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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 02:44 PM
  #1  
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Default After Market Wheels

I have seen many different types of wheels on this site. But when I finally decided on Crager SS Mags I got a rude awakening in that they wouldn't fit without spacers. I'm not convinced I want spacers. Would some of you guys with after-market wheels let me know what brands and sizes (if other than 15X8) you have. Please specify if spacers are required and size of spacer if known. I have a 78 vette. Thanks
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 02:57 PM
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (7t8corvette)

Same thing with me and Torque Thrust D wheels. Spacers only so I'm keeping my ralleys for now.
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 03:08 PM
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (SanDiegoPaul)

never use spacers... only go with adapters
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 03:41 PM
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (7t8corvette)

I've got 20" American Racing Torque Thrust II's all around. Fronts are 8" wide with stock backspacing. Rears are 10" wide with 5.5" Backspacing. Tyres are 255/30/20 fronts and 285/30/20 rears. I'm using offset trailing arms at the back. No spacers. :cheers:
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 04:38 PM
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (groovyjay)

What is the stock backspacing? For that matter, while I'm asking, what are all of the important measurments?
Stock offset, max offset, maximum tire size and rim size without modifications.

While I'm being greedy here what does it take to do the offset swingarms in terms of cash and time and how much more room does that get you.

If there's a FAQ or website that had it that would save everyone a lot of running around and guesswork.

If not I've got webspace to spare on my unused homepage and would be happy to start a technical spec page for everyone.
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 07:52 PM
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (Black Snowman)

What is the stock backspacing?
4"

For that matter, while I'm asking, what are all of the important measurments?
I'd say the backspacing is very important. Stock offset is 0.

Stock offset, max offset, maximum tire size and rim size without modifications.
In front I would stick to the stock backspacing, with deeper bs you might end up hitting the frame. Max. rear tire size on 8" wheels is 295 (Norval has 305's, but the they stick out just a tad). 255 up infront is pretty much the limit.

While I'm being greedy here what does it take to do the offset swingarms in terms of cash and time and how much more room does that get you.
They are 400$ pair. On an old and rusty frame it can be pretty tricky to get the old bolts out, other than that it's rather easy task to do. The manufacturers will say that they give you an extra 2", BUT this is not the case in real life. In real life the limiting factor is the frame. You can only go as much bs as 5.5" after that you'll be hitting the frame.

Hope this helps.

:cheers:
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 08:28 PM
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (groovyjay)

In front I would stick to the stock backspacing, with deeper bs you might end up hitting the frame. Max. rear tire size on 8" wheels is 295 (Norval has 305's, but the they stick out just a tad). 255 up infront is pretty much the limit.
How are those guys running running a 295+ on an 8" rim?? I'm looking at going with a 9.5" wheel and I can't find a single tire wider than 285 that will fit....
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 08:31 PM
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (Metal_Wulf)

In front I would stick to the stock backspacing, with deeper bs you might end up hitting the frame. Max. rear tire size on 8" wheels is 295 (Norval has 305's, but the they stick out just a tad). 255 up infront is pretty much the limit.

How are those guys running running a 295+ on an 8" rim?? I'm looking at going with a 9.5" wheel and I can't find a single tire wider than 285 that will fit....
Sorry, I wasn't too specific there. I think norval actually has wider than stock wheels... I was just today at local car show and saw a 77 there with 295's on stock wheels. :cheers:
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 09:26 PM
  #9  
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (groovyjay)

Sorry, I wasn't too specific there. I think norval actually has wider than stock wheels... I was just today at local car show and saw a 77 there with 295's on stock wheels. :cheers:
I know a few people on here are also running 295's on stock wheels, and I just don't see how that's possible :crazy:
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 03:24 AM
  #10  
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (Metal_Wulf)

Well, according to BFG you can put 295/50-15s Radial T/As on 8" to 11" wide rims.

Seems like a streatch but they wouldn't say it unless they knew they weren't going to get sued ;)
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 11:34 AM
  #11  
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (Black Snowman)

Well, according to BFG you can put 295/50-15s Radial T/As on 8" to 11" wide rims.

Seems like a streatch but they wouldn't say it unless they knew they weren't going to get sued ;)
ok, that's why I haven't found anything, I've only been looking at the performance tires... :cheers:
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 11:53 AM
  #12  
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (7t8corvette)

I was running Cragar SS's on my vette. Had 3/8 spacers all around. Made me nervous at 100 mph, do not recommend. They were on the car when I bought it, so recently I bought a set of stock aluminums on Ebay.
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 09:11 PM
  #13  
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (Blue80vette)

I ran 295's on the stock alloys for a few years no problem. Even wore well,but I thaught they looked a bit pinched in at the rim,so I put the 9" Draglites on. Check out my site for details.
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 09:35 PM
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Default Re: After Market Wheels (7t8corvette)

I would also like to go bigger. I want to use the 17x9.5 Zo6 wheels if possible w/o adapters. If that won't work, I like the ROH 17x9 Snyper. I would rather not have to use adapters or narrowed trailing arms. Glad to see someone asking the right questions! Someone out there has to know. Thanks
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