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

Wheels/Tires Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 9, 2019 | 06:29 PM
  #1  
x IRON EAGLE's Avatar
x IRON EAGLE
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 75
Likes: 2
Default Wheels/Tires Question

Looking at getting a cheap set of rallys that I can powder coat black. Will these fit? (76' with stock suspension) https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performa...iABEgL3GfD_BwE. Also, what are the widest tires I can fit in the front and rear? Thanks as always.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2019 | 09:37 AM
  #2  
3JsVette's Avatar
3JsVette
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
Default

No they are the wrong bolt pattern. You need 5 on 4.75. They are 5 on 5.
The factory 15X8 has a 4" backspace. The 1/4" difference is not a deal breaker.
Tire size from the factory starting in 1978 was 255/60-15. The front fenders had to be "trimmed" in the front leading edge and rear corner at the rocker for clearance,
Look at a '78 Pace Car to see what I'm talking about.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2019 | 11:30 AM
  #3  
x IRON EAGLE's Avatar
x IRON EAGLE
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 75
Likes: 2
Default

How about this set? What would be involved with making them work? https://www.jegs.com/i/Year-One-Whee...RWSD1/10002/-1
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2019 | 11:31 AM
  #4  
OldCarBum's Avatar
OldCarBum
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,399
Likes: 8,204
From: Napa Valley California
Default

I’ve seen numerous sets of OEM rallies wheels for sale on the forum which are the correct wheel size and back spacing and usually come with the rings and center caps.
There are several manufacturers who rallies in the correct size and some are available in black.
The rings and center caps are also available through several forum vendors.
Show us pictures of your finished product.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2019 | 12:18 PM
  #5  
3JsVette's Avatar
3JsVette
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
Default

Originally Posted by x IRON EAGLE
How about this set? What would be involved with making them work? https://www.jegs.com/i/Year-One-Whee...RWSD1/10002/-1
Yes they should work even though the backspace is not ideal. There are C3s on the forum using that size with that backspace and either a 245/50-17 or a 255/50-17 tire. You also have to realize these cars are not all created equal due to age, accidents, wear and tear. So what just fits on one may rub on another.
IMCO take the advice from OldCarBum and purchased an OEM set of take offs. At least the size and backspace is correct. Of course that's if you're not looking to upgrade a 17" high performance tire.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2019 | 12:50 PM
  #6  
x IRON EAGLE's Avatar
x IRON EAGLE
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 75
Likes: 2
Default

Thanks alot everyone I'm just trying to get some ideas together now. I can't decide what size and style to go with but this is sage advice from all of you that I will definitely apply to my search.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2019 | 02:04 PM
  #7  
Bikespace's Avatar
Bikespace
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,948
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
Default

Are you looking for a set of 15" track wheels, or every day wheels? You can find YJ8 (or N90) aluminum wheels on Craigslist all the time. They'll be lighter than the steel wheels, are (almost) correct for your car, are 15"x8", have the correct backspace and bolt pattern, and would look good both with black plasti-dip, or in stock polished aluminum.

If you go to bigger wheels, try to go to 18". The performance tire selection is likely to last longer in that size. Perhaps you've seen these, a number of forum members use them. http://www.etmags.com/lt_iii.html

Last edited by Bikespace; Mar 10, 2019 at 02:06 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2019 | 03:04 PM
  #8  
x IRON EAGLE's Avatar
x IRON EAGLE
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 75
Likes: 2
Default

My original plan was to get a set of 15 inch rallys and have everything powdercoated black. I want to go for the look of Jimmie Johnson's resto-mod but now I'm wondering if I should go up in wheel size. They would be for everyday/show use.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Wheels/Tires Question

Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:21 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE