Can I put 96 stock 17" sawblades on my 86

[Moonunit 451]

Is tihs a straight conversion or do I have to use an adapter? 96 stock is 8.5" on the front with 9.5" with 7.4" backspacing for the rear and are the same 93-96. Anyone? I don't really want to use an adapter or do something that's not going to look right, but I want to get into 17" wheels without spending a fortune.

 

[Alex D]

for the sawblades you will need to use spacers.......you could mount the original ZR1 rear rims witout spacers in the rear, but then again they are not the sawblades

 

[Moonunit 451]

I don't understand. The ZR1 rears all have 7.4" backspacing too. Is a spacer considered an adapter? How big of a spacer, 1/2"? Would I need to have different wheel studs (material or length)? How much should I expect to pay for the materials? Is it even worth it in performance to bother ? Thanks

 

[vader86]

You will need a spacer plate for the offset difference, stock on an 86 is 38mm for the 9.5s, and like 36mm for the 8.5 wheels.

If you dont use one, it wont look right.

Id use the one from Vettebrakes, high quality piece.

 

[Moonunit 451]

Thanks. I would like someone to comment on the handling characteristics good or bad that I could expect if I make this change. Would it be worth $750-850?

 

[rrubel]

I put stock 96 wheels (8.5 front, 9.5 rear) on my 86. World of difference! I used the spacers from Corvette Central (about $200, but they're good ones with new bolts and all) and they look great, drive great, and make the car look much newer (many favorable comments from my co-workers).

Keep in mind, though, that 17" tires are more expensive than 16" ones... and since you're changing profiles your ride will get a bit harsher (mostly you'll feel bumps more). However, your handling will just be SO much better you won't even notice the bumps.

I'd do my conversion again in a heartbeat. I can send you a picture of the car with them on if you'd like.

[RICHR]

 

[vader86]

i put 17x9.5s on my 86, handling is much better

 

[Moonunit 451]

Thanks guys, they're en route. I'm also closely watching a set of 9.5 spokes. The ones on the way are 8.5 and 9.5 sawblades.

rrubel, I'd like to see a photo, thanks. My e-mail is on my profile.

 

[rrubel]

I'll email a pic tonight.

If you wind up buying the 9.5" spoke wheels, I'd be interested in the pair of 9.5 sawblades (Z51 package had 9.5's all the way around). The 8/5's in front are supposed to be better for directional stability (ie, the car doesn't wander as much) but a) you give up a tiny amount of traction, and b) you can't rotate your tires front->rear.
[RICHR]

 

[Moonunit 451]

I'll keep you in mind on that. I'm gonna have to do something cause if I go for the spokes I'll have four sets of wheels and tires and an empty wallet. Long ways to ship, but that seems to be how it goes. I can never find anything nearby

 

[rrubel]

In case anyone else wondered how they'd look, I posted links to the pix here rather than emailing them. They're about 100k each.

And yes, my garage is a serious mess .

wheel pic 1
wheel pic 2
wheel pic 3

BTW - cost me about $12 each to ship these sawblades when I got them.

[RICHR]

 

[Moonunit 451]

Lookin Good . I think I'll be happy with those, but I'm still eyeballin' these other ones. Good price on shipping. I haven't even heard of anything that cheap, but the stuff I'm doing all has good rubber as well.

 

[rrubel]

I do most of my shipping with FedEx Ground - they're usually a LOT cheaper than UPS. Since I got my wheels private-party (from someone on here, actually) they were happy to use my carrier of choice.

No rubber on them, but that was fine with me.

Now I just need someone to buy my old 86 wheels...

[RICHR]