Dodge Challenger Wheel Bolt Pattern, Rim Size, Hub Bore, Offsets, and Tire Size

Introduction

Combining uncompromising style with heart-thumping performance across its incarnations, the Dodge Challenger has earned stripes as an American muscle classic. From its raw, tire-shredding roots in the early '70s to the contemporary supercharged beasts, every Challenger model has its flavor, and with that comes certain wheel fitment needs. More than just appearance, getting wheel fitting correct guarantees your Challenger handles like it should while preserving safety and riding comfort. For every generation, this guide walks you through the fundamental wheel specs—bolt pattern, rim size, hub bore, offsets, and tire size. Knowing these dimensions will help you avoid expensive mistakes, improve the appearance of the vehicle, and improve your driving experience, whether you are repairing a classic or modifying a new muscle car.

Understanding Wheel Fitment

What is Wheel Fitment?

Wheel fitting is the exact criteria that guarantee a wheel installs into a vehicle without clearance, performance, or safety concerns. This covers bolt pattern, which controls wheel attachment to the hub; rim size, which affects tire options; hub bore, guaranteeing a tight fit on the center hub; offset, which determines how far the wheel sits inside or outside the fender; and tire size, which influences grip, handling, and ride height.

Why Correct Fitment is Crucial

Correct fitting is not only cosmetic; it also affects handling, performance, and safety. Inaccurate offsets or too large wheels can cause rubbing on the fenders, early tire wear, or even impair your brakes and suspension. Particularly for Challengers, the aggressive style demands equally aggressive but exact fitment to withstand the torque and weight of the car.

How Challenger Generations Differ in Fitment

Wheel specifications differ greatly since every iteration of the Challenger represents the engineering and design of the era. While the third-generation uses modern widebody layouts with huge brakes and staggered wheels, first-generation cars favor classic muscle car dimensions, and second-generation cars lean small. Knowing these variations guarantees that you choose the correct wheel for your Challenger.

Dodge Attitude Wheel Bolt Pattern, Rim Size, Hub Bore, Offsets, and Tire Size

1. First Generation Dodge Challenger (1970 – 1974)

Standard fitment for many Mopar muscle cars of the era, the first-generation Challenger used a 5x4.5" (5x114.3mm) bolt pattern. Depending on the trim and package, factory wheels varied from 14x5.5" to 15x7". Performance variations sometimes chose Cragar-style aftermarket enhancements or wider Rallye wheels. Measuring 71.6mm, the hub bore conforms most to traditional Dodge and Plymouth designs. With a stock offset between 0 and +10mm, early muscle cars had a classic deep dish look and broad stance. Originally biased-ply in sizes like E60-15 or G70-14, most owners now run radial counterparts like 225/60R15 for better handling. Stick to period-correct offsets and avoid too aggressive current wheel setups unless you have changed the suspension when restoring or upgrading. Wider 15x8" or 15x10" wheels will fit with appropriate backspacing choices and rolled fenders.

2. Second Generation Dodge Challenger (1978 – 1983)

Being a rebadged Mitsubishi, this version adopted a 4x 114.3mm bolt pattern, completely unlike its predecessor. Commonly 13x5" or 14x5.5", stock wheels were smaller and thinner, reflecting the car's emphasis on economy rather than muscle. Consistent with many Mitsubishi systems, the hub bore is 67.1mm. Usually falling in the +35 to +40mm range, offsets guarantee the smaller wheels fit well under the small body. Emphasizing fuel economy and comfort, factory tire sizes were about 185/70R13 or 195/60R14. If you're restoring this generation, stick to period-accurate wheels or small aftermarket changes to retain the original design, even though performance enhancements are not a common candidate.

3. Third Generation Dodge Challenger (2008 – Present)

Modern Mopars depend on a 5x115mm bolt pattern, which these vehicles use. From 18x7.5" on base trims to 20x9" on SRT-8 variants, factory wheels varied. The automobile has a strong posture since the hub bore is 71.6mm, and standard offsets usually lie between +18 and +25mm. On R/T, regular tires were 245/45R20; on SRT grades, 255/45R20. Particularly on SRT vehicles with Brembo, make sure brake caliper clearance is clear while upgrading. Although factory wheel options expanded, particularly on Widebody trims, which offered 20x11" wheels, the facelifted versions kept the 5x115mm bolt pattern. The hub bore is still 71.6mm; offsets run from +18mm to +30mm; staggered configurations are becoming more common. On Widebody versions, factory tires are upgraded to 305/35R20. Consider the fender clearance on these bigger versions while selecting appropriate aftermarket wheels. Special editions such as the Demon 170 or Black Ghost have unusual configurations featuring 315-wide drag radials on the rear for the former. Bolt pattern stays 5x115mm, but the package determines offsets and tire sizes. Double-check the manufacturing clearances if you are looking at aftermarket choices, since these vehicles sometimes have specific suspension setups and call for staggered high-grip tires.

4. Staggered vs. Square Setups on the Challenger

Higher trims like the SRT Hellcat have staggered configurations—wider rear tires, which help traction for greater horsepower. Though they lack the aggressive appearance some owners like, square configurations—same size all around—offer simple tire rotations and consistent handling. Stagger is the way to go if your Challenger is seeking quarter-mile glory; if your Challenger is a daily driver, a square arrangement has clear advantages.

5. Common Dodge Challenger Wheel Fitment Issues

Choosing wheels with an aggressive offset that forces the tire to peek outside the fender or rub during turns is a common mistake. Running bigger wheels on widebody vehicles is easy; on narrow body trims, anything above 9.5" wide with aggressive offset can create problems. Another issue is brake caliper clearance, especially on Brembo-equipped trim, where deep-dish or concave wheels might not fit without spacers or aftermarket adjustments.

6. Aftermarket Wheels: What to Look For

For most models, give wheels with the proper 5x115mm bolt pattern, 71.6mm hub bore top priority when selecting aftermarket wheels for your Challenger. Also consider offset between +18mm to +25mm. Popular names including Forgeline, Weld Racing, and American Racing have wheels suited for Challengers. Particularly if you are upgrading to larger diameters or widths, always double-check brake and suspension clearance. Recall that if the fitting is incorrect, a wheel that looks attractive is not always safe.

7. Conclusion

Whether you have a supercharged modern beast or a classic '70 Challenger, wheel fitment of your car is crucial. Every generation has unique traits from tire sizes to bolt patterns. When outside OEM measurements, see a wheel installation specialist; stay within recommended parameters to avoid problems. The proper wheel arrangement not only makes your Challenger look aggressive but also keeps you safe when riding.