Suspension/Wheel Question (Norval?)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 145
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From: SouthWest MI
Suspension/Wheel Question (Norval?)
Hi all,
I've got a question for you suspension gurus (you know who you are!). I've been following Norval's front suspension upgrades very closely since I know I'll be doing something very similar in the future to my Vette.
But one thing that I don't think has been addressed so far is a nagging issue that I've had and I know others have as well. And that's the wheel issue. I cannot stand the fact that I can't run modern wheels without using some sort of wheel adapter. Now if I was going to bother to customize the suspension on my car, that would be high in my list of things to correct.
So my question is this: If there is 1 3/4 to 2 1/2" of offset difference between stock C3 wheels and later C4/C5 wheels...where is that difference located? Is it longer A-Arms? Or longer steering knuckle? Or something else??
For the rear I assume that the trailing arms just need to be offset by the correct amount and new half-shafts made to accomodate the change, but the front is a different game since with the wheels turning, there must be some relationship that has to be maintaned?
Anyhoo, any insight to this situation would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Tony
I've got a question for you suspension gurus (you know who you are!). I've been following Norval's front suspension upgrades very closely since I know I'll be doing something very similar in the future to my Vette.
But one thing that I don't think has been addressed so far is a nagging issue that I've had and I know others have as well. And that's the wheel issue. I cannot stand the fact that I can't run modern wheels without using some sort of wheel adapter. Now if I was going to bother to customize the suspension on my car, that would be high in my list of things to correct.
So my question is this: If there is 1 3/4 to 2 1/2" of offset difference between stock C3 wheels and later C4/C5 wheels...where is that difference located? Is it longer A-Arms? Or longer steering knuckle? Or something else??
For the rear I assume that the trailing arms just need to be offset by the correct amount and new half-shafts made to accomodate the change, but the front is a different game since with the wheels turning, there must be some relationship that has to be maintaned?
Anyhoo, any insight to this situation would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Tony
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Suspension/Wheel Question (HunterRose)
I don't know the answer but if I wanted to install wheels like the modern corvettes I would just use front hubs that are machined with the mounting face further out. In our case the hubs are machined so the mounting face is centered or more towards the back.
Why not machine hubs that have the bearings more infront of the front bearing then behind it?
For the back axles that stick out further would do it. I have custom axles and can use 6.5 backspacing if I choose without a problem.
Why not machine hubs that have the bearings more infront of the front bearing then behind it?
For the back axles that stick out further would do it. I have custom axles and can use 6.5 backspacing if I choose without a problem.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 145
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From: SouthWest MI
Re: Suspension/Wheel Question (norvalwilhelm)
Thanks for the reply, Noval! Did you customize the axles yourself?
Sounds like modified hubs would be something the Corvette vendors should be stocking instead of selling those wheel adapters! I wonder if anyone sells modified hubs like that...
Another thought...if the hubs are machined like you suggest, that will obviously change the placement of the bearing in relation to wheel center, correct? What will that do to bearing load, if anything?
Sounds like modified hubs would be something the Corvette vendors should be stocking instead of selling those wheel adapters! I wonder if anyone sells modified hubs like that...
Another thought...if the hubs are machined like you suggest, that will obviously change the placement of the bearing in relation to wheel center, correct? What will that do to bearing load, if anything?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Suspension/Wheel Question (HunterRose)
My axles are complete homemade and designed along the line of the stock units only 83% larger, alot stronger and removable axle flange. The bearings are all oversize so it involved machining the carrier for the larger races.
[Modified by norvalwilhelm, 5:05 PM 12/2/2003]
[Modified by norvalwilhelm, 5:05 PM 12/2/2003]
