For those who put zr-1 wheels on your vettes, how thick of an adapter did you use to get the correct offset. I've got it measured out to 2.75" with 6.7" backspaced wheels, but everyone tells me I'm wrong. :confused:
Thanks

 

My '72 has 2.5 inch adaptors for using '92 sawblade wheels...9.5w, 17" all around....NOW that requires moving the Ebrake bracket to behind the rotor or on top...just outta the way...;-)))....
and limiting the steering turns by building up the rubbing block in front lower A arm.....
the limiting thing in the rear is I have a VBP rear sway bar...any further to the inside and the 275/50-17 Nitto tire will rub everything....
NOW...I have the wheel center to the same spec, did not change the offset by much if at all...effectively adding 3/4 into to both the inside and outside in wheel width....this minimizes wheel hub loading to factory specs, nearly.....

to go any wider, the wheel would have to stick outside more....you are on your own with that one...the offsets IMO would be too much for decent bearing life much less the increased loading on the rest of the suspension...
differential yokes wear fast enough, and lower struts bushings do too, even IF the bearings are still OK....I can't see doing anything wider...your car, have fun.....

NOW the 17 inch wheels seem to work well with either a stock steel spring, OR a VBP plastic spring like I have....I just do not know first hand about the TRW replacement spring....

GENE

 

Are you saying that the 2.5" adaptors allow 17x9.5 wheels to run in the center of the wheelwell w/o interference? I want to upgrade and can't decide if I should get some 17x9 aftermarket "ROH Snyper" to avoid problems. I know your handling was greatly improved. How did the ride change? TIA
Rick

 

not only are you going to need adapters, but for the rears you'll need offset trailing arms and fender flares...

 

Tai, I am a very poor person to ask just exactly how all this affected the ride, but I can say the handling greatly improved...I am VERY happy overall, but don't forget I also have a rack in front...not that old tymey drag link thing...

I also have enough flares installed by previous owner, that it's like a later shark, not a stock '72....BUT in the installation it was all built up with very solid plastic under there, so the original shape I THINK is about the same...inside the wheelhouse....you can look at my link there for web page with pix, I hope show enough...

as to any aftermarket wheel, well, all I can say is good luck...I dunno....
there are SO many wheels out there these daze, it's crazy seems every guy in the country has a damn mold and is making wheels these daze....;-)))

or ;-(((....depending on your outlook, I have heard of calipers dragging inside of some wheels.....personally, I dunno, never had them....wheels that is....

I think the biggest problem in wheel width is the offset loading problem..and with the stock type or ANY OTHER wheel mounted anywhere NEAR centerline as factory set up is...you only got near 3/4 inch width available to the inside...after that you getting SO close to sway bars, t-arm, and FRAME if you look close....depending on the tire....you may have problems...
now you can get another 1/2 inch MAYBE if you eliminate sway bar....and go to offset aftermarket t-arms...but mine are stock, with ebrake moved, so can't tell you for sure....from what I HEAR from other guys....the total offsets are not much improved if any...dunno...

GENE