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Biggest rim size for a 71 satellite?

renoman22

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What is the biggest rim you can put on a 71 Satellite without having clearance or fitting problems? Would a 17" or 18" bolt on without any issues?
 
It all depends on what you are striving for in terms of looks.

I know the old N50-15's used to fit under the back of these cars on a 10" wide rim, so any tire around 29-30" tall should work in the back. Front should be easy once you plug in the values using the plus size calculator.

With that said, I'd recommend you go to a "plus sizing" site that will allow you to calculate your "new" wheel and tire size based on your input.

I know this is a Miata website, but they're got a really simple plus size calculator that will hopefully help you make some decisions.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

If you check Summit and Jegs' catalogs, they do a very good job of listing tire OD, Tread Width, and a range of rims for respective sizes. You could input some of their data into the calculator as well.

Hope this helps.

Southernman
 
You might also check on Protouringmopar.com
They have several guys over there building some pretty sweet cars with the bigger wheel combos. I've been away from there for a while, but it's a pretty cool site.
 
Thanks guys. This is kind of what I had in mind. These have to be 17" or 18" rims right? I don't like them too big. Not into the the ghetto look. But these look great.
 
Something like this?
 

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Id think 17 in.. on it wouldn't cause any clearance issues, Cant say what was done to that black beauty there but i imagine there every bit 17 inch. Mine is a 73 but i think i could put wagon wheels on it, I run 15 inch and there is more then enough room for more.
 
The biggest determining factors will be the wheel width and backspacing more than the diameter. To get the "biggest" under the car, you'll need to do some careful measuring (rears full compression/extension; fronts at full compression/extension with wheels at left lock, straight ahead, and right lock.Hope this helps more than confuses.
 


these are 18". the ones on the black car look like 20" i would say
 
Just by looking at the photo of the black one tells me those are a staggered 18/20 combo.....
 
Id think 17 in.. on it wouldn't cause any clearance issues, Cant say what was done to that black beauty there but i imagine there every bit 17 inch. Mine is a 73 but i think i could put wagon wheels on it, I run 15 inch and there is more then enough room for more.

I just think the 71-74 body style looks better with bigger rims because it fills out the wheel wells better. I know a lot of old school guys don't like it but I think it looks better. I am not talking about 20" or 22" ghetto wagon wheels but a good 17"-18" (fronts) to 20" max (rears) look great.
 
The black car looks like 20s all the way around to me. The red one is prolly running 17s. I like 18s in the back and 17s in front. 20s start to look cartoonish and can be a problem up front. You can stagger them, but 19s are limited and the 2" difference between 20s and 18s is pretty noticeable.
I used 16s and 15s on mine. I wasn't going for a big-wheel look, just proportion.
 
Do you know if the springs have been relocated or mini-tubbed? that seems like a lot of tire on the rear.
 
Wheels are such a personal choice and an extension of one's personality.
Ask three people--get three different answers.
No matter what you choose,I support your final decision

The Miata tire calculator link is a tool I use everyday at my shop where I sell rims and tires.
Here is another link that is very helpful in determining the backspace and offset of wheels.
http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp?item=Wheel-Tire

I hate the big hoopty with next to nothing sidewall on ourr B's.Not to mention the rough ride,and the constant navigation around potholes,and driving slooooowww over curbs and speedbumps..

On my 73 Waygun,I went with 2356016 on 16X8 rims with zero offset and 4.50 backspacing.
A good balance of tire sidewall and rim.
Drove a round trip of 450 miles in her yesterday and it is a very smooth ride with improved handling.
Hope this helps.
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whats the widest rim size you can stuf into the rears of these cars? I see some used a 15x10 rim but don't mention the backspace...
 
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