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I know there are a zillion tire/wheel threads already on this forum, but I have a very specific question. Is anybody on this forum running 8 1/2 X 15 Vintage American Racing Vector wheels? I'm wondering if they will clear on my '79 C3 with 255-60R-15 tires. I already have the tires on the OEM rally wheels on the car, but I recently got the Vector wheels from a guy "who got them from a guy" who was allegedly running them on a '75 C3, but he doesn't know if the guy was running spacers or what size tires will fit. Also, with those 8 1/2X15s, could I run an even bigger tire?
Why don't you just bolt them on and see if they fit. The big concern is whether the wheels will clear the brake rotors. If they don't you're done. The tires don't matter. If the wheels bolt up, you can measure the offset and that will give you a pretty good idea where the tires are going to end up.
For the last 40 years we have been running 275/60 15 in the rear and 255/60 15 in the front.
No problems hitting anything but we have the flairs. No problems with the Vectors either, great wheel.
Why don't you just bolt them on and see if they fit. The big concern is whether the wheels will clear the brake rotors. If they don't you're done. The tires don't matter. If the wheels bolt up, you can measure the offset and that will give you a pretty good idea where the tires are going to end up.
I'm sure you meant to say they need to clear the calipers. I have always thought those wheels are the best looking 15" wheel you can put on a C3. wish i had a set.
Pat
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I am Running an Appliance Turbine rim with a shallow offset....the tires hit the rear fenders when i hit a huge pot hole and the front hit the rear of the openning when i turn the wheels almost to the stops. Make sure the rims offset is atleat 3-3/4 or it will cause issues regardless of the brand. Make sure they are round with no major rim damage or they will not balance correctly. If you get them balanced at a chain shop, make sure they have more than 1 size weight.....mine were so badly balanced i had them done at a second shop and he didnt remove the old weights. I redid it with a bubble balance and it solved all my shaking issues....buyer beware
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Vintage American Racing Vector Wheels
