15 in Torq Thrust II's and Torq Thrust D's

[Whiplash]

Well I'm back to the saga of looking for rims for my 71. Earlier this year I went through great pains to find a good 17 in wheel and tire combo and gave up. I bought new 15 in rubber all around and I'm pleased with the fit and look.

Now I need to find some 15 in rims. I looked at Boyd Coddington Smoothies and loved them. Then I found out that these rims rub the bleed screw on the calipers and only fit with a spacer (I'm not even going to consider/talk about spacers).

So now I'm back to American Racing. I went to the local shop all ready to order but I'm getting conflicting information.

Here's what I think I know and the questions I'm hoping someone can resolve.

In 1971 the rims were 15x8 in with 5 x 4 3/4 bolt pattern, 4 in backspace (= 0 Offset).

I already know from previous experience that any backspace greater than 4 in will cause rubbing on my car (I've installed and had clearance problems with the rear spring, e-brake cable, etc.)

I really like the Chrome Torq Thrust D's. The lip to me is what I'm going for. The sizing I've seen for these are 15x8.5 with 3.75in backspace. The shop called American Racing and American Racing told them to go back to the II's that this combo was not recommended for the C3.

Now I'm no expert but the shop guy doesn't have a clue what Backspace and Offset are and all he wants to do if figure out a way to put 20's on the car. (Slightly exagerated opinion above to illustrate what I'm dealing with). I'd go to another shop but this guy is actually better than the other shops I've walked out of.

So now I come to the forum with hat in hand and ask for your advice yet again. If anyone has American Racing Torq Thrust D's and/or Torq Thrust II's actually installed on their C3's in 15x8.5 for the D's or 15x8 for the II's please respond. If you have other size 15's please let me know.

What I'd like to know is what actually fits so I can give the specs to my wife so she can pretend the new rims are a surprise for my birthday

Thank you in advance. Please no posts about how to fit 17's etc.

Whiplash

 

[John Kuzman]

Whiplash,

I have had the IIs on my '69 for over four years. Front: 15X7, P235-60R15. Rear: 15X8, P245-60R15. No spacers. No fitting or rubbing problems.

 

[Whiplash]

Whiplash,

I have had the IIs on my '69 for over four years. Front: 15X7, P235-60R15. Rear: 15X8, P245-60R15. No spacers. No fitting or rubbing problems.

John,

Thank you. What backspacing? I'm assuming 4 In.

Anyone put on 15x8.5 TT D's?

Thanks,

Whiplash

 

[pgtr]

I was thinking the later C3 alloy wheels had a slightly different spacing? One was 4" and one was 4.25" ... ???

Anyway, another option to consider: 16" rims - This might give you more options for clearing the brakes and also probably better choices in tires as well. I think some companies make some wheels that are similar looking to some of the wheels you mentioned but clear a C3...? Wheel Vintiques for one maybe...? Sorry I don't have any URLs I recall offhand.

 

[68Roadster]

Well.....what did you get???

My TT D's were 15x7, 3.75 backspacing with no problems.....

Cee

 

[Whiplash]

Well.....what did you get???

My TT D's were 15x7, 3.75 backspacing with no problems.....

Cee

Hey Cee,

Haven't ordered yet. There's some concern about the 8.5's fitting. I don't want to go more narrow. Probably going to go with the II's in 15x8 with 4 in backspacing. I really don't like the ralleye's so I need some rims but I'm unhappy that all the other choices out there don't work without going to a higher diameter.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Whiplash

 

[pgtr]

Maybe these will help... When I get around to doing this upgrade to mine, I'm definately going w/ 16s... good luck,

http://www.vintagewheelworks.com

http://www.wheelvintiques.com

 

[resto75]

I bought AR 136 wheels for my 75 that are direct bolt on w/o spacers. They look great and do not rub the calipers. I don't see them listed on the AR website anymore

 

[bossvette]

I called American Racing they gave me a part # then called Summit and ordered they are 15x8 or 8.5 both F&R with 255-60/15 front and 275-60/15 rear had them since 1999

 

[joe1975]

I've been looking at crager "ss"s I've been told only can use with spacers but the backspacing they told me was 4 something

 

[bossvette]

I've been looking at crager "ss"s I've been told only can use with spacers but the backspacing they told me was 4 something

I have a set of Cragars on another car and they hit the disc caliper on the Corvette, I have heard you can use spacers, but the Americans clear(just barely).

 

[BrianB]

Whiplash, what kind of shape are your rally's in? I may be interested for my 76'.

 

[Whiplash]

Whiplash, what kind of shape are your rally's in? I may be interested for my 76'.

Hi Brian,

The ralleyes are numbers matching for 71 and have some minor surface rust. I plan on sandblasting them and then repainting appropriately. The chrome rings and center caps are in fine shape. I plan on keeping them as this was a one owner car when I bought it and it's all numbers matching on the major components, drivetrain, most everything else, headlights and wearable parts may not have correct numbers. I'm going to keep the rims in case I get around to brining it ti NCRS for judging. Everything I replace I try to replace with correct parts. The exceptions are the shocks, alluminum radiator (looks correct but should be brass), current radial tires (safety and performance), and current exhaust. These parts are easy enough to change if it becomes the difference between flight awards.

I keep going back and forth on the NCRS thing. Therefore I keep everything I take off, replace with correct where possible, and avoid permanent modifications that cannot be reversed with simple bolt ons.

Thanks for your interest. The reason I'm looking for rims is for style. I just bought new rubber all around in the Spring so I could enjoy the car after 6 months of hard work and I don't want to change rim size and have to buy new tires (sorry for the run on). Otherwise I'd find 17's to fit.

I do need a correct rim for my missing spare tire by the way in case you know what the correct rim looks like.

Have a good weekend.

Whiplash

 

[BrianB]

I know the feeling. Mine still has the aluminum slots on it, but I like the 'classic' look of the rally's. I won't get rid of the original wheels either. I may just get a set of repros to drive it around on. Thanks.

 

[dk1977]

Torque Thrust Wheels

I have a '77 that I put a set of American Racing Torque Thrust II on.. no spacers. The size is 15 x 8, 5 lug on 4.75 bolt circle with 3 3/4 backspace. The wheel clears everything on mine, but barely (on the calipers). The tires are P235/60r-15.
My son, who works for Discount Tire in Lufkin Texas, did a lot of research on wheels / tires before we decided on these. Hope this helps.

 

[lnirenberg]

The problem I have found in shopping for wheels is once you get around the wheel problem ie caliper clearance then you have to find tires. The lack of speed rated tires for the sharks sucks. The only thing I found with a V rating are Kumho sports truck tires 255/55 16s. What's the deal with this?

 

[pgtr]

The problem I have found in shopping for wheels is once you get around the wheel problem ie caliper clearance then you have to find tires. The lack of speed rated tires for the sharks sucks. The only thing I found with a V rating are Kumho sports truck tires 255/55 16s. What's the deal with this?

Unfortunately the C3 tire market is one of low performance hard rubber tires wrapped in cosmetic sidewall treatments that convey a performance 'look' but little more. There seems to be little demand, interest or market for good performance tires on a C3 anymore. There are no summer performance tires but there's a few all-season performance tire options for 15" rims if you hunt:

255/60R15 Pirelli zeros are V rated.

225/70R15: Goodyear RSA, Firestone PV41, General XP2KR4 are also V rated. Cooper and Sumitomo may have H-rated options.

The other ~95% of tires available for C3s are weaker construction, hard compound, low performance crap dressed up w/ fancy sidewalls. I wouldn't put that stuff on a mini-van let alone a Corvette.

16" upsized rims are starting to look like 15" rims w/ respect to tire selection. Upsize the rim to 17" is an option to get a good selection of performance tires. At this point I'm thinking that if considering upsizing to skip 16" and go straight to 17" for a good selection.

 

[Evolution1980]

Don't know if you're still looking, but I have American Racing 15" on my car. I've received a fair amount of compliments on them. Much better than the stock rims.

Strange thing is, I was jsut out at AR's website and didn't see my rim listed.
Hmmm...

Anyways, they have 255 in the rear, 245 up front.

 

[76 Sting]

John,

Thank you. What backspacing? I'm assuming 4 In.

Anyone put on 15x8.5 TT D's?

Thanks,

Whiplash

Hey whiplash I hope you get this,

I just moved to Argyle TX and looking to do the same rim combo. Wondering if you ever bought the rims?? If so what was the final combo?

Thanks...also how can I find out where some local shows are in the DFW area I need to get out with some vette folks for a ride

 

[Whiplash]

Hey whiplash I hope you get this,

I just moved to Argyle TX and looking to do the same rim combo. Wondering if you ever bought the rims?? If so what was the final combo?

Thanks...also how can I find out where some local shows are in the DFW area I need to get out with some vette folks for a ride

Welcome to the area. Nope, never bought the rims. Never got an answer that made sense. The 71 front fenders are tighter than the later sharks so I'm very concerned about rub. I've also tried on other sets of rims with the 3 an 3/4 backspace and wasn't happy with the clearance in the rear. So I just gave up and blasted and painted the rally rims.

There are a few Corvette clubs in the area, just google Dallas or Texas Corvette clubs. Also www.hotrodhappenings.com has a list of cruise nights which I like better. My son likes to see all the hot rods and muscle cars in addition to the Vettes.

Let me know if you find a set that fits. Have a good holiday.

Whiplash