Q: -will a C3 take a C4 wheel???

[Vette/Berlina-coupe]

-Wondering if an '88-Vette wheel will properly mount upon a '80-Vette without an adapter? Presuming that the bolt-pattern is the same, am especially wondering if the 3.5"-back-spacing is the same, or would the '88's fit in further? --or out further? The wheels are from an '88-Vette (which had OEM 16" & 17"-diam.), -but these aftermarket-wheels are actually 15"/tire-size...
~Bob vH
:s :confused :s

 

[69MyWay]

Nope...an 88 rim will not fit. The bolt pattern is the same, but the offset is virtually opposite of what the C3 needs. The C4 wheel will go in too deep and hit the frame before you will get it through the studs. You have to run the adapters to make it go. After that, you are home free.

I have seen many C3s running C4 and C5 wheels with the adapter plates...and they look great!

 

[MaineShark]

I was thinking about this, as well. Reducing the sidewall height should really improve the handling, and there are many more choices in performance tires, for 16", 17", and 18" wheels, than for 15" wheels. Plus, they'd be genuine Corvette wheels.

But I've also heard that those adapters can be a weak link. Is that a concern? I don't want a wheel flying off at speed :eek

Joe