Just Wanted To Show My New Wheels To You

[Whiplash]

I love the look of the TTII's on your ride. I tried to get some for my 71 but the clearance didn't work. I've got 245/60/15's on mine for clearance so they should be slightly smaller than your 255'60's. What were the specs on your wheels? The TTII's I trial fitted were the standard 15x8's with 3 3/4 backspace and -18mm offset. I wanted the 4 in backspace with 0 offset but they were special order and I was afraid they wouldn't fit and I'd be stuck.

If you've got the 4 in backspace with 0 offset and no rubbing I'd probably go out and order some for my 71 with less fear. The clearance issue I have is in the front. The front of the tire when turned about half way comes dangerously close to the fender (less than a finger's width clearance).

I could really use your help. If you can please check your clearance at the fender when your wheels are half turned and let me know the specs from your wheels I'd be very very very greatful. I've been trying to buy/pick 15's for my Vette for 10 months and would love a proven solution. (Incedentially the car has new springs all around and a rebuilt/alligne suspension so I don't have any wierd sag causing the problem.)

Thanks in advance. Your car looks fantastic.

Regards,

Whiplash

 

[pgtr]

Whiplash,

I think the 15X8 steel rims were -0.5" offset and from that I presume 3.5in BS. What were the later factory alloys? Same? Also I'm having a brain dump - what is the Chevy 5 X _ bolt pattern size?

245/60R15 - interesting size - just checked it out now and didn't see any tires in that size I'd like. But an interesting size.

thanks,

 

[Whiplash]

Pgtr,

My understanding is the stock rally wheels are 15 x 8 with 4 in backspace and 0 offset. I measure the backspacing on mine and they're 4 in. The bolt pattern is 5 x 4 3/4 I forget the metric measurement for the bolt pattern. If you do the conversion on 4.75 inches to mm on one of the metric conversion sites it will tell you.

The standard TTII's come with a 3.75 in backspace and -18 (I think plus or minus a mm or two) offset. It gives you more clearance from the frame than the stock rims but put the front wheels too far out so that when they turn the outside edge is too close to the edge at the front of the front wheel well.

The tire size is an interesting one with limited manufacturer choices. I had 255/60/15's on my stock 78 PaceCar and they worked fine. However, on the 71 the front fender wells don't have the same clearance as later model C3's. The tires I got are BFG's with raised white letters. The pricing was good, they are a little short but fit the well nicely and are wide enough to give a good stance. Several cars at a local Corvette Shop had this size tire as well.

I've attached a picture for you to compare. It would be much nicer with the TTII's.

Whiplash

Whiplash,

I think the 15X8 steel rims were -0.5" offset and from that I presume 3.5in BS. What were the later factory alloys? Same? Also I'm having a brain dump - what is the Chevy 5 X _ bolt pattern size?

245/60R15 - interesting size - just checked it out now and didn't see any tires in that size I'd like. But an interesting size.

thanks,

 

[pgtr]

THanks for the followup ifno and pic!

That's interesting about your backspace measurements. I've got written down here that the '69+s ran -0.5 offset on the steel 15X8s and the '68s ran -0.28 offset (15X7). I also 'thought' the optional factory alloys may have had a slightly different offset/backspace. But at any rate I wouldn't argue your measurements - thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the pic - I like the color too! 255/70 was an OE tire size in '78. I've got 255/60s on my '71 (stock rims) but I'll admit it's a snug up front. I don't know what exactly changed if anything in the suspension geometry but I've heard that later C3s had more of their fiberglass trimmed around around the fender lips. I've never checked that out though The thing I like about the 255s or (or 225/70s the other OE size) is that there are a 'few' performance tire options remaining. (at least for now)

I admit that's part of the reason I'm considering upsizing to a 17" (or 16"?) wheel is to have decent performance tire options again.

Like you I'm VERY interested in upsizing rims and watch these threads w/ interest and also like to see detailed info on measurements and specs and such.

thanks,

 

[winnipeg69]

I put 17's on mine last week. They are from my Chevelle so they are 17x7 but still look and handle great.

 

[BrianB]

I have the standard wheel. -18mm offset. 225/70-15's. I didn't get new tires this time. Discount Tire had the best price in town and their service is really good here.

 

[JJS]

I really like the looks of those wheels. Last winter I put a new pair of the stock wheels (with new rubber) on my LT-1, but I like the looks of those so much, that I just might go re-do them again, and go with a crager type mag. I hate to lose that "stock" look, but I can always throw the other wheels on in a pinch. What do you guys think?

 

[pgtr]

I hate to lose that "stock" look, but I can always throw the other wheels on in a pinch. What do you guys think?

Can't you get a set of 16 or 17" rally wheels and put chrome rings and the Corvette 'hat' on. It would have the stock look but you'd be able to put some decent performance tires on w/ a 17" rim and it would look stock. I bet a lot of people would look at it for a while trying to figure out 'what's different'.

 

[Whiplash]

I love the look of the TTII's on your ride. I tried to get some for my 71 but the clearance didn't work. I've got 245/60/15's on mine for clearance so they should be slightly smaller than your 255'60's. What were the specs on your wheels? The TTII's I trial fitted were the standard 15x8's with 3 3/4 backspace and -18mm offset. I wanted the 4 in backspace with 0 offset but they were special order and I was afraid they wouldn't fit and I'd be stuck.

If you've got the 4 in backspace with 0 offset and no rubbing I'd probably go out and order some for my 71 with less fear. The clearance issue I have is in the front. The front of the tire when turned about half way comes dangerously close to the fender (less than a finger's width clearance).

I could really use your help. If you can please check your clearance at the fender when your wheels are half turned and let me know the specs from your wheels I'd be very very very greatful. I've been trying to buy/pick 15's for my Vette for 10 months and would love a proven solution. (Incedentially the car has new springs all around and a rebuilt/alligne suspension so I don't have any wierd sag causing the problem.)

Thanks in advance. Your car looks fantastic.

Regards,

Whiplash

Eddie,

Sorry to bother you. Were you able to find the specs for your TTII's i.e. backspace/offset?

Thanks in advance.

Whiplash

 

[CyberVette81]

SWEET WHEELS! You made a great choice. Here's a pic of what they look like on my '81.

 

[norvalwilhelm]

I ordered a set last week, they are special order and they say it will take 6 to 8 weeks. I upgraded to 18 inch all around. I want to install 14 inch brakes in the front so I need the extra clearance. For the back I got 18 x 10 with 6.5 backspacing and for the front 18 x 8 with 4.5 backspacing. I also ordered Perelli P Zero tires in 285 x 40 x 18 and 255x40x18.
This is a shot of the rim beside a stock old 15 inch vet rim.

 

[BrianB]

Finally a pic of mine.

 

[sweet04]

... and the poster should be on the wall in my garage. Mercy. . . :eek :eek :eek :eek :eek
sweeeeeeet! ! !
Susan

Very nice Eddie I like them.:cool Some of those pics should be on a poster.

 

[sweet04]

OMG. . .:eek I have GOT to get a C3...love my C5...but the 2nd is DEFINITELY going to be a C3. Yours is BEAUTUFUL! ! ! ! !

Finally a pic of mine.

 

[nutseynut7]

Uh, I just couldn't help myself, they were in stock and well...... Pics to come. I'll be at the lake all weekend, but I'll post em' when I get time. My 76' isn't as pictueresque as Eddie's, but damn, those are just what the doctor ordered.

Bought the same wheels for my 71 they are really nice

 

[nutseynut7]

Bought the same wheels for my 71 they are really nice

 

[dk1977]

Your car looks great. I have a '77 with the same wheels / tires. The backspacing on mine ( and I assume yours) is a little different from stock to clear the calipers without a spacer. This moves the tire/wheel out, away from the suspension. I was just wondering if you have experienced any difference in handling or "feel" in the steering.

 

[BrianB]

I got the standard 18mm offset and they fit, not by much but they fit.

 

[Montana]

Beautiful Vette and I love those wheels. Bought a new set of knockoff spinners for my 65 and it feels great to have a new set of wheels! (I don't miss the $2000 at all when I'm looking at my wheels)