1996 grand sport wheels

[BJS1977]

I think a set of black 96 grand sport wheels would look great on my black 77. Does any one know if the 11 inch rears will fit.

 

[Eric]

11 inch - WOW! There are conversion kits to allow C4 rims on C3s but I think if you follow the threads linked below you'll find that 11 inch is a little wide without mods - trailing arms, flares. You're right though, those rims would look nice!

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4020
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4276

 

[Hib Halverson]

A discussion of using C4 ZR1 or Grand Sport rear wheels on C3s is covered in an article at: http://www.idavette.net/hib/BBfHInet13.htm

 

[BJS1977]

Hib, you rock!! That's exactly what i wanted to hear. Now all i have to do is find a set at a reasonable price. Easier said than done.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Hib, you rock!!

Sh**, how'd you know?
Getting pumped for the MTV Video Music Awards on TV tonight I just had Linkin Park and some old No Doubt on the CD player. Yep. I'm rockin'.

That's exactly what i wanted to hear. Now all i have to do is find a set at a reasonable price. Easier said than done. [/QUOTE]

Two points about the GS wheels on a C3.
1) Don't forget the big adapters you need. The only source for them is Vette Brakes and Products
2) Don't forget that the GS Coupe rears are a *different* backspace than the ZR-1 rear.

 

[BJS1977]

no doubt? if your listening to that i might take back the "you rock" comment.
i know about the back spacing and i e-mailed vette brakes to see what size spacer i would need. now i am worried about how far they will stick out the side of the car.

p.s finding these things is not easy. i can't find any used ones and the new ones cost almost what i paid for the car and thats without the tires!!!!!

 

[Bullitt]

Hello there, BJS1977. Over the past four months or so, I have seen the adapters on Ebay. Usually, a set pops up once a month. I think the last set went for about half of the original price. If you're willing to be patient, I guess you could go this route. I'll be attending the Chevy show down here, later this month. If I see any that are good, I'll get the phone number of the seller for you.--Bullitt

 

[BJS1977]

according to the guy at vette brakes the 11in rears will stick out of the wheel well. i guess i can get 4 of the front wheels, right???
maybe zo6 wheels??? maybe the newer chrome 5 spoke wheels???
whattda ya think???

 

[Bullitt]

Wheel cost

Well Tyla, the cost of wheels is subjective to every seller. Of course, the condition and age is going to come into play. Most guys I talk to agree that parts usually go for half price at swap meets. I think the 17x8.5 inch Grand Sport wheels are about $400 each, the 9.5 or 11 are $430 each, through Mid-America. Center caps run about $25 a piece and don't forget lug nuts at $50-$60 for all. So maybe in all, you are looking at $1800-$1900, brand new. Plus adapters ($300) and mounting/balancing of your tires. I think a good estimate on new tires, depending on the speed rating could be as low as $150 or up to $230 for ZRs. WHEW! Best "guess" scenario $2900-$3300 for everything brand new. If you can get everything used and hassle the seller down, maybe you can get a deal at $1500? Probably, wishful thinking. I'll try to find a swap meet in my area and find out how much they are selling for.--Bullitt