I need help - desperately... I'm very new to the "car" world - not that I haven't owned cars, but now I'm more into the "performance" cars, etc. Anyway, long story short - I'm from Canada and I'm ordering custom wheels from Centerline (17.0 x 8.0) all around. I also just ordered performance tires 245/45 R17. Centerline needs to know what backspace I want the wheels. In Canada - no one seems to know what the heck the backspace is... (go figure).... I've searched forums and I believe that if I get 4.5" BS I should be okay. Does anyone else have any expertise on this???
On 8" rim 4.5" backspacing should be fine, if you go 10" wide just add another inch so 5.5" backspacing. Assuming here you are talking 68-72 since you didn't mention what kind of car! Also if you look through this thread there are all kinds of pics with 4.5" backspacing on 8" wide wheels mounted on cars. Not sure what part of Canada you are from but I would move! :bla:
Thanks! Hmmm... well looking at your profile - looks like we come from the same province TimR. Too funny. Why is it that Cdns don't know a thing about "backspacing?" Not even the street racers I know had a clue. Regardless, this is for a 2001 Mustang (sorry, it's not a buick - I sold my 1981 Buick LeSabre awhile back).... I didn't mention the make of the car because I felt silly going into a "Buick forum" when I now own a Ford.... (my first).... But I sincerely appreciated your response and I've ordered my new rims with a 4.5" backspace.
If you are ordering rims for a 2001 mustang than I have NO IDEA what that car needs for backspacing. I would check with local Mustang club before ordering, I based my answer on assuming you had a older GS/Skylark since that is what this website is for and you had not mentioned the car style. The 4.5 on 8 probably will not work, most of the newer cars move the wheels out a fair bit. Do a google search for performanceshop.com or .net (sorry don't remember), its a *mostly* Mustang forum, the guys on there will know exactly what you need. Its Canadian too so can give you some ideas on pricing and service, etc. Good luck. That is funny on the province You must be in the wrong city then...:laugh:
Actually, I did look on a lot of the Mustang forums first - but I'll be sure to look at performanceshop.com (or net) and see if it confirms what I've ordered. I know, I know - shoulda mentioned the make of the car - was afraid no one would answer me - and assumed it would be the same for all cars - goes to show you how much I know - but hey! I'm learning! I'm in the South city, not the North......
If you have not ordered already stand by, have a couple friends with Mustangs of that vintage so can call them and see what they say. For now I'd cancel that order until you know for sure. You in Calgary??
Great! I'll stand by. Better to be sure. Found it cheaper to order them direct from Centerline than through a tire shop - they wanted almost $500 more! Had to really dig for cost on shipping (UPS), brokerage fees and customs (no charge if it's for personal use)... Still think I'm saving tons this way - just a lot more work. Yep, am in Calgary. You?
I think I'll be okay with the 4.5" BS. Someone posted this on the "Allfordmustang.com" Mustang Forum: "I run a 245/45-17 all the way around on mine on a 17x8 w/4.5" backspace."<!-- google_ad_section_end --> __________________ <!-- google_ad_section_start(weight=ignore) -->1965 Mustang Fastback 1989 Mustang LX 5.0 Coupe 2001 Lightning 2006 GTO <!-- google_ad_section_end -->
This also backs up my conclusion..... www . dodgestang.com / tire%20fitment%20Guide%2069-70.pdf without the spaces of course, but I haven't had enough "posts" to be allowed to add the proper link....
Mustang guys aren't home, have to wait. Just so you know UPS does charge crazy fees coming across the border (brokerage fees, etc etc). Expect 100.00 minimum. I think the local shops are still trying to sell off old stock bought when dollar was worth .70 to 1 US dollar, now that its on par they are hurting a bit. My Tires on 32nd has some good deals on rims, bit disorganized but good prices if you are patient. Just did a quick search and yeah not much info out there, seems kinda odd given the number of Mustangs on the road...the ones I did find all seem to be about 4.5", one guy was 5.0" on 8" rim. Calgary is close enough
I did talk to UPS - and yes, they broke down all the fees for me and I figured it would be about $100 - however, at the end of the day, I'm still saving around $450 overall (unless I get some surprises when they're delivered)....
Just talked to friend with 02 Mustang and also 06 Mustang, big Mustang fan. Anyway, he is running 5.5" backspacing on his 8" 02 with no issues, says that is pretty much standard. His Mach 1 rims that came off an 03 car are 5.5". That guide you posted link for is for 70 cars. Pretty much useless for an 01. Close enough to Calgary to be counted as being there Just thought I would mention UPS fees, as long as you already know not an issue, sometimes people get surprised though. Perf shop link. Big Mustang fans here, whatever you are doing somebody has already been there, done that. If you can't find answers using search post a question and they should be able to help you, local guys too so know the local people might be able to snag a deal. http://www.performance-shop.com/yabbse/index.php Good luck
Thanks again for all your help - you've been very kind and helpful. I'll register on the performance-shop forum and post the same query and see what I get. Time for me to get back to writing my university essay that I was supposed to finish today but instead spent all day investigating "backspaces" - too funny. Enjoy sunny ?, Alberta and perhaps we'll chat again!
No worries, hope it works out for you, rims look good. I'll be bombing around in the Vert this summer...might see ya out there, never know...
Ok one more, Ford racing rims with specs and such, should help out: http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/wheel_main.asp On Ford 2001 Mustang rims they use a 5.72 backspacing. Now, back to our normally scheduled Buick stuff ! :laugh:
