Chevy Impala Bolt Pattern: What Wheels Fit Your 1958-2023 Chevy?

The Chevy Impala is an iconic American sedan that has been around since the late 1950s. This full-size car has seen ten generations over its 60+ year lifespan, with some variations in specs like bolt patterns for the wheels across different models and years.
So what exactly is the bolt pattern (also called lug pattern or PCD) for your Impala, and why does it matter when putting on new wheels or tires?
This article will give an in-depth overview of Chevy Impala bolt patterns across all generations. We’ll outline the key specs like thread sizes and torque values, discuss how bolt patterns impact wheel fitment, and provide recommendations for finding compatible rims that properly fit your exact Impala.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of the Chevy Impala
First debuting in 1958, the Impala started as the top-line trim of the Bel Air known for its flashy styling and powerful V8 engines. It soon became its own distinct Chevy model, adding to its performance pedigree with races like the NASCAR Grand National.
Now in its tenth generation since the 2014 model year redesign, the Impala continues the tradition of being Chevy’s flagship sedan, with a spacious interior and a smooth ride. More recent models also come packed with technology.
Over six decades, certain aspects of Impalas have changed like exterior dimensions and engine options. But core specs like the bolt pattern have stayed largely consistent within each generation – something that’s useful to know when installing new wheels and tires.
Bolt Pattern Basics – Why Does it Matter?
The bolt pattern (also referred to as pitch circle diameter or PCD) is the diameter of the circle formed by the centers of all the wheel lugs or bolts. This key measurement is given in millimeters (mm) or inches, in the format of 5×120 or 5×4.75 for example.
- The first number refers to how many wheel lugs there are. Most passenger vehicles have 4, 5, or 6 lugs.
- The second number specifies the diameter of the bolt circle measured through the center of each stud or bolt hole.
Matching this bolt pattern is essential for proper wheel fitment and safety. If the holes don’t align between the wheel and vehicle hub, you won’t be able to securely install them. Even if you manage to force a wheel with the wrong bolt pattern onto your car, it risks coming loose while driving and causing a major accident.
Some other key specs to consider that enable proper wheel alignment:
- Center bore – the size of the center hole of the wheel; needs to slide cleanly over the hub
- Offset/backspacing – determines how flush or inset wheels sit relative to fenders
- Thread diameter & pitch – of the wheel studs/bolts
We’ll cover some model-specific details on these shortly when going over each Impala generation. But first, let’s quickly review the components involved in the wheel mounting setup.
The Key Components
Wheels are what tires get mounted and sealed onto. Alloy wheels have become standard in modern cars for their strength, durability and light weight.
Tires provide traction through their rubber compounds and tread patterns. Their interior beads wrap around the wheel rims to hold them in place once inflated.
Wheel hubs are part of the axle assembly – they bear the weight of vehicle and enable wheel rotation via bearings. Hubs feature mounting surfaces and protruding studs that threaded lug nuts screw onto to secure the wheels.
Hub bores are pre-drilled center holes enabling hubs to fit precisely within the wheels.
So in summary, Impala wheels must match the bolt pattern to have their holes line up with the studs, then get fastened in place using the correct lug nuts torqued to specification.
Now let’s examine Chevy Impala bolt patterns across all ten generations:
Chevrolet Impala Generations and Bolt Patterns
Generation 1 (1958–1958)
The first-generation Impala was offered with a choice of three engines:
- 3.8L I6 producing 135 hp
- 4.6L V8 producing 185 hp
- 5.7L V8 producing 250 hp
All variants of the 1958 model shared these specs:
- Bolt Pattern: 5×120.65mm (5×4.75”)
- Wheel Fasteners: Lug nuts
- Thread Size: 7/16″-20 UNF
- Torque: Unknown
So all wheels fitted on 1958 Impalas need to have 5 lugs with the correct 5×4.75” bolt circle diameter.
Generation 2 (1959–1960)
The second-generation added some flair with tailfins and more engine options:
- 3.8L I6
- 4.6L V8
- 5.7L V8
- Several larger 6.4L and 7.0L V8s
Despite changes under the hood, the factory bolt pattern stayed the same:
- Bolt Pattern: 5×120.65mm (5×4.75”)
- Wheel Fasteners: Lug nuts
- Thread Size: 7/16″-20 UNF
- Torque: Unknown
So whether you had an economical 3.8L inline 6 or a high-performance 348 V8 in your 1960 Impala, you’d stick with the common 5×4.75” bolt pattern when replacing its wheels.
Generation 3 (1961–1964)
The third generation Impala increased in size and displacement. Available engines included:
- 3.8L I6
- 4.6L V8
- 5.7L V8
- 6.5L V8 options
It provided more power yet retained the same core wheel specs as prior models:
- Bolt Pattern: 5×120.65mm (5×4.75”)
- Wheel Fasteners: Lug nuts
- Thread Size: 7/16″-20 UNF
- Torque: Unknown
So getting proper bolt alignment wouldn’t be a concern across various V8 or inline 6 powered Impalas of this era.
Generation 4 (1965–1970)
The fourth-generation Impala saw modest styling changes alongside the introduction of a 265 cubic inch Turbo Fire V8 option.
It continued using the long-running OEM bolt pattern still common today:
- Bolt Pattern: 5×120.65mm (5×4.75”)
- Wheel Fasteners: Lug nuts
- Thread Size: 7/16”-20 UNF
- Torque: Unknown
So whether owners opted for the base 195 hp Turbo Fire V8 or a bigger 327 or 427 cu in engine, they could reuse the same wheels and tires rotated seasonally.
Generation 5 (1971–1976)
With Impala production having paused during 1971, the fifth-gen spanning 1972-1976 marked the start of a new era…
Unfortunately details on the exact bolt pattern used across its range of 350, 400 and 454 CI V8 engines remain unclear.
If you own a classic 1971-1976 Impala, double check your bolt pattern before fitting any new wheels to avoid issues. Chances are it’s the standard Chevy 5×5 but best to manually measure.
Generation 6 (1977–1985)
The 1977 Impala saw a significant downsizing along with a pause in production for the 1983-1984 model years. But it made an efficient return in 1985.
Records on bolt patterns for these model years also remain murky. Manual bolt circle measurements recommended.
Generation 7 (1994–1996)
After nearly a decade hiatus, the majorly redesigned seventh-generation Impala of the mid 1990s returned to the limelight.
The 1994-1996 models bolted on new SS Super Sport 5-spoke alloy wheels behind revised sheet metal and sportier trim.
- Engine Offered: 5.7L SSV8 – 260 hp
- Bolt Pattern: 5x127mm (5×5”)
- Wheel Fasteners: Lug nuts
- Thread Size: M12 x 1.5
- Torque: Unknown
So the Gen 7 revived the 5×5” bolt pattern shared with other GM full-size sedans that the Impala’s wheels would retain all the way until 2014.
Generation 8 (2000–2005)
After switching to front-wheel drive in 2000, the refreshed Impala really came into its own mechanically and aesthetically during the 8th generation.
Several responsive V6 engines were available throughout its 2000-2005 run:
- Engines Offered:
- 3.4L V6 – 180 hp
- 3.8L V6 – 200 hp
- Supercharged 3.8L V6 (SS model) – 240 hp
- Bolt Pattern: 5x115mm
- Wheel Fasteners: Lug nuts
- Thread Size: M12 x 1.5
- Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
So all factory and aftermarket alloy wheels shopped for these model years need proper 5x115mm spacing to align with the hubs.
Generation 9 (2006–2013)
The 2006 Impala went for a slightly retro vibe echoing Chevy classics like the late 1960s models. It proved a sales success as the 9th generation rolled on with reliable front-wheel V6 power until 2013:
- Engines Offered:
- 3.5L V6 – 211 hp
- 3.9L V6 – 233 hp
- 5.3L V8 (SS Package) – 303 hp
- Bolt Pattern: 5x115mm
- Wheel Fasteners: Lug nuts
- Thread Size: M12 x 1.5
- Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Owners could feel confident swapping factory 17” or 18” rims between LS, LT or SS trims without issue thanks to common 5×5.5” lug spacing.
Generation 10 (2014–2020)
The current 10th-generation Impala further enhanced its technology and fuel efficiency with an Eco model using a 2.4L I4 engine paired with an electric motor.
By 2014, wheels grew an inch larger in diameter while adopting the now-universal GM bolt pattern:
- Engines Offered:
- 2.4L I4 Hybrid – 197 hp
- 2.5L I4 (Gas) – 196 hp
- 3.6L V6 – 305 hp
- Bolt Pattern: 5x120mm
- Wheel Fasteners: Lug nuts
- Thread Size: M14 x 1.5
- Torque: 150 Nm (111 lb-ft)
The shift to the 5x120mm spec opened owners up to more wheel upgrade options shared across GM brands versus old 5×5” Impala-specific sets.
How to Find Compatible Chevy Impala Wheels
Now that you know your specific Chevy Impala generation’s OEM bolt pattern, lug nut style, thread size and torque requirements, you can better ensure aftermarket wheel compatibility.
Rather than generically searching for “20 inch rims that fit Chevy Impalas”, using your exact model year or generation with key specs will yield better results. You’ll end up with wheels guaranteed to precisely align with your Impala’s hub assembly right out of the box – no guessing or improvising required.
Reputable online retailers like TireRack allow you to filter your search results based on critical criteria like:
- Bolt pattern (5×115, 5×120, etc.)
- Thread size (M12, M14, 7/16″)
- Center bore size
- Wheel diameter
Inputting your specific ’14-’16 Impala LT’s features for example would surface hundreds of compatible 20” rims with the proper 5x120mm bolt pattern, M14 threaded lug holes and 66.6mm center bore.
You can then evaluate options offering the correct offset and load ratings once their dimensional specs and construction quality are confirmed to work for your vehicle per the manufacturer’s listings.
Related Comparisons:
Bolt Pattern Cross-Reference: Many Infiniti, Lexus and Acura models also use the common 5×114.3mm (5×4.5”) spec that fits certain Impala model years. But unless identical in dimensions, lug nut style and center bore diameter, mixing wheels across brands is not advisable.
Chevy SS Rims Compatibility: Impala SS rims from 2006-2009 may feature more aggressive offset and ornamentation but physically fit other Gen 9 Impala trim levels. Just mind suspension impacts.
Interchangeable GM Wheels: Certain Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac and Oldsmobile wheels can work on Impalas but confirm precise match. Their shared corporate 5×5” and 5x120mm bolt circles are a starting point if lacking other model-specific data.
Following the manufacturer’s torque procedures using a calibrated wheel torque wrench ensures you safely secure any new wheels without over-tightening lug nuts. Most specify 20-30 ft-lbs at installation then a follow-up check within 50 miles.
And remember – while you can generally go up or down one inch in rim diameter without issue, sticking closer to your Impala’s original diameter and width limits potential rubbing or suspension problems. So if your ‘14 Impala LTZ came with 18″ wheels, hunt for 19” or 20” replacement sets specifically verified compatible by retailers or customer feedback.
The Takeaway – Know Your Chevy Impala Bolt Pattern
Hopefully this overview gives you clarity on Chevy Impala bolt patterns across all ten generations since 1958. Referencing your specific model year before buying replacement wheels or tires prevents wasted time and money.
The common 5×4.75”, 5×5” and 5x115mm OEM patterns carry through many decades and trim levels. But modern specs plus other factors like center bore, torque values and rim width should also be checked to guarantee perfectly matched Impala rims providing a smooth and safe ride.
With the right set of wheels and tires sized and precision-fit based on the exact build details of your Impala, you’ll have no issues installing them securely to enjoy an enhanced driving experience.