C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

C3 Wheel Sizing

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 11, 2012 | 07:20 PM
  #1  
brent2399's Avatar
brent2399
Thread Starter
1st Gear
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default C3 Wheel Sizing

Hello all! I am a proud new owner of a 68 C3 and new to the forum. I'll probably have a lot of questions as I am working on the car, but I'm going to start with the suspension and wheels. I have ordered all of my suspension parts to get the stance I want and now am trying to select wheels/tires.

I really like the look of the American Racing Torq Thrust M and Foose Nitrous wheels. My question is concerning wheel sizes. What is the max width wheel you can put on a 68 without major modifications? What offset and backspacing should I go with? I want to go with a staggered look. Either 20" in back, 18" up front; or 18" in back 17" in front. Any recommendations? What size tires would you recommend? Any photos of your C3 and sizing would be great.

Appreciate the help!
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2012 | 07:44 PM
  #2  
MalibuVLX's Avatar
MalibuVLX
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 415
Likes: 10
From: Richmond Va
Default

There are several posts on here discussing just your questions. You may want to search and you will find more than you want to read. I just ordered a set of 18 x 8 front w/ 4.5 BS and 18 x 9 rear w/ 5" BS. From what I have researched, there should be no need for any mods to trailing arms etc. Maybe a tweak to the e brake cable. Mine are the Rev Classic 100s. For tires, I will be running 255/40 on the front and 275/40 on the rear. Tire height according to my on line chart is 26.03 front and 26.66 in the rear. My front rims are on b/o, but I did test fit the rears and they fit great. Just miss my rear spring. I am running 9" bolts from a C4.

Here is the tire height chart I used.
http://www.jekylhyderacing.com/HeightofTires.htm
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2012 | 08:17 PM
  #3  
dpw21562's Avatar
dpw21562
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 462
Likes: 1
From: Westernport Maryland
Default Wheel/tire size

I have an "80" which should be similar. Fronts are 245/40/17 and the rears are 285/40/17. The wheels are 17 by 8's , ebrake is very close. Best of luck.



Originally Posted by brent2399
Hello all! I am a proud new owner of a 68 C3 and new to the forum. I'll probably have a lot of questions as I am working on the car, but I'm going to start with the suspension and wheels. I have ordered all of my suspension parts to get the stance I want and now am trying to select wheels/tires.

I really like the look of the American Racing Torq Thrust M and Foose Nitrous wheels. My question is concerning wheel sizes. What is the max width wheel you can put on a 68 without major modifications? What offset and backspacing should I go with? I want to go with a staggered look. Either 20" in back, 18" up front; or 18" in back 17" in front. Any recommendations? What size tires would you recommend? Any photos of your C3 and sizing would be great.

Appreciate the help!
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2012 | 08:55 PM
  #4  
3JsVette's Avatar
3JsVette
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,798
Likes: 3,274
From: NYC NY
Default

Do a search using "17s" and then "18s". As stated above enough reading to make your head spin. The stock tire height is 27". You want to stay close to that other wise the gap between the top of the tire and fender lip gets hugh and doesn't really add to the eye appeal of the car. A 17x8 with a 4" backspace and a 245/45 tire should work fine in the front. A 18x9.5 with a 5" backspace and a 275/40 tire should be good in the rear. Of course there are several other combinations that will work but this should give you some ideas.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C3 Wheel Sizing





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:33 AM.

story-0
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

Slideshow: Check out these easy-to-install upgrades from Extreme Online Store that reshape the look and feel of the C6 Corvette.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-03-23 17:00:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?

There may be some big changes on the horizon.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-18 06:55:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)

Slideshow: 9 best Corvettes you can buy for half price (and 1 you shouldn't!)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-17 10:20:26


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026

Slideshow: 8 best Corvette of Amelia Island 2026

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-11 09:28:52


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!

Slideshow: Top 10 worst Corvette engineering failures

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-10 17:38:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)

Slideshow: 10 records the C8 Corvette generation has SMASHED (& 1 glaring failure).

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-02 11:16:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made

Out of the many Corvette concepts that exist, these are by far the wildest of the bunch.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-02 11:03:54


VIEW MORE