GEARCLC.HTM - gear ratios including wheel/tire size.

[myk]

45 series on an 18 is plenty of meat; just take a look at any modern or modernized performance car.  Based on what you've posted I think you'd be happier in the 17 inch wheel category...

[tan top]

 charger looks awesome  , with the wheel & tire combo already       

[Dino]

I'm running 275/50/17 and it's just right.  28" tall tire and plenty sidewall.

[myk]

If that car and that look doesn't convince you then nothing will.

Personally, I'm thinking a 17 inch wheel might have been better for my own car...

[Charge_her]

Thanks gents.

Can't find but one 275/50/17 (rare)....so looking at 255/60/17's and the TTO/TTII's. I think ill go 16 front, 17 rear.

Dino, that does look perfect. Only change I'll make is staggered wheel sizes. Where'd you get your tires?

[Dino]

Thanks gents.

Can't find but one 275/50/17 (rare)....so looking at 255/60/17's and the TTO/TTII's. I think ill go 16 front, 17 rear.

Dino, that does look perfect. Only change I'll make is staggered wheel sizes. Where'd you get your tires?

Discount tire.  17x8 with Nitto NT555 245/45 for the front and 17x9.5 with Nitto NT450 275/50 for the rear.  They don't (or at least didn't) make the sizes I wanted in the same tire type, but nobody notices.  Excellent tires by the way.  I run this thing in the rain all the time and never had an issue.

[Charge_her]

Oh and thanks Tan Top, I agree I like it too, but need wheels bigger for new brakes.

[myk]

I'll be getting those Nittos when the time is right...