C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

Wheel woes ..

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 02:01 AM
  #1  
MaxDaemon's Avatar
MaxDaemon
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Supporting Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 925
Likes: 6
From: East Wenatchee Washington
Default Wheel woes ..

So .. I have a set of these waiting for me:




But these are already on the car, and they've kind of grown on me.



So, what do y'all think? Originals that came with this '84? Or the "dark horse unknown contender"?
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 10:13 AM
  #2  
c4cruiser's Avatar
c4cruiser
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

I think I would stay with the 17" wheels. It will be a problem down the road to find the early 255/50-16 tires. IIRC only BFG makes that size in a street tire. Much easier to find 275/40-17's.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 10:14 AM
  #3  
ghoastrider1's Avatar
ghoastrider1
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
Default

the wheels on there look pretty nice. The new ones look like good tires. Remember, there are a jillion vettes out there (including mine) that have the old factory wheels on them ,so if you want to look a bit different...
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 10:56 AM
  #4  
MaxDaemon's Avatar
MaxDaemon
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Supporting Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 925
Likes: 6
From: East Wenatchee Washington
Default

Originally Posted by c4cruiser
I think I would stay with the 17" wheels. It will be a problem down the road to find the early 255/50-16 tires. IIRC only BFG makes that size in a street tire. Much easier to find 275/40-17's.
Unfortunately the chrome ones are 16's too - if I had 17's I'd definitely keep them, as I have two tires from my '94 that would fit...
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 11:00 AM
  #5  
MavsAK's Avatar
MavsAK
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 44
From: NC
Default

Well if you're stuck with 16s I'd stick with the chrome wheels.

The early C4 wheels...actually all of the C4 wheels save the A Molds I think look terrible compared to modern wheels, or even 'classic' five spokes.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 11:05 AM
  #6  
MaxDaemon's Avatar
MaxDaemon
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Supporting Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 925
Likes: 6
From: East Wenatchee Washington
Default

Originally Posted by MavsAK
Well if you're stuck with 16s I'd stick with the chrome wheels.

The early C4 wheels...actually all of the C4 wheels save the A Molds I think look terrible compared to modern wheels, or even 'classic' five spokes.
The chrome ones are pretty close to the ZR1 wheels, aren't they? I mean, besides being - well, you know, chrome.

I'd plan on putting 245/50-16's on them.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 06:17 PM
  #7  
JD Shredds's Avatar
JD Shredds
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 48
From: Henderson Nevada
Default

I'm honestly torn on this one. If the 5 spokes were the 17s, I'd say stick with those. But all things being equal in that regard, ehhhh. Matter of taste, really. For me, since its an '84 I think I would always feel an itch to make it as original as possible. But if you don't like the original turbines, stick with the 5 spokes. Or, if you truly can't decide, just leave it as is and think on it for a while.

At the end of the day, run the wheels YOU prefer. We can spout off our opinions all day and it not matter if you have a preference.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 06:31 PM
  #8  
Dt86's Avatar
Dt86
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,017
Likes: 492
From: Poughkeepsie New York
Default

I honestly didn't like the look of my stock 86 wheels at first, but they grew on me. Now I think they match the design of the car very well. It's what you like that matters.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 09:14 PM
  #9  
MaxDaemon's Avatar
MaxDaemon
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Supporting Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 925
Likes: 6
From: East Wenatchee Washington
Default

Originally Posted by JD Shredds
I'm honestly torn on this one. If the 5 spokes were the 17s, I'd say stick with those. But all things being equal in that regard, ehhhh. Matter of taste, really. For me, since its an '84 I think I would always feel an itch to make it as original as possible. But if you don't like the original turbines, stick with the 5 spokes. Or, if you truly can't decide, just leave it as is and think on it for a while.

At the end of the day, run the wheels YOU prefer. We can spout off our opinions all day and it not matter if you have a preference.
Well, people should understand that when they ask others opinions, what they are hoping for is clarification of their own feelings.

Soo .. when someone says "Use the 5 spokes" and my inner self whines and says "But I LIKE the original ones" then I guess that means I know what I want after all.

One thing I noticed today too is that the offset on the 5-spokes brings them way inside the fender well, which gives the car an odd look. I was wondering what it was that looked wrong, and I think that's it. I suppose that means I'd need "spacers" if I was going to use the 5 spokes?

Also, I didn't really think about it until today, but as bad as the tires are that I have now, the ones mounted on the turbos HAVE to be better. I mean, they can't BE any worse.

Maybe I'll just talk someone into watching my oncall for me, while I make a fast 7 hour round trip to Seattle and back. Fast at least unless the pass is nasty. I'll see. I really can't afford more tires if those on the turbos are somewhat good.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 09:16 PM
  #10  
MaxDaemon's Avatar
MaxDaemon
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Supporting Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 925
Likes: 6
From: East Wenatchee Washington
Default

Originally Posted by Dt86
I honestly didn't like the look of my stock 86 wheels at first, but they grew on me. Now I think they match the design of the car very well. It's what you like that matters.
That's kind of my feeling, DT. They really seem to fit the design of the car well, and fit in the fenderwell correctly.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 09:43 PM
  #11  
JD Shredds's Avatar
JD Shredds
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 48
From: Henderson Nevada
Default

Well, if you're looking for encouragement to switch to the originals, that gets my vote. I just think they match that car great. They're not my favorite wheels or anything, but it just makes it feel like an '84 when you see the original wheels on it, if that makes sense. The 5 spokes are nice, but I don't think the 16 inch looks as good as 17 inch with that wheel, and I'm not personally a fan of the chrome (but the turbines look to be in solid shape and likely polish up nicely). Oh, and I think you've got a good point on the tires. Could save yourself some money and hassle if they have reasonable tires, if even just buying a little time before you have to buy new rubbers. In fact, tires may be the leading reason to consider the swap. The tires mounted on the 5 spokes are so terrible. Cracks like the Grand Canyon!
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 11:22 PM
  #12  
GKK's Avatar
GKK
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
Default

The Factory C4 "Turbines", look a lot better than the plain looking aftermarket chrome wheels...
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2014 | 11:31 PM
  #13  
MaxDaemon's Avatar
MaxDaemon
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Supporting Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 925
Likes: 6
From: East Wenatchee Washington
Default

I guess I could put those chrome ones up on the for sale area - maybe someone has some used tires they'd trade for my chrome wheels. For that matter, I think they would fit my remaining Fiero...
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2014 | 12:07 AM
  #14  
3JsVette's Avatar
3JsVette
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,932
Likes: 3,336
From: NYC NY
Default

The 5 spoke chrome wheels do not have the correct backspacing. The tires are tucked way inboard. For that reason alone switch to the originals.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2014 | 01:21 AM
  #15  
MaxDaemon's Avatar
MaxDaemon
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Supporting Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 925
Likes: 6
From: East Wenatchee Washington
Default

Originally Posted by 3JsVette
The 5 spoke chrome wheels do not have the correct backspacing. The tires are tucked way inboard. For that reason alone switch to the originals.
Thanks for verifying that, 3J. That narrow stance makes the car look strange, but I couldn't put my finger on it until today!
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2014 | 05:44 AM
  #16  
mazdaverx7's Avatar
mazdaverx7
Le Mans Master
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,332
Likes: 1,142
From: Vermilion OH
Default

Personally I like the look of the original wheels. I think they look unique and I personally prefer a Corvette to be original. One added benefit to the original wheels is that they are designed to pull air into the wheel to cool the brakes. If you flip a stock wheel over it has an impeller design built into the wheel and this draws air through the wheel and onto the brakes to cool them. I think its a really neat thing personally. But at the end of the day, its your car and you do what makes you happy. If you prefer the aftermarket wheels, then leave them on the car.
Reply
Old Dec 23, 2014 | 06:14 AM
  #17  
hcbph's Avatar
hcbph
Safety Car
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,427
Likes: 604
From: Minneapolis Mn
Default Wheels

Originally Posted by MaxDaemon
The chrome ones are pretty close to the ZR1 wheels, aren't they? I mean, besides being - well, you know, chrome.
I'd plan on putting 245/50-16's on them.
Happens my 86 came with 245/50-16's on it. One downside is that your speedometer will run fast. Not a biggie but still should be known. When it needs tires, I hope to go to the oem size.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Wheel woes ..

Old Dec 23, 2014 | 10:44 PM
  #18  
1993C4LT1's Avatar
1993C4LT1
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 16,086
Likes: 819
From: Dallas Texas
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

I'd put the factory rims on. Then, do the necessary work to polish them.
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2014 | 02:08 AM
  #19  
MaxDaemon's Avatar
MaxDaemon
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Supporting Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 925
Likes: 6
From: East Wenatchee Washington
Default

Originally Posted by hcbph
Happens my 86 came with 245/50-16's on it. One downside is that your speedometer will run fast. Not a biggie but still should be known. When it needs tires, I hope to go to the oem size.
Yea, comes out to just about a MPH off. And it's slow, so I'll be doing 1mph less than I think. Which is a good thing.
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2014 | 02:11 AM
  #20  
MaxDaemon's Avatar
MaxDaemon
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Supporting Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 925
Likes: 6
From: East Wenatchee Washington
Default

Well, I've gotten someone to be on-call for me for the 7 hours or so it will take for the FAST round trip to get the wheels from the PO this Sunday. I've decided to go with the originals - she's cleaning up really well and I think she deserves to look as original as my '94.

Thanks for all your input, guys!
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:37 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE