Birdman

Alright, if I get the following items, will I be able to fit a 15x10 with 5 or 5.5" backspacing?

Offset T-arms:

http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...p=1801&ID=1837

Shortened Composite spring:

http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...p=1852&ID=2053

And if that spring is not shortened enough...then where can I get one already shortened the appropriate length?

OR I could spend a little extra money and get this:

Rear Coilovers:

http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...p=1971&ID=3173

Birdman

Anyone?

TheSkunkWorks

More than 5" BS with 15" rims appears to present sidewall/frame clearance issues. The turtle and others have 10x15's w/5" BS (he's also got 295/50R15 rears). I'd go for double offset TA's with the shortened spring, and see if VS will do you a pair with Johnny Joints. (It is entirely possible to achieve balance without a rear bar.)


turtlevette, curious if you're running at or near Chevy Power D height with those big meats. At 1.25" D, my mock ups put me right at fender lip interference with anything wider than 9.5x15's w/ 5" BS.

Birdman

Ahhh, that's what I meant to post, the double offset TAs. I remember reading that for 15" wheel packages it is better suited. Plus I'm getting the shortened spring anyways..which is only .5" on each side, and totaling 1" that is recquired for the double offset TA? Just confirming that I read that right..

So again, just to confirm, if I buy those two things, I should be able to run a 15x10 with 5" backspacing with no issues?

What about those coilovers? Worth it? Will I have any issues with the 15x10 5" BS?

Thanks for your input TSW.

TheSkunkWorks

They're nice, but for my money (what there is left of it) I see coil-overs as a luxury decision for anything other than hardcore racing, in which case I wouldn't be buying shocks "off the rack". JMO

Birdman

Hmmmm, ok.

The reason I ask is because I'd STILL wind up spending $1060 on the TAs, Shocks, and Spring...

So if it is only $200 more for something that is slightly better and nets the same end goal (better handling PLUS wheel clearance for the 15x10s) then...

gatorbcn

Depending on the car (remember that each car's build quality/alignment, etc.), you may run into frame clearance issues with 5.5" backspace and a wide tire (the 15" sizes all exhibit varying degrees of sidewall "bulge"). What works on someone else's car may not work on yours. I am running a 5 3/4" backspace and had to "smooth" the frame to get my wheel and tire package installed (and keep it all within the fender line). The limiting factor for me is the frame and inner fender -can't get anymore backspace or go with a larger tire without doing some fiberglass work on the inner fender adding a flare.

You don't need the double offset T/As to get 5" backspace - I have the single offset T/As from Vansteel.

gatorbcn

Coilover choice is up to you and how you think you will drive. Nice upgrade and will help with the clearance issues. The QA1s are fine for the strip - you would want something else for serious autocrossing/road racing.

Birdman

Thanks for the reploy gatorbcn:

You said that you didn't need the double offset TAs...but would it hurt to get them anyway? Would it net any more clearance? I'm already getting a shortened composite spring..so why not?

It will be mostly a daily driver with some occasional fun on the strip and twisties. Won't be doing autocross or road racing at this point. That said, will the QA1s be great for me? I'd be able to adjust the stiffness when I want, and be able to clear the 15x10s with 5" BS?

Sorry if I'm sounding redundant...just trying to sort it all out..

gatorbcn

I can't say what you gain by going to the double offset T/As - maybe someone else can opine? I think I have about maxed out the backspace and tire on my car and the clearance issue is driven by the frame and inner fender, not the trailing arm (single offset).

I don't think you can go wrong with the coil-over upgrade if that's what fits your budget.

Birdman

Then I thank that about settles it.

It's only $200 more than the other route, so I'll get the coilovers and get the 15x10s with 5" BS.

bigbitdan

what did you end up going with?
did it work?

TheSkunkWorks

Old thread, but hopefully the mods will allow for an update to answer the question. Else, you might have to try to contact Birdman with a PM, but I'd like to know also.

Birdman

Oh wow, I never saw this.

I went with:

15x8 American Racing Torq Thrust IIs
Mickey Thompson Sportman fronts
275/60/15 Nitto Extreme Drag Radials (nt555r) rears

So apparently I gave up on 15x10. lol

GDaina

Crap...I have 15 x 10, ET slotted rims..Chevy bolt pattern..had them on my 68 for a while...

71coupe

I'm going to order a pair of 15 x 10 Wheel Vintiques Rallyes for my 71, but I need some input as they have 2 backspacing options: 5" & 5.5"

I'm thinking if I go with the 5.5", I have an option to adjust it out if needed with spacers. Hmm

Currently, I have 295's on stock rallyes. I moved the parking brake cable & I have a shorter mainspring.

Thanks

CMD1

Old thread, but this is an interesting read about fitting large tires and wheels back in the day.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/MoreBite.pdf