275-40's on a 8.5 rim?

[Alloydude]

Recently got a set of 97-99 C5 wagon wheels that are 17x 8.5 on all 4 that I want to install on my 84. I’m currently running 17x9.5 wheels with 275-40/17 tires. I just bought the tires short while ago and want to use them on the 8.5 inch rims. Has anybody tried this wheel combination without any adverse effects? Do you think they may balloon out on the sides a little too much? Really can’t afford a new set of tires right now.

 

[Larry's Yellow Rdstr]

I'd call the guys at Tire Rack and ask them.

 

[c4cruiser]

The wheels will be a bit too narrow for the 275 tire as most manufacturers recommend a 9.5" wheel width for this size. They will look a bit strange when mounted but for street use, they should be OK. The 275/40 tire is very close in width and diameter to the original 255/50-16 tire so they will not throw the speedometer off.

Check with a tire shop to see if they will mount a tire on one of the wheels to see what it looks like.

What is the offset on the front C5 wheels you have? The 84-87 wheels had a 38mm offset. The 17" wheels from 88-96 used a 56mm offset (about 3/4" difference) and mounting the later wheels on the early cars results in the wheel being that 3/4" further inside the wheelwell.

If you get a tire mounted on the wheel, install the wheel on the front and check for any interference between the edge of the tire and the wheelwell or the frame rail as you turn the steering wheel to full lock in each direction. You can use a set of 3/4"adapters to position the later model wheels out so that they look right.

 

[Alloydude]

Thanks for the reply. The C5 wheels have a 56mm offset which is the same as the 1989 style wheels I have now. I’m also using 1” wheel adapters. The sidewall of the tire on my current set up looks to be flush with the lip of the 9.5 wide rim so I think the tire will only bulge out about a ½ inch with the 8.5” rim. It will only cost me about $20. to check out my theory on one wheel. I’ll keep you posted

 

[garycr14]

275's will work fine on your 8.5" rims. I have done it before, and you wont notice much difference between the 8.5's & 9.5's

 

[garycr14]

To slightly amend my previous statement, it does depend on the brand & model of tire as well, some are wider than others even though they share the same soze (go figure). If you look your tires up, the suggested wheel spec's will be from 8.5 and up depending on manufacturer.

 

[Notorious]

Tires and wheels are matched by size for a reason. This is not a good thing to do. Why buy a Vette and then go out of your way to screw up the handling? Someone sold you 4 C5 front wheels.

 

[6 Shooter]

See if this C4 Wheel link helps ya . . .

http://web.telia.com/~u60113743/corvette_wheels/

6 Shooter

 

[Alloydude]

Had a tire mounted to one of the wheels only to find out that the rim was bent. I tell ya, if it ain’t one thing it’s another. That’s what I get for buying crap on Ebay. However the tire looked great on the wheel. I’m sure I’ll be fine once I have two of the rim’s straightened at $100. a pop. Could have bought new wheels for what I’m going to have invested in these damn things. Geeez!!!!!! ad

 

[Alloydude]

Finally got the wheels on and very pleased with the outcome

 

[garycr14]

looks good!

Since you are right here in San Jose, you may want to check out our club, here's the sight for info: www.sccorvettes.org