New To C4s and I have a Wheel Question
01-14-2016, 09:45 AM
#1
Cruising
Thread Starter
New To C4s and I have a Wheel Question
Hey all! I just recently picked up a 1994 Corvette 6 speed Admiral Blue (That got a white stripe painted down the middle and two red vinyl stripes tacked on crooked.....-_- not a fan of tribute cars so I either painting over it or vinyl'ing it a different color)!!! I absolutely love it, but I have a problem. For whatever reason the previous owner put aftermarket wheels on it that are skinnier than the stock units....
I have 245 size tires all around.
I am looking to have a c4 corvette that I can autocross and drive to a show, but my issue is I cant find the right offset. I know 17x10-11 or 18x10-11 is what I want (and I would prefer squared) So that I can run a 295 or 315 tire with ease...but i know not what offset I need (other than it is a high one) HALP ME PLS. Seem like a great group of people, and I am happy to be here.
<a href="http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/vortexbluetsx09/media/12512083_10205522923932882_1318942327_n_ zpsc0todcsv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff432/vortexbluetsx09/12512083_10205522923932882_1318942327_n_ zpsc0todcsv.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 12512083_10205522923932882_1318942327_n_ zpsc0todcsv.jpg"/></a>
I have 245 size tires all around.
I am looking to have a c4 corvette that I can autocross and drive to a show, but my issue is I cant find the right offset. I know 17x10-11 or 18x10-11 is what I want (and I would prefer squared) So that I can run a 295 or 315 tire with ease...but i know not what offset I need (other than it is a high one) HALP ME PLS. Seem like a great group of people, and I am happy to be here.
<a href="http://s1235.photobucket.com/user/vortexbluetsx09/media/12512083_10205522923932882_1318942327_n_ zpsc0todcsv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff432/vortexbluetsx09/12512083_10205522923932882_1318942327_n_ zpsc0todcsv.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 12512083_10205522923932882_1318942327_n_ zpsc0todcsv.jpg"/></a>
01-14-2016, 10:02 AM
#2
Race Director
Member Since: Feb 2002
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2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '16
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Grats on the C4, you will want to run GS offsets in the rear all the GM fronts are the same offset. The GS wheel offset will fit better. ZR-1 offset may sit outside the wheel well.
ZR-1 wheel 17x11" with a 36mm
GS wheel 17x11" 50mm
ZR-1 wheel 17x11" with a 36mm
GS wheel 17x11" 50mm
Last edited by FASTAZU; 01-14-2016 at 10:04 AM.
01-14-2016, 10:20 AM
#3
Cruising
Thread Starter
Thank you sir, I love the car! So can I run 17x11 +36 on the front as well?
01-14-2016, 10:28 AM
#4
Race Director
Member Since: Feb 2002
Location: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
Posts: 11,328
Received 910 Likes
on
583 Posts
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I'm sure one of them or someone who can answer that ? will post in soon.
Last edited by FASTAZU; 01-14-2016 at 10:29 AM.
01-14-2016, 10:37 AM
#5
Cruising
Thread Starter
Gotcha! I hope so! I see all these c4 guys running 17x11 or 17x12 squared..and am absolutely baffled. I just want to know the secret hahaha. Thank you so much for your help
The following users liked this post:
Imthanasi (01-14-2016)
01-14-2016, 11:59 AM
#7
Cruising
Thread Starter
01-14-2016, 06:35 PM
#8
Team Owner
It looks like you have a '96 Grand Sport. Not really a "tribute car" but a sort of transition between the last of the C4 Generation and the C5 Generation. Unless you think somebody painted a "regular" C4 to look like a GS, check the VIN for these specific characters for a Grand Sport:
8th digit should be a "5" for the LT4 engine and the last 6 digits should be anywhere from 600001 thru 601000. The "6" denotes the Grand Sport. There were only 1000 Grand Sports made with 810 being coupes and 190 convertibles. All were manual transmission cars.
The GS Coupe wheels were 17x9.5" up front with a 56mm offset and a 275/40-27 tire. Rear wheels were 17x11 with a 50mm offset and a 315/35-17 tire. GS 'verts got smaller wheels and tires.
Just noticed it was a 1994, not a '96 so it's not a Grand Sport. But still looks nice.
8th digit should be a "5" for the LT4 engine and the last 6 digits should be anywhere from 600001 thru 601000. The "6" denotes the Grand Sport. There were only 1000 Grand Sports made with 810 being coupes and 190 convertibles. All were manual transmission cars.
The GS Coupe wheels were 17x9.5" up front with a 56mm offset and a 275/40-27 tire. Rear wheels were 17x11 with a 50mm offset and a 315/35-17 tire. GS 'verts got smaller wheels and tires.
Just noticed it was a 1994, not a '96 so it's not a Grand Sport. But still looks nice.
Last edited by c4cruiser; 01-15-2016 at 08:59 AM. Reason: Mis read post....
01-14-2016, 10:33 PM
#9
Instructor
I saw this car for sale a few times while I was looking for one recently. I think it's a really sweet looking car I was surprised it didn't get picked up quicker. Congrats!!
01-15-2016, 12:17 AM
#10
OP - where are you located? Add a location to your profile. You specified '94 so your "tribute" reference is certainly correct.
Depending upon your location you could likely stumble upon someone with combinations you could "bolt-on" for fitment verification. A base C4 will do the 50mm 11" on the rear, I believe it's generally accepted that a 50mm 11" on the front is fine also.
Since you have nothing now I'd think it more practical to do 18" wheels, it would make available likely many more tire options. The 17" C4 replica wheels are all "heavy" in comparison to the GM/OE and you mention competition.
A change to 18" would offer up many more width and offsets so that the "fitment" could be tailored to your intended uses. The 12" would certainly create issues with the competition I'd think, a 10.5 @ 50 would create maybe much more tolerable clearances and fit nicely into the wheel-house.
Depending upon your location you could likely stumble upon someone with combinations you could "bolt-on" for fitment verification. A base C4 will do the 50mm 11" on the rear, I believe it's generally accepted that a 50mm 11" on the front is fine also.
Since you have nothing now I'd think it more practical to do 18" wheels, it would make available likely many more tire options. The 17" C4 replica wheels are all "heavy" in comparison to the GM/OE and you mention competition.
A change to 18" would offer up many more width and offsets so that the "fitment" could be tailored to your intended uses. The 12" would certainly create issues with the competition I'd think, a 10.5 @ 50 would create maybe much more tolerable clearances and fit nicely into the wheel-house.
Last edited by WVZR-1; 01-15-2016 at 12:28 AM.
01-15-2016, 11:09 AM
#11
Cruising
Thread Starter
It looks like you have a '96 Grand Sport. Not really a "tribute car" but a sort of transition between the last of the C4 Generation and the C5 Generation. Unless you think somebody painted a "regular" C4 to look like a GS, check the VIN for these specific characters for a Grand Sport:
8th digit should be a "5" for the LT4 engine and the last 6 digits should be anywhere from 600001 thru 601000. The "6" denotes the Grand Sport. There were only 1000 Grand Sports made with 810 being coupes and 190 convertibles. All were manual transmission cars.
The GS Coupe wheels were 17x9.5" up front with a 56mm offset and a 275/40-27 tire. Rear wheels were 17x11 with a 50mm offset and a 315/35-17 tire. GS 'verts got smaller wheels and tires.
Just noticed it was a 1994, not a '96 so it's not a Grand Sport. But still looks nice.
8th digit should be a "5" for the LT4 engine and the last 6 digits should be anywhere from 600001 thru 601000. The "6" denotes the Grand Sport. There were only 1000 Grand Sports made with 810 being coupes and 190 convertibles. All were manual transmission cars.
The GS Coupe wheels were 17x9.5" up front with a 56mm offset and a 275/40-27 tire. Rear wheels were 17x11 with a 50mm offset and a 315/35-17 tire. GS 'verts got smaller wheels and tires.
Just noticed it was a 1994, not a '96 so it's not a Grand Sport. But still looks nice.
.... Doesnt have the flares..and it has the Good ol' LT1. The stripe is painted on though, and they did a great job...im just not a fan of tribute cars.So 18x11 +50 all around is spot on. Gotcha. I wish I could run in the 35 range for offset though...that would give me so many more options.
01-15-2016, 11:11 AM
#12
Cruising
Thread Starter
01-15-2016, 11:14 AM
#13
Cruising
Thread Starter
OP - where are you located? Add a location to your profile. You specified '94 so your "tribute" reference is certainly correct.
Depending upon your location you could likely stumble upon someone with combinations you could "bolt-on" for fitment verification. A base C4 will do the 50mm 11" on the rear, I believe it's generally accepted that a 50mm 11" on the front is fine also.
Since you have nothing now I'd think it more practical to do 18" wheels, it would make available likely many more tire options. The 17" C4 replica wheels are all "heavy" in comparison to the GM/OE and you mention competition.
A change to 18" would offer up many more width and offsets so that the "fitment" could be tailored to your intended uses. The 12" would certainly create issues with the competition I'd think, a 10.5 @ 50 would create maybe much more tolerable clearances and fit nicely into the wheel-house.
Depending upon your location you could likely stumble upon someone with combinations you could "bolt-on" for fitment verification. A base C4 will do the 50mm 11" on the rear, I believe it's generally accepted that a 50mm 11" on the front is fine also.
Since you have nothing now I'd think it more practical to do 18" wheels, it would make available likely many more tire options. The 17" C4 replica wheels are all "heavy" in comparison to the GM/OE and you mention competition.
A change to 18" would offer up many more width and offsets so that the "fitment" could be tailored to your intended uses. The 12" would certainly create issues with the competition I'd think, a 10.5 @ 50 would create maybe much more tolerable clearances and fit nicely into the wheel-house.
I agree 100%...not only does more of a selection exist in 18'' bracket...but more tires exist also. I am not limited to just hoosier slicks (which is great because I will be driving the car on the street a good amount...) and I could get PS2s or something. I was hoping...really really hoping that people were going to say 18x10-11 +35. because that expands the selection a TON!!!!
But if 18x10.5-11 +50 is the way to go its the way to go
ill figure it out lol
01-17-2016, 11:07 AM
#14
Le Mans Master
You can fit 11" wide wheels. My lowered 1996 is proof. I agree with the advice to go with 18s, especially if you're going to autocross. The good 200 treadwear tires only come in 18s in the widths we're interested in (315, probably). If you run in a class where Hoosiers are allowed, then you can go with 17s, but then you're going to using a second set of street tires/wheels anyway.
I have 11x17 A-mold replicas as well as some 11.5"x17 CCWs. They all came with the car. Now I'm having to consider getting 18s if I want to run in CAM-S, which is likely. I would be happy to tell you the offsets, but I've been too lazy in the past to check and at the moment I can't get to them to check (that's a long story!). Sorry about that. I might be able to do that tomorrow. I am 90% sure they are the same offset front and rear, so I would think they must be +50.
I have 11x17 A-mold replicas as well as some 11.5"x17 CCWs. They all came with the car. Now I'm having to consider getting 18s if I want to run in CAM-S, which is likely. I would be happy to tell you the offsets, but I've been too lazy in the past to check and at the moment I can't get to them to check (that's a long story!). Sorry about that. I might be able to do that tomorrow. I am 90% sure they are the same offset front and rear, so I would think they must be +50.
01-17-2016, 03:59 PM
#15
Cruising
Thread Starter
You can fit 11" wide wheels. My lowered 1996 is proof. I agree with the advice to go with 18s, especially if you're going to autocross. The good 200 treadwear tires only come in 18s in the widths we're interested in (315, probably). If you run in a class where Hoosiers are allowed, then you can go with 17s, but then you're going to using a second set of street tires/wheels anyway.
I have 11x17 A-mold replicas as well as some 11.5"x17 CCWs. They all came with the car. Now I'm having to consider getting 18s if I want to run in CAM-S, which is likely. I would be happy to tell you the offsets, but I've been too lazy in the past to check and at the moment I can't get to them to check (that's a long story!). Sorry about that. I might be able to do that tomorrow. I am 90% sure they are the same offset front and rear, so I would think they must be +50.
I have 11x17 A-mold replicas as well as some 11.5"x17 CCWs. They all came with the car. Now I'm having to consider getting 18s if I want to run in CAM-S, which is likely. I would be happy to tell you the offsets, but I've been too lazy in the past to check and at the moment I can't get to them to check (that's a long story!). Sorry about that. I might be able to do that tomorrow. I am 90% sure they are the same offset front and rear, so I would think they must be +50.
01-26-2016, 09:21 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
Okay, my A-Mold replicas are AFS brand 17x11s, 7.93" backspacing, 50mm offset at all four corners. They fit well, even with car being much lower than stock. FWIW, I am ordering Forgestar F14s in 18x11 with the same offset. I hope that helps.
02-08-2016, 11:16 AM
#17
Cruising
Thread Starter
Sorry, I just got around to measuring these things! Life got in the way.
Okay, my A-Mold replicas are AFS brand 17x11s, 7.93" backspacing, 50mm offset at all four corners. They fit well, even with car being much lower than stock. FWIW, I am ordering Forgestar F14s in 18x11 with the same offset. I hope that helps.
Okay, my A-Mold replicas are AFS brand 17x11s, 7.93" backspacing, 50mm offset at all four corners. They fit well, even with car being much lower than stock. FWIW, I am ordering Forgestar F14s in 18x11 with the same offset. I hope that helps.
Thanks for the help though that was a big boost
02-08-2016, 06:51 PM
#18
Le Mans Master
I think you're right about wheel width for a 295 tire. Offset should work fine. We will of course want pics!
02-12-2016, 09:49 AM
#20
Cruising
Thread Starter
Although it looks nice as a tribute car right now...I am not a fan of being a copy of something. 