trivette

My temporary spare (30 years old) gave out when I needed to use it on my recent trip to the Corvette Museum for the 60th anniversary event. I was able to buy another unused one that can be used for judging, but I need one that can stay with the car in case needed when on the road. The correct size is T155/80D16. There are seemingly no manufacturers with this size currently available. Has anyone used the slightly larger T155/90D16? It is approx. 1 1/2" taller and I assume will still fit in the tire tub. Does this cause any problems with the posi unit, etc. by using a slightly larger tire? Any sources known for a 'new' correct size temporary tire? Thanks!

Carbd84

I have heard of people using the spare tire for an '04 to '06 Pontiac GTO. The overall diameter should be about the same, that is what counts. Plus the spare wheel itself is aluminum, so less weight.

AirForceOne!

Should be able to find alot of wrecked GTO's! I've driven one and they are insane! 400hp vette motor and 6 speed in a Cavalier body!

WVZR-1

A Cavalier body? C'mon man

AirForceOne!

You be the judge!

Cliff Harris

I bought one of these and found the center hole was too small to fit. I used a file to open it up.

I've heard that these wheels are metric sized vs. the English size of the C4. I've also heard that the bolt circle is metric and the studs won't line up correctly with the holes in the wheels. Mine are OK there.

DinoBob

Z24 all the way

WVZR-1

The GTO bolt circle is 5 X 120mm and the C4 is 5 X 120.65 - It is NOT a FIT but it's been "FORCED" for years. The BMW guys have done it the other way for years. For a spare and with "bulge" style wheel nuts it should be acceptable. The center bore is smaller and it does require being modified in some fashion for a fit. Files, a dremel and rotary tools are mentioned. Some have likely done it correctly with a lathe. For a spare I'd think files and a dremel will do.

At best the tire on the GTO is 7 years old and quite likely more. Is it available as a "new" buy? Don't know haven't needed to look.

Interesting how you guys compare vehicles. There's no similarities "NONE" - Visually "NONE" There's over a 5" difference in wheelbase, better than a 5" difference in front track, the rear track is 6" - there's nothing shared car to car. There's 1100+ pounds of difference in curb weight.

It might be interesting if you shared other comparisons you've "documented" as well!

trm 84

I feel your pain with the '84.

I picked up one of these kits.

RollaMo-LT4

This comes up on a regular basis, but I have never seen anybody post a source for buying a "new" tire that fits.

So, if anyone knows a source post it up?





They might have some visual similarities, but that is where it ends.
Park the two next to each other and you'll see how much bigger the GTO is.

trivette

Yes, the inflator kit is something I'm considering since replacement OEM size tires are not readily available either, especially if you're on a road trip. This would at least buy some time as long as it's a fairly simple puncture and not a large sidewall cut. Sounds like finding a 'newly manufactured' temporary spare in the correct size is not going to happen...

FOURSPEEDVETTE

Good question. Does using the different size interfere if you have 17 inch wheels and posi?

WVZR-1

A correct "temporary" spare isn't as complicated as one would think BUT when you consider all of the brake options that are used it's NOT possible to do a "fits all"!! I've spec'd out what it takes to use a CTS spare on a C4 with C6 Z06 brakes and I know it fits. Done that.

The CTS spare is expensive and "overkill" for the everyday C4. Any comparable sized Temporary spare can be used on most any manufacturers wheel and if a person shops wisely and "understands" what's required. It could be done I'd say effectively and inexpensively.

I did the work a few years ago and had a couple that I thought would be good candidates but I wasn't interested in the project because I didn't need one. I didn't save my work but I believe I could probably accomplish it again if I needed to.

For the OP - it seems you're genuinely interested and if you are use the email feature and send me an email.

WVZR-1

I'd start here if I had base brakes, J55 or C5 brakes I believe. I'd first look to see what is available in a local salvage situation in a T145/70R17 temporary spare. They should be $50 - $100 and were used somewhat extensively '04+ on many Lexus and I believe 350Z. You're not concerned with anything other than it being 5 lug and as new as possible. Needs to be 5 lug - period! The rest isn't difficult at all but until you have a wheel/tire in hand it's impossible to go further.

I believe the T145/70R17 is as close dimensionally as one can get and He!! it's just a spare.

I changed this post considerably after checking some availability. Prices are all over the place.

The probable easiest spare would be the GTO/G8 and maybe just check date codes of the tire. If you lucked on to a GTO for cheap you could always shop the Lexus/350Z or any other newer T145/70R17 at your leisure, use the tire and trash the wheel.

roydettmer

I pulled my temp . spare from my 84. You can have it just pay shipping from 82301.

96 Vette CE

Carry one of these, problem solved.

WVZR-1

What does that package do for you with a "catastrophic" or side-wall failure?

FOURSPEEDVETTE

I think it has an inflatable chair in the package that you can sit in while waiting for AAA.

RollaMo-LT4

Yeah, your going to need a tow.

The new SS Camaro comes from the factory with one of those "slime" kits, as they don't have a factory spare that will clear the Brembo brakes.
But as mentioned, that won't do you much good with a blow-out.

Honestly though, those types of failures are pretty rare these days.
In fact, I've only had one flat tire in the last 25 years.
However, it was in the Corvette and I used my spare.

96 Vette CE

I've been driving for over 30 years now and have never had a catastrophic or side-wall failure to date. Keep good rubber on your vehicle and chances are you'll never need a spare, but in case you do, the Slime kit is good insurance, AAA doesn't hurt either, I just happen to carry both.