1996 Wheels
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,119
Likes: 12
From: Paintsville,ky
1996 Wheels
I'm going to buy me a new set of rims for my 1996 CE Corvette and was wondering if I can use 9.5 width on the front and back wheels or do I still need to use 8.5 on the front? Thanks in advance, John.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Rolla Missouri
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Yes, you can use 9.5 front and back if you want.
Some Corvettes came stock with the 9.5 on front.
With the 9.5 front wheel, you might want to consider running a different tire than came with the 8.5 wheel.
Front 8.5 wheel = 255/45-17 tire
Rear 9.5 wheel = 285/40-17 tire
All 4 9.5 wheels = 275/40-17 tires
You can keep your factory 255/45 tire, but it will look a little funny (bulged out at the bead) on the wider wheel. I believe it is still within the recommended range though. But it does look funny.
Some Corvettes came stock with the 9.5 on front.
With the 9.5 front wheel, you might want to consider running a different tire than came with the 8.5 wheel.
Front 8.5 wheel = 255/45-17 tire
Rear 9.5 wheel = 285/40-17 tire
All 4 9.5 wheels = 275/40-17 tires
You can keep your factory 255/45 tire, but it will look a little funny (bulged out at the bead) on the wider wheel. I believe it is still within the recommended range though. But it does look funny.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,119
Likes: 12
From: Paintsville,ky
Yes, you can use 9.5 front and back if you want.
Some Corvettes came stock with the 9.5 on front.
With the 9.5 front wheel, you might want to consider running a different tire than came with the 8.5 wheel.
Front 8.5 wheel = 255/45-17 tire
Rear 9.5 wheel = 285/40-17 tire
All 4 9.5 wheels = 275/40-17 tires
You can keep your factory 255/45 tire, but it will look a little funny (bulged out at the bead) on the wider wheel. I believe it is still within the recommended range though. But it does look funny.
Some Corvettes came stock with the 9.5 on front.
With the 9.5 front wheel, you might want to consider running a different tire than came with the 8.5 wheel.
Front 8.5 wheel = 255/45-17 tire
Rear 9.5 wheel = 285/40-17 tire
All 4 9.5 wheels = 275/40-17 tires
You can keep your factory 255/45 tire, but it will look a little funny (bulged out at the bead) on the wider wheel. I believe it is still within the recommended range though. But it does look funny.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
I have 9.5 on all four corners on my '96. I'm running 285/40/17. I did this so I could rotate the tires. You will find it is a little more sensitive to road ruts with the wider tires on front but on a street car that's about the only problem you should have.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Yes, you can run 9.5s at all four corners; that's what my son has on his 96.
On my 96, I just installed 9.5s in the front and 10.5s in the rear. I'll be moving to new tires soon, but right now I'm using 40s in the front and 35s out back. No clearance issues.
Right away I noticed having 1" wider wheels out back makes the car feel like it's on rails. Much more stable.
Jake
On my 96, I just installed 9.5s in the front and 10.5s in the rear. I'll be moving to new tires soon, but right now I'm using 40s in the front and 35s out back. No clearance issues.
Right away I noticed having 1" wider wheels out back makes the car feel like it's on rails. Much more stable.
Jake
