Will 15x8 Repop magnum 500s fit on all four corners of our cars?

[tpj71mach]

I am trying to determine what size wheels and tires I am going to get. I have seen the 15x8 Magnums and I like the look of them. My 14x7s are heavily pitted and will need to be replaced when the restoration is completed, and I think the 15 inch wheels look better.
I like the look of the 15x8 Magnums but I also want all four wheels tire to be the same size. What is the largest wheel and tire that will fit in the front of our cars?
I have seen guys on this site mention they have 15x8 or 15x10 rear wheels but I haven't seen anyone detail they have 15x8s in the front.
If anyone has pictures of their car with the 15x8s on it I would appreciate if they could post some. Thanks

 

[Ron Tanzi]

I have 15x7 Magnum 500s on mine with BFG 235/60/15 tires and I have no issues. My suspension and brakes are stock. 15x8 might be ok depending on what tire width you are going to use.

Ron

 

[tpj71mach]

I have 15x7 Magnum 500s on mine with BFG 235/60/15 tires and I have no issues. My suspension and brakes are stock. 15x8 might be ok depending on what tire width you are going to use.

I forgot to mention that my suspension and brakes are all stock as well.

 

[71ProjectJunk]

I know that you can put 15x8 on all four corners, but it seems that the consensus is that for the front no more than a 245 width tire without modifications. Seems like a 255 tire will rub at full left lock, you can use a small hose clamp around the steering stop that will easily fix that issue if you want to run the 255's in the front. You can use a 15x10 in the rear, but if you have a factory sway bar you will need to remove it as the tire will hit the bar.

 

[71ProjectJunk]

Here is a good wheel thread on the forum:
https://7173mustangs.com/threads/tire-wheel-combination.2775/

 

[Cleveland Crush]

I run Mag 500's 15x8 245-60 on the front, no issues. I had some rubbing with the 255's

 

[kcmash]

My experience is 245s are the best you can do without problems.

 

[tpj71mach]

Here is a good wheel thread on the forum:
https://7173mustangs.com/threads/tire-wheel-combination.2775/

Sorry I didn't see that post before I started another.

 

[71ProjectJunk]

Sorry I didn't see that post before I started another.

That is perfectly fine, it is hard to do a search with the forum search feature. You usually do a lot better by doing a search on Google of whatever you need to know and then put the word "forum" after it. Like for this I searched in Google for "1971 Mustang 15x8 magnum 500 wheels forum" and found that thread on this forum. It will also pull all the similar threads in the other Mustang forums. Usually it is much better than trying to use the search feature on the forum.

 

[Austin Vert]

Hi tpj,

Like the guys have said above, i run 245/60 s on a 8 x 15 Magnum rim up front and they are fantastic for all 'round fit/ looks/ road handling etc. You won't go wrong with that setup. Make sure you select a back spacing of 4 1/2 inches on these rims. Avoid the 255 rubber option for the fronts because of fit and road handling issues. If you are determined to run the same size rim and rubber combo for the rear setup, then you will have no issues at all. Buy/ fit up and you're good to go!

In my case, i went for the super cool look of putting on 15x10 rims teamed up with a 295/50 tire on the rear. If you go that way, you will need to upgrade to heavy duty leaf springs, with standard eye shackles, and run the Vitour Galaxy tires for getting no wheel arch lip rubbing problems. I got a very slight lip rubbing issue when i went over heavy bumps or pot holes, when i ran Mastercraft tires, as the shoulders are slightly more squared in shape. You will need to choose a back spacing of 5 inches here as well. You will get no fit or rub issues on the inner wheel well or leaf springs. The rolling circumference and tire diameters are almost the same. This setup looks great, and the car handles and drives well on the road. Your call there as to which way you want to go.

See my link for the visual feedback you are wanting.............................................................

https://7173mustangs.com/threads/austin-vert-chooses-a-new-road-for-tires.39037/#post-394488

Greg

 

[tpj71mach]

Hi tpj,

Like the guys have said above, i run 245/60 s on a 8 x 15 Magnum rim up front and they are fantastic for all 'round fit/ looks/ road handling etc. You won't go wrong with that setup. Make sure you select a back spacing of 4 1/2 inches on these rims. Avoid the 255 rubber option for the fronts because of fit and road handling issues. If you are determined to run the same size rim and rubber combo for the rear setup, then you will have no issues at all. Buy/ fit up and you're good to go!

In my case, i went for the super cool look of putting on 15x10 rims teamed up with a 295/50 tire on the rear. If you go that way, you will need to upgrade to heavy duty leaf springs, with standard eye shackles, and run the Vitour Galaxy tires for getting no wheel arch lip rubbing problems. I got a very slight lip rubbing issue when i went over heavy bumps or pot holes, when i ran Mastercraft tires, as the shoulders are slightly more squared in shape. You will need to choose a back spacing of 5 inches here as well. You will get no fit or rub issues on the inner wheel well or leaf springs. The rolling circumference and tire diameters are almost the same. This setup looks great, and the car handles and drives well on the road. Your call there as to which way you want to go.

See my link for the visual feedback you are wanting.............................................................

https://7173mustangs.com/threads/austin-vert-chooses-a-new-road-for-tires.39037/#post-394488

Greg

Thanks for the link your car looks great with the 15x8s in the front and the 15x10s in the back

 

[tpj71mach]

It sounds like the consensus is 15x8 with 245/60r15 all around will fit and it is the most tire I can fit in the front. I remember I had 60 series BF Goodrich belted T/As on it but I had no idea what size 60s they were, plus they were stock 14x7 rims. Looking at the picture the rims appear to be a little narrow for the tires in retrospect.

 

[CarCrazy73]

I am trying to determine what size wheels and tires I am going to get. I have seen the 15x8 Magnums and I like the look of them. My 14x7s are heavily pitted and will need to be replaced when the restoration is completed, and I think the 15 inch wheels look better.
I like the look of the 15x8 Magnums but I also want all four wheels tire to be the same size. What is the largest wheel and tire that will fit in the front of our cars?
I have seen guys on this site mention they have 15x8 or 15x10 rear wheels but I haven't seen anyone detail they have 15x8s in the front.
If anyone has pictures of their car with the 15x8s on it I would appreciate if they could post some. Thank

 

[CarCrazy73]

If this helps, I’ve upgraded my wheels when restoring my baby and I went with 15x8 all around, mounting 245/60. No problems with suspension. In fact I lowered the front by 1/2 in as in the pic. Hope this helps.

 

[tpj71mach]

If this helps, I’ve upgraded my wheels when restoring my baby and I went with 15x8 all around, mounting 245/60. No problems with suspension. In fact I lowered the front by 1/2 in as in the pic. Hope this helps.

Nice car! The wheels and tires look like they fit perfectly

 

[rodgeydodge]

Hello,
I fitted my '73 with 15" x 8" Magnum Chrome wheels and 245/60 R15 BF Goodrich tyres.
I recommend only using a 225/ 60 R15 on the front. If you are at full lock and hit a bump or depression the 245 tyre can contact the inside edge of the wheel arch and peel it out, damaging it.
Everyone I know who has fitted the wider tyres (245) has had the wheel arch flange rolled under so it does not intrude into the wheel well. A good idea if you are going for a restore and paint, before you paint.
I am also not overly happy with the chrome Magnum wheels. The chrome on the rim started rusting and pitting after 6 months. If you want chrome, OK go for them. But there is an alloy option available in the same style.
Cheers, Roger

 

[tpj71mach]

Hello,
I fitted my '73 with 15" x 8" Magnum Chrome wheels and 245/60 R15 BF Goodrich tyres.
I recommend only using a 225/ 60 R15 on the front. If you are at full lock and hit a bump or depression the 245 tyre can contact the inside edge of the wheel arch and peel it out, damaging it.
Everyone I know who has fitted the wider tyres (245) has had the wheel arch flange rolled under so it does not intrude into the wheel well. A good idea if you are going for a restore and paint, before you paint.
I am also not overly happy with the chrome Magnum wheels. The chrome on the rim started rusting and pitting after 6 months. If you want chrome, OK go for them. But there is an alloy option available in the same style.
Cheers, Roger

Thanks for the info!

 

[Austin Vert]

Hello,
I fitted my '73 with 15" x 8" Magnum Chrome wheels and 245/60 R15 BF Goodrich tyres.
I recommend only using a 225/ 60 R15 on the front. If you are at full lock and hit a bump or depression the 245 tyre can contact the inside edge of the wheel arch and peel it out, damaging it.
Everyone I know who has fitted the wider tyres (245) has had the wheel arch flange rolled under so it does not intrude into the wheel well. A good idea if you are going for a restore and paint, before you paint.
I am also not overly happy with the chrome Magnum wheels. The chrome on the rim started rusting and pitting after 6 months. If you want chrome, OK go for them. But there is an alloy option available in the same style.
Cheers, Roger

Hi Roger,

Interesting feedback on the 245/60 front tires for you. I have never had any rubbing issues with my front set up at all, and i have professionally had my lowered front end for around 8 years. Why you would have issues there is a mystery to me. Do you know what back spacing you are running? Also, what brand of wheels were you referring to for getting premature rusting issues? Some cheaper brands present cheaper chrome finishes which don't last.

Greg.

 

[tpj71mach]

Hi Roger,

Interesting feedback on the 245/60 front tires for you. I have never had any rubbing issues with my front set up at all, and i have professionally had my lowered front end for around 8 years. Why you would have issues there is a mystery to me. Do you know what back spacing you are running? Also, what brand of wheels were you referring to for getting premature rusting issues? Some cheaper brands present cheaper chrome finishes which don't last.

Greg.

Is there a specific brand that you know of that I should go with or stay away from when I purchase.

 

[Cleveland Crush]

I run the all Aluminum American Racing Equipment 15×8 (245-60) front and 15x10 (275-60) rear. Front is lowered 1". No rust or peeling to worry about but need polished on ocassison.