Question about a wheel set

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Dec 3, 2016 | 07:32 PM

72Shark_VAL

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Question about a wheel set

Hi guys, so I ran across this picture of a c3 today & happen to really like these rims a lot, but I'm not sure if they'd fit right on my '72 without modification. I'd like to have a better understanding of the specs before I buy them & was hoping someone could help. I plan on running the 15x9 size on 255/60/15 BFG Radial T/A's or Mickey Thompson's of equivalent size. I'll post a pic of the specs. Thanks in advance,
-Matt

Last edited by 72Shark_VAL; Dec 3, 2016 at 08:03 PM.

Dec 4, 2016 | 07:45 AM

Alan 71

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From: Westminster Maryland

Hi 72,
Here's a link to a site that will help explain wheel specs.
The original Corvette 15"x8" rally wheels had 4 1/4" back space.
The wheels described by the specs you posted have 7 1/4" backspace. The wheels/tires will stick out the wheel wells a bit.
Regards,
Alan

I believe member Paul 74 had wheels similar in appearance, (but not backspace), to these on his car for quite a while

https://www.rsracing.com/TechWheel.aspx

Last edited by Alan 71; Dec 4, 2016 at 07:49 AM.

Dec 4, 2016 | 08:21 AM

3JsVette

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From: NYC NY

Centerline does make a 15X8 wheel with available custom backspace (your choice so 4" is available) in the Legend Series - Autodrag III.

Dec 4, 2016 | 12:22 PM

tazz3'70

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From: Hilton Head SC

These are currently on my '70. 15 x 8.5 with 4"bs and P295/50R15

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Dec 4, 2016 | 12:50 PM

jr9170

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From: YANKEES UNIVERSE 70 454-LS5 500 ft-lbs Torque

Love them Centerline wheels...

Dec 4, 2016 | 05:19 PM

Paul L

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Joined: Aug 1999

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From: Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan 71

Yes, I had them. They were nowhere near 7 1/4" backspace. I sold them and got new tires and GM alloy wheels.

Last edited by Paul L; Dec 4, 2016 at 05:23 PM.

Dec 4, 2016 | 08:51 PM

72Shark_VAL

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Thanks for the info guys! I kind of like the idea of them slightly sticking out more than stock for a meatier look, but not so much that the car would have to be flared in order to look right. So with this set being 7.25 backspace I imagine they would stick out way too far since you said the stock spacing was 4.25... lol don't want that. I found a couple more styles by centerline that are 15x8.5 with 5.00 backspacing. So .75 more than stock, thoughts? Should I just have a set custom made in between those 2 sizes? They also make the same wheels with less than 4.00 backspace but I'm not sure how that'd look.

Last edited by 72Shark_VAL; Dec 4, 2016 at 08:59 PM.

Dec 5, 2016 | 11:41 AM

SteveG75

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From: FL

More backspacing means they sit deeper into the wheel well. Stock backspacing was 4" not 4.25". 5" backspacing will sit 1" deeper into wheel well. Expect clearance issues, especially with the trailing arms.

Also, Corvette caliper clearance is a big issue since the stock calipers extend past the wheel mounting surface on the brake disk.

I have American Racing wheels with a 3.75" backspacing, approximately 1/8" of caliper clearance, and they extend 1/4" further out that stock.