Sorry to hit this again.

Now that I am ready to get some adapters to fit the c5 wheels to my 86 I saw in the archives that there were people putting various sizes of adapters and mix matching the front and back.

So, my question is do I want just one inch spacers all the way around or what. What is going to look the best?

Also, would one inch spacers take me out past the long studd issue that many have commented on? If it does not, what does it look like to grind them down and does that ruin it for ever putting the factory rims back on?

Thanks

 

Adapters and Spacers = Bad Idea, I think that is why there is a lack of response to your post. There are correct fitting wheels available for the '86, just check that auction site by doing a search for '84-87 Corvette'. You will find several correct fitting wheels for your C4, as I did. I recommend FactoryReproductions.com. Send them an email indicating your need, as I recall, direct fitting wheels for the 84-87 Corvette are NOT listed on their website, yet they do have them.

 

If you do decide to go the adaptor route, 1" bolt on adaptors on all four corners will let you fit factory C5 wheels on. No need for longer studs with these. Unless you do some extreme driving( race courses in which sanctioning bodies don't allow spacers/adaptors anyway), adaptors are fine. Even then you would probably still be okay.

 

You want adapters, not spacers. Spacers place the load imparted by the wheel farther out on the lug studs and increase the chance of breakage during use.

The adapters will correct for the difference in offset between the early C4s and the later C4s and later generations, so you won't have rubbing in the wheel wells and the wheels will "look right" in your wheel wells.

The adapters should work as long as there is a recess in the C5 wheels that the adapter acorn lug nuts will fit into. Case in point, I can mount late C4 sawblades on my 87 with my adapters, but cannot mount C5 Z06 replica wheels because they lack this recess. I don't know about the C5 wheels you have in mind.

Do not skimp on quality when shopping for adapters; they are holding your wheels on!!! Make sure to torque them down the proper specifications!!! Try Vette Brakes and Products, Mid America, or Ecklers.

Here's another thread that is relevant to your question:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...=wheel+adapter

This topic has been discussed extensively on the forum. More searching should provide you with plenty of other threads and additional information with which to make an informed decision.

I have autocrossed with the adapters and late C4 wheels without a problem. However, as with any large sampling of people, I'm sure there are others on this forum who have had negative experiences with wheel adapters. Good luck with your decision.

 

Looks like you have the wheels so all2cool's suggestion is old news.You really need 3/4" adaptors for the correct offset but the studs sit proud and you have to grind them if the wheels are not recessed.1" will fit OK.I had them on mine and the extra 1/4" is not noticable.

 

Yeah, thats what I was eluding to in the original post. Would the one inch ones make it to where I wouldn't have to grind off the studs? Would grinding the studs ruin the hubs for re-mounting the original wheels?

I measured it today with the wheels on there and the one inch seems like the way to go, as they are that recessed.

 

Yes, 1 inch should be a complete bolt on, no mods. 1/4 inch difference in offset is just going to make the wheel wells look more filled out. The wheels won't protrude beyond fenders.

 

One thing I should add.I bought some cheapo's off e-bay and could never balance the front end.($58 a pair).If you go this route get some good ones.

 

No kidding. Do you remember the brand? Did you contact them about the issue?

Thanks for the heads up, I was looking at some of them.

 

i put C5 Z06 rims on my C4 and i used 1/4" spacers up front, and 1.25" adapters in the back. car works well, havent tried to get it aligned yet