Personally I like the looks of the Z06 rims from the C5 generation versus the C6 generations. As stated earlier, not enough metal on the C6 rims. Too thin. Plus I would have used the 18 inch rims versus the 17's.
Here's my 18 X 9.5's and 18 X 10.5's.

 

..... as-much-as I like the look of chromed ZR1/C5 wagon-wheels/C6-spoke wheels, the smaller diameter tires leave too-much of the wheel-opening exposed, even when a C3 is lowered.....


(I was close to pulling the trigger myself, then decided to have the N90 wheels chromed instead )

Just my $.02-worth

 

But that is what I'm trying to explain. The stock tires 225-7/15s were about 27.5" in diameter. You have to stay up around there or it doesn't look right. Just because the C6 Z06 has small tires on the front, doesn't mean it would look right on a C3. We need big tires. I went with 275/40s.

 

82MDVETTE your car looks phenomenal, I just don't like the spacers!! You should take pictures on the street.

 

You ask and you shall receive. I will take some this weekend. Have to get the 76 Vette that I just bought off of the trailer and bring it back to my Buddies house.

 

Yours is just about the only C3 I've seen with anything but the C3 wheels that actually looks good. I don't know what it is, but for some reason no aftermarket or other Corvette wheels do it for me on a C3.

 

I have to agree with Bee Jay, it's not the rim diameter alone that throws things off. You have to take into account the overall diameter of the wheel and tire combination and how it aligns with the fender lip. If an 18" wheel has the proper tire on it, it will fill the wheel well the same as a 15" wheel. It does leave more open space around the hub/disc/caliper depending on the wheel design. Personally, I like the larger rim, it will handle better and give you a ton more tire options with the newest best performing tire technology.

On a side note, there are a lot of people on the forum that bag on the bigger wheel look, which is fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, particularly when someone asks for it. It seems that they don't like the look or that they don't like the "trend", yet so many are quick to jump on the Torque Thrust bandwagon. If that's not a trend, I don't know what is. Sure they have a period correct look whether they are 15" or 17", but the point of custom wheels is to get a unique look and TTII's are not unique. This is just one man's opinion though. Go with what you like. It's your car. If that means rally's, awesome. If it's a turbine style 70's wheel, cool. If it's a 20" reverse offset crazy thing, then do it if you like it. Ultimately you are the one you are trying to please.

 

After seeing this thread I went looking for some C5 rims!!!
Guy's your cars look AWSOME!!!
I found a set of '99 wagon wheels that still have a few miles left on the rubber so I can decide for myself if I like them on my car..... What size spacers will I need?? will I need longer studs??