'86 offset and tire sizes for aftermarket wheels??

[ProEMTPFF]

I'm looking at aftermarket wheels for my '86 coupe. I understand I need to be conserned with the offset buying aftermarket wheels. I'm now looking at either 17's or even 18's but most likely the 17x9.5 all around so I can rotate the tires. either way front nad rear will be the same size. I'm sure 18's are out of my budget range. Also, tire sizes.... I want something wide. Please help, I'll be making a purchase with in a month.

1.Can some one help me with the stock offset or where to find it?

2.Is there a certain offset I need to stick with or a "range" of offset that will work?

3. Tire sizes 245/45ZR17, 255/45ZR17 or other suggestion?

4. What is the stock offset for a '88+? So, I have a better idea where I stand with aftermarket off set. The wheels I'm looking at have a +35mm offset.

 

[Moonunit 451]

Here ya go dude http://w1.601.telia.com/~u60113743/corvette_wheels/

17 X 9.5 is about the best you're gonna do, run 285 40's and your good to go. Try AFS on ebay see if you see anything you like. Good wheels good prices, and you can even get some packages with tires all mounted and balanced.

Where do you work at? I'm a paramedic, been workin in PDX area for the last 25 yrs. for the privates ;

 

[ProEMTPFF]

Thanks for the info! I work in Florida as a Firefighter-Paramedic for the City of Cocoa. I have another question. My '86 is a Z51 with the +38mm. I also see the base model has +32mm offset. I'm looking at some wheels with +35mm offset, will I need spacers or should these work with that offset? Do I REALLY need to stick with a +38mm?? The reason I'm asking is I'm really not into the OEM style wheels, nothing against them other than just too many people have them. I'd like to be different.

 

[ratorto]

wheels/tires

I use AFS 9.5s on the front with 275/45/17s and 11" on the rear with 315/35/17s. They fit flush with the rear fenders.

See them at http://members.cardomain.com/bobcorvette

 

[Moonunit 451]

Thanks for the info! I work in Florida as a Firefighter-Paramedic for the City of Cocoa. I have another question. My '86 is a Z51 with the +38mm. I also see the base model has +32mm offset. I'm looking at some wheels with +35mm offset, will I need spacers or should these work with that offset? Do I REALLY need to stick with a +38mm?? The reason I'm asking is I'm really not into the OEM style wheels, nothing against them other than just too many people have them. I'd like to be different.

I/m running the same as ratorto. I'll bet the 35mm offset would be just fine.

 

[vader86]

The base 8.5" wheel doesnt have 32mm offset, its a 36.5mm pffset.

 

[ProEMTPFF]

I realize the link below might be wrong but it says the base '86 had +32mm offset.

http://w1.601.telia.com/~u60113743/corvette_wheels/

 

[Moonunit 451]

The base 8.5" wheel doesnt have 32mm offset, its a 36.5mm pffset.

Never heard this before vader. Please elaborate, cause my 11's definately stick out with the 315's on the prescribed 86 offset :confused

I think you'd still be OK Pro with 285's around on those wheels though. prolly look really :cool

 

[vader86]

What is it you want me to elaborate on? Its 36.5mm for the 8.5", not your 11's.

 

[ratorto]

offsets

The 17" 9.5 AFS wheels on the front are 38mm offset (6.7" backspace).
The rears are AFS 17" 11" with a 36mm offset (7.39 backspace).
Like I said, they are pretty flush with the fenders.

http://members.cardomain.com/bobcorvette

 

[Moonunit 451]

What is it you want me to elaborate on? Its 36.5mm for the 8.5", not your 11's.

:duh Right, don't know what I was thinking.

And ratorto is also correct with the sizes.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7921705460&category=66483

 

[marks350]

Do you ever get new wheels? If so do you want to sell the stock ones?
Mark350@comcast.net

 

[ProEMTPFF]

Yes, I did buy new wheels.....ZR1 with 11inch rears. No, I'm keeping the stock wheels. So, when I sell the car they have EVERYTHING to put her back to original. Thanks for asking though.

 

[stratman]

Rims and Tires

17" rims (17 x 9 1/2) 38 mm offset will be less problems, 285/40/17 tires more then adequate. See picture below exactlly as described. Does not stick out from fender lip and gives you 11.3" tire section front and rear. ref:AFS ZR1 rims with GoodYear Eagle F1 GSD3 tires.
18" can be problems because of offset and not all tires have the same cross section even though they have the same tire size.

 

[Rufus1050]

The wheels on my 85 appear to be the 91 sawblades...I always thought that the frnt wheels appeared to be tucked in too much. Guess that's the difference between the 36mm offset on the 11" rear versus the 56mm offset on the front 9.5's. According to the wheel and tire link mentioned earlier in this thread, I'll need a .75" spacer on the front to move them out some. Am I on track here????????

 

[stratman]

If you go to AFS Wheels at www.afswheels.com they show that the 1984 -1987 will use the same rim which for the 17 x 9 1/2 " wide rims (Front) is 38MM offset and you do not need any spacer. For the rear if yuo so choose 17 x 11" wide rims they have a 36.5MM offset with no spacer.

I went 17 x 9 1/2 all four corners and have NO spacers and NO problems.

 

[ProEMTPFF]

If you go to AFS Wheels at www.afswheels.com they show that the 1984 -1987 will use the same rim which for the 17 x 9 1/2 " wide rims (Front) is 38MM offset and you do not need any spacer. For the rear if yuo so choose 17 x 11" wide rims they have a 36.5MM offset with no spacer.

I went 17 x 9 1/2 all four corners and have NO spacers and NO problems.

AFS is where I got my wheels and tires and I'm very happy with them!