GS 'Vert question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,219
Likes: 1
From: Somerset Co, NJ
GS 'Vert question
Does anyone know why in the '96 Grand Sport convertible, the Z51 option was not available, incl. the larger rear tires? Because a convertible wasn't really considereed performance, unlike the coupe, or is there a legitimite reason, engineering wise. Reason I'm asking is because I might put 17x11's on my '92 'vert (like the GS coupe)just want to know if it would be okay.
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
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Originally Posted by boceltics17
The reason they did not put the 17x11 on the convertible was that they would not fit in the spare tire holder if you had a flat. Simple, but true.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,468
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From: Conway, SC
I own a GS convertible and have no idea why the tires were different, but, as always, I suggest you check with the Grand Sport Registry www.grandsportregistry.com.
Elaine
Elaine
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Why are there squished peanut butter cups in my underware?
For the fourth generation, Z-51s ZR-1s and Z-07s were all restricted to coupes. The convertible was more of an afterthought, thus was considered not strong enough to handle optional performance packages.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 207
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From: Illinois
I must agree with Mojo. On GS's and ZR-1 cars, the rear tires are too large to fit underneath the car, in the carrier. They each have a bag to put your blown tire and rim in. The cargo area has straps in it, to hold the bagged tire and rim down.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,101
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From: Orange TX
Originally Posted by Skippy
I must agree with Mojo. On GS's and ZR-1 cars, the rear tires are too large to fit underneath the car, in the carrier. They each have a bag to put your blown tire and rim in. The cargo area has straps in it, to hold the bagged tire and rim down.
You should be able to put the wider rims with no problem except for the flat issue. 
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,219
Likes: 1
From: Somerset Co, NJ
I decided to not go with the 11's in the rear anyway. I feel you probably need a Z51 suspension for the car to handle correctly using those wheels. The GS 'verts couldnt get Z51, so I'm just keeping my 17x9.5s all the way around. Car handles good enough, don't need any BS, or headaches for a "cooler" look. I'm keeping what the car was designed with, don't want to upset its balance. I don't drag, or auto-x anyway. Yes, the coupes are more performance, but 'verts are nicer looking! And less common.(JMHO!)
