American Racing: 16X8 TORQ-THRUST II 5X4.75

[zackm58941]

Hi, Im looking at getting these wheels but the page says to check clearance between wheel and caliper. Will these work on my 1980 vette and does anyone know what these run a piece? Thanks!

 

[Dave Z]

The way I understand it, clearance between the wheel and caliper is only an issue if you want to run smaller than stock rims. If your stock rims are 15's it should not be an issue and the 16's should work with your '80. When you do go up in size, you should try and get a lower profile tire so the overall rim/tire height is the same as stock. Do this mainly to keep your speedo accurate.

As for the pricing, it can vary. Shop it around, and even check your local want ads. I've found some great wheels over the years in the paper!

 

[patsnitrovette]

Id advise you to step up to 17's instead,there arent alot of 16 inch performance tires available.

 

[bossvette]

look through some of the "post a picture" threads in the C3 section there are quit a few running TT2's most are either 17's or 15's I have 15's but if I had it to do over I would have 17's

 

[lnirenberg]

Just mounted 16X8 TT IIs with Yokahama 235/60-16 Avid V4S. The yoks were the only speed rated tire that were in the right size range. Trial fit setup and they clear the calipers by a hair. The 235/60s are only slightly larger in diameter @ 27.1 inches and less than a inch wider than the OE F70-15s so body clearance is not an issue. The shop that is doing some performance mods for me set me up with their guy at Town Fair Tire, a northeast chain, and I paid $1249 for tires, wheels. chrome lugs w/locks, chrome valves and computer balance with weights mounted on the inside. Won't get to try them out until spring but they look great

 

[zackm58941]

Thanks for the advise! I did end up looking through the c3 pictures and I think the 17's look too big for the c3 body style but I dont know yet. Here is a pic of a c3 with a set of the 16 inchers. I cant remember if the picture is from this site or another vette site but they look like they fit the car just right. I will have to think about what you guys have said and I probably wont buy anything until spring time when I finish up school. For tires though, what is a decent set of rubber that is pretty quiet, decent grip and wear? I have the radial t/a's on now in 225/70/15 so almost anything will be a traction and handling improvment but what would be the best choice, size too. 255/55r/16's are closest to stock aspect ratio, well for the 16's. 255/50r is closest for the 17's. Thanks for all the help! Oh, one thing I forgot to ask about. I saw that they dont come in chrome and that they are fully polished. How much harder or are they about just as much as a pain as the stock aluminum vette wheels to keep looking real good?

Inirenberg, if you can, could you post some pics of them on your car? Thanks!

Zack

 

[bossvette]

Here is 275 60-15 on the rear and 255-60-15 on the front

there is a lot more tire in the wheel well with 15s

 

[74bigblock]

I love my TT2's. They are a PITA to keep polished though. I think you would be fine with stock thru 17 inchers in the looks category. You may want to check ebay for these... I see them all the time... I've been looking for 17x11 for the rear end of my TA.

 

[lnirenberg]

Unfortunately, the wheels are not on the car now as I am having some body work done to the front and didn't want to lose sleep over new wheels & tires getting painted warbonnet yellow. I may not be able to post pictures until I have it back on the road in the spring--March/April but will send them to you when I get them. If you want, send me a private message with an email address as I have trouble posting pictures on this site due to the size of my photo files and when downsized pixel wise my general digital ineptness. Also, for general info, I found this great site for calculating tire diameter and width--
http://www.net-comber.com/tirecalc.html

 

[patsnitrovette]

Thats lens car from the corvette forum.

 

[Paranoid]

Thats lens car from the corvette forum.

Yep, that's mine. 16X8 with 255-50-16 Goodyear Eagle's.

 

[zackm58941]

Awesome car!!! Sorry I didnt remember where I found the picture and who's car it was. Are you happy with the 16's or wish you should have gone bigger? Thanks!

 

[Paranoid]

Awesome car!!! Sorry I didnt remember where I found the picture and who's car it was. Are you happy with the 16's or wish you should have gone bigger? Thanks!

for me it was a question of money. When I bought the 16's they were $200/wheel. The 17's were over $300/wheel. I just couldn't justify the $$.

I wouldn't mind the 17's provided the Vette's stance is adjusted. I don't like a lot of space between the tire and the fender.

 

[74bigblock]

I got the hookup!!!!! I just got an email from a guy off ebay who is going to sell me 2 TTII's NIB for 200 per. These are 17x11 mind you.... one of the most expensive they make... retail around 350 or 375 each. If you are seriously interested, let me know, and I will give you this guy's info. Send me a PM!!!

 

[74bigblock]

and a few days later.... Ding Dong....


The UPS dude has 2 NIB 17X11 Torque Thrusts in hand with center caps!! Now I just got to come up with $550 for tires, then try and mount these bastards. Apparently these wheels are notorious for just barely not fitting when mounted with 315/35/17's, and I was recommended to use the BFH (aka: big frkinin hammer) method incase I have tire rub on the inside of the wheel well. Man oh man are these things wide!!!