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do i need a wheel spacer

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Old Dec 23, 2002 | 06:22 PM
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Default do i need a wheel spacer

i have found my wheel that i want to buy, a 17x8 center line (lancer) however the backspacing is 5, isnt stock 4? so would i have to get a spacer or would it already be farther away from the car. i guess my real question is how does backspacing work. :chevy
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Old Dec 23, 2002 | 07:56 PM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (gravismaximus)

Backspacing works like this, if you place something flat across the wheel then measure down to the mounting (banking) surface, you come up with the backspacing. Backspacing is really how far the rim edge will move "back" from the mounting surface.

Will you need a spacer, yes probably. This may not be a bad thing though because some wheels will interfer with the C3 calipers, so the spacer will help to eliminate this. :)
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Old Dec 25, 2002 | 11:40 AM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (gravismaximus)

Torque Thrust D's are not what you want, but they are not factory backspaced. Our solution was rather expensive, but ends all problems. We went to a CNC machine shop that blueprinted custom GM center flanged spacers. Then the lug bolts were changed to a longer length to give 1 to 2 turns outside the nut. No caliper grinding, and perfect balancing, because the spacer doesn't and it is centered on the hub. This is what we call doing it right.
Spike
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Old Dec 25, 2002 | 12:40 PM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (gravismaximus)

Because you are looking at 1" difference in back spacing, you might consider adapters rather than spacers. I had 1" thick adapters machined for my TT-D's instead of changing out all of the lug studs. Cost is about $55.00 per wheel.

Dave



[Modified by Rolling Thunder, 11:40 AM 12/25/2002]
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Old Dec 25, 2002 | 12:42 PM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (Rolling Thunder)

Dave, have you made any progress on your car? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
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Old Dec 25, 2002 | 12:59 PM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (gravismaximus)

5" backspace isn't a problem. All you might need is a 3/8 spacer to clear the caliper. But an 8" wheel with 5" of backspace is going to stick in 1" further than a stock Corvette wheel and i'm not sure how that would look.
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Old Dec 25, 2002 | 01:04 PM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (Stingy74)

Here are the spacers I had custom machined. Stay away from those cheap Mr. Gasket cast spacers you see in the catalogs.





Now I did use longer studs front and back but you can get away without out them if you feel comfortable with a scary amount of stud grab. I wasn't.
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Old Dec 25, 2002 | 11:23 PM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (Smokehouse69)

Hi Steve, best to you and your's also. Due to the cold temps and the sensitive lungs, the RT project has once again gone dorment. Other than getting my TT-D's and the 325/50/15's mounted, not much progress. I'm going stare crazy with cabin fever but the doc says a bad cold could be fatal. With any luck we'll get a break in the weather soon, and I'll go back to the garage. I've got about three more things to wrap up before I'm ready for paint. :smash: :smash:

Dave
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Old Dec 26, 2002 | 03:30 PM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (Rolling Thunder)

Send me a pic of those 325's on the car. :seeya
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Old Dec 26, 2002 | 04:19 PM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (Stingy74)

You really have to watch those people from north of the boarder! ;)

Centerline will build any offset within reason. I'm not sure why you would want such narrow rims. You need to decide on what tire your using and buy the rim width to fit. So just go to the Centerline web page and pick the part number you want and then give them a call about options. They can't sell direct so get a part number and order it through http://www.Summitracing.com

You can't beat their prices. I have Centerline 17 X 9 on the front without spacers
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Old Dec 26, 2002 | 06:25 PM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (The Money Pit)

Mark, you have mail.

Dave




[Modified by Rolling Thunder, 8:08 PM 12/26/2002]
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Old Dec 26, 2002 | 08:30 PM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (gkull)

thanks alot gkull, im gonna give them a call asap :steering:
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Old Dec 27, 2002 | 08:50 AM
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Default Re: do i need a wheel spacer (Rolling Thunder)

Looks like the fender flares are a prerequesit to the P325's.I guess I'll have to live with the P295's,and cam the engine more so the torque won't smoke the tires off the line so bad.
Your garage looks nice and roomy like mine!
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