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Old May 15, 2002 | 01:25 AM
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Default Wheel Options

Can I get some help with the specs for what type of wheels and tires I can put on my car. It now has the stock wheels with BF Radial T/A's on it. Wondering when looking at wheels and tires how I determine what options are posibilities. Please explain the basics of how sizing works, eg. bolt pattern, backspacing, diameter/width. And then how tire sidewall height and the width fits in also. (The confusing part to me is couldnt I use a lo-pro tire with a larger wheel or vice versa?) Thanks in advance! :confused:


[Modified by DollaGreen, 11:26 PM 5/14/2002]
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Old May 15, 2002 | 05:06 AM
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Default Re: Wheel Options (DollaGreen)

TTT!! :cheers: :chevy :chevy
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Old May 15, 2002 | 06:17 AM
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Default Re: Wheel Options (DollaGreen)

You can get wheels up to 20" diameter, but safest shot is to stick in the 17-18"ers, this is if you are looking to improve the handling of your car. If your car is more of a daily driver than weekend cruiser you might want to stick to 15 or 16 inch diameter and have more tirewall to help you through those speed bumps and curbs. I used to run 255/60/15 all around and in front this is about as wide as you can go with stock wheels. 295 wide tires at back are possible if you relocate the parking brake cable. I'm using 285/30/20 rear tires with 5.5" back spacing, but I have off set railing arms to give more room to the wheels. Stock backspacing is 4" so you might want to stick with that. There are many different styles of wheels out there and that is totally matter of your personal taste... :yesnod: :cheers:
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Old May 15, 2002 | 09:45 AM
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Default Re: Wheel Options (DollaGreen)

Thanks Jay! Could someone go into more detail on how tire/wheel sizing works? Thanks.
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Old May 15, 2002 | 01:16 PM
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Default Re: Wheel Options (DollaGreen)

Well there are a couple of things to consider... first is bolt pattern... http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/boltpatt.htm

Second would be the wheels Offset. http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htm
The stock ralleys have a 4 in offset I believe.

The third (at least as far as a corvette goes) is if they clear the caliper. The Mfg. should be able to help you determine if they will fit. Some wheels are cut differently, and will not clear. Your up the creek if they dont. :yesnod:

Lastly take into account the overall wheel/tire diamater. The Stock tires that came on your car were somewhere around 26, or 27 inches tall. If you move up to 16, 17 or even 18 inch rims you'll want to keep the overall size around the same height. Again Check with the mfg, or Tire Rack has charts on all the major brands of tires.

Other than that picking out what you like will be the hardest part~! Happy shopping! :cheers:


[Modified by Mike69, 12:16 PM 5/15/2002]
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Old May 15, 2002 | 04:39 PM
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Default Re: Wheel Options (Mike69)

So what is the bolt pattern and the offset supposed to be on my car...and what is the largest overall height and width that will fit?

Acording to the tirerack website, they have no wheels or tires to match my car. WTF?


[Modified by DollaGreen, 2:42 PM 5/15/2002]
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Old May 15, 2002 | 05:45 PM
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Default Re: Wheel Options (DollaGreen)

If you can hold out for the oct issue of vette mag , they are supposed to have an article about wheel sizing for the sharks!
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Old May 15, 2002 | 06:00 PM
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Default Re: Wheel Options (Todbo)

Pirsonly if I was going to buy wheels and tires I would go to a local shop that sells nothing but wheels and tires or say Sears find what you like and have them test fit them to your car that way you can see if you realy like them.
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