Downdraft

When I bought my 1965 C2 a few years back it was already flared (tastefully IMO) and came with C3 8 x 15 inch rally wheels with Cooper tires 235/70-15. They fit just perfect and do not rub (thanks to the flares).

I would like to put on these 8 inch wheels can anybody chime in if they will fit (me and my car are in Italy and I gotta get things right the first time around - shipping is killer!


http://www.extremecustomwheels.com/A...0_p_18352.html

and the data are:

Bolt Pattern - 5x4.5
Offset in mm - 5
Backspacing in inches - 4.50
CHROME
Size - 15" x 8"
Centerbore in mm - 83.06

If these don't fit I could go with the narrower 7 in wheels http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARE-6055765/?rtype=10
The data are:

Wheel, Torq-Thrust D, Aluminum, Chrome, 15 in. x 7 in., 5 x 4.5 in. Bolt Circle, 3.75 in. Backspace, Each


Regarding the tires I an going for a slightly lower sidewall 235/60 - 15

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....idewall=Raised White Letters&partnum=36SR5FHI500RWL&tab=Sizes

Thank you all very much. Alex

66since71

C3 wheels are 4" back spacing. More than that will create interference.

If 8" fits now with 235s, I would not go back to 7". You give up a lot of performance. (Engineers call it camber effect).

Look out for caliper clearance.

If you're going to buy both wheels and tires, consider 17". Everything 15" is getting harder and harder to find.

Lots of C2 wheel and tire threads. Take a look at the FAQs and use the search function

Downdraft

thank you very much

toddalin

Bolt pattern is wrong. Should be 5 x 4-3/4". If the bolts don't fit, nothing else matters.

vt65

good catch Tod ...

66since71

To your questions,
4.50" is too much and will not fit. In fact anything more than 4.00" is a problem that will require modifications.
When you get closer on selecting the wheel, ask here about what clears and what does not. You can check the archives, too. Of course the manufacturer may know also.
I understand on the diameter. I used to live in Germany, with similar requirements.

Harry

Oh and the catch on the bolt pattern is a good one!

Procrastination Racing

Ideally, on a 15x8 inch wide rim, you should have around 3.50 inches backspacing. You must have less than 3.75 inches backspacing or you begin hitting the rear spring and other parts. Around 3.25 will begin pushing it out into the outer fender too much, but with flares, you are probably ok.

Bolt pattern is 5 x 4-3/4 inch like many have said.

The center hole must be 2.783 inches diameter or larger. The 83.06 is 3.27 inches so it will work.

Most wheels made are for the typical Chevy product - Chevelles, Camaros, Impalas, etc., and the backspacing is different. But since they are the majority of the market, wheels to fit corvettes are rarely on the shelf and often have to be custom ordered.

On larger diameter wheels, such as 16 inch and 17 inch, you can sometimes use more backspacing (3.75 or more) as the larger diameter lets it miss the spring. However, you should check BEFORE buying and mounting tires if possible. How much more I don't know.

427Hotrod

My 67 has has rear flares...fronts are stock. My first set of wheels were regular Torque Thrusts (require spacers to clear calipers) 8" on rear and 7" on front. These pics are with 255/60's and 215/65's on the front.



Next came polished Torque Thrust D's...8.5" on rear and 7" on front. Now using 275/60's and the same 215/65's. No spacers required.




Now wears Cragar's- 8" rear and 6" fronts. Using 275/60's still and 205/70's on front for more *big n little* look. These need spacers again.




The drag wheels have been factory Rally wheels on rear and Cragar drag wheels and now uses M/T 8.5" on rear with 10.5 x28" slicks and Bogart front wheels with M/T Sportsman/s.






JIM

Downdraft

Thank you all for catching that and the other info, here in Italy the tire cannot exceed the fender (cannot stick out) otherwise it will fail the safety inspection. This wheel seems to have all the correct parameters. I just went Premium so I can post pictures. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARE-5155861/
Right now with the 4 inch backspace of the C3 rim it is boderline - does the 3.75 inch backspace meen that the tire will stick out 1/4 if an inch more?

Downdraft

Here is one of the front

66since71

Yes it will. Note too, your 60 series tires will likely have a wider tread than the 70s you now run.

If you want to stay with the C3 back space, you can update the rear suspension to C3 configuration by simply replacing the strut rod bracket with the C3 piece. It gives you a little more clearance at full rebound to the spring end. The other place you may need some clearance help is the parking brake cable. It can be tied to the side of the trailing arm with a big hose clamp.

Good hunting for your new wheels.

Harry