C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Wheels?

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Old Sep 22, 2009 | 07:30 PM
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Default Wheels?

My friend and I were just talking about the shark tooth wheels on my car and we both were wondering the same thing.

The way the wheels are on the car make it look like a saw blade going backwards on a saw, however if you swapped them to the other side would it make sense that they would go forward with the points of the teeth? IS this possible or are the rims specific to each side of the car?

I know the fronts are different size tires than the back and the backs I have are directionals so I know I cant even rotate the tires, but can you swap the rims from left to right side?

I know its a stupid question but just wondering.
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Old Sep 22, 2009 | 07:53 PM
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Rims are side specific. The teeth should be pointed forward like on a saw.
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Old Sep 22, 2009 | 11:47 PM
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Specifically, the blades are supposed to aide in brake cooling. How much "sharkstooths" actually cool may be debateable.

If you swapped sides, the blades might not pull/push air thru the brake as well. If that's not a concern, there's no other limitation to the swap you suggest. (Other than purists pointing at your car to comment on wheel-config.)

Originally Posted by TLS_Addict
I know the fronts are different size tires than the back and the backs I have are directionals so I know I cant even rotate the tires, but can you swap the rims from left to right side?
Actually, if you rotate often enough, you could rotate tires from side-to-side but you could get vibration if cupping/uneven wear had started. (Cost to dismount/rotate would likely offset any extra mileage you might get though.)

Last edited by GREGGPENN; Sep 22, 2009 at 11:51 PM.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 12:34 PM
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Default Actually

Originally Posted by BADDUCK
Rims are side specific. The teeth should be pointed forward like on a saw.
OEM factory brochures show them going the other way;opposite of the icon in the post just above this one?
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 01:36 PM
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I have never seen that, and my manual shows to mount them the way I described. Actually I could care less which way they are mounted and it won't matter to the car.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 01:43 PM
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I seem to remember one of the race teams back in the days said the brakes were cooler with the wheels pulling air out from under the car accrose the brakes( backwards).....but i could be wrong.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 02:31 PM
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Brake cooling comes primarily from the rotor fins. Check out their directionality when you get a chance.
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Old Sep 23, 2009 | 03:03 PM
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Ok.....when looking at my rims the top of the rim has the teeth pointing backwards and the bottom point forward.....like a circular saw blade, however the cirular saw runs backwards....not forwards like the car.

Thanks!
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Old Sep 24, 2009 | 10:11 AM
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Default That is correct

Originally Posted by TLS_Addict
Ok.....when looking at my rims the top of the rim has the teeth pointing backwards and the bottom point forward.....like a circular saw blade, however the cirular saw runs backwards....not forwards like the car.

Thanks!
Maybe I was describing it wrong but that is correct "factory" mounting direction.

I don't think it makes a whole heck of a lot of difference in the brake cooling though.

If I could figure out how to post a picture (I forget) I'd do so...thanks all.
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Old Sep 24, 2009 | 11:34 AM
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I really would like chrome ones for my car....lol My dad has those and they look much better than just the normal ones.
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Old Sep 24, 2009 | 02:59 PM
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I`m not familiar with the term "sharktooth wheel", but if you are talking about the oem "sawblade" type of wheel. I have a set on my `87 & they are mounted correctly as shown in the pic. Also if I am not mistaken, they are stamped right & left on the inside of the wheel.

[IMG][/IMG]
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Old Sep 24, 2009 | 03:06 PM
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This is the correct mounting and these wheels are commonly refered to as "sawblades"
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Old Sep 25, 2009 | 12:13 AM
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FYI: Shark's tooth wheels are the ones used with 50 series tires from '84 to '87. The term is used to describe the much smaller fins -- which resemble shark's teeth.
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Old Sep 25, 2009 | 03:19 PM
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My bad guys.....that is how I have my wheels on.

I thought the early C4s were food processors and then saw blades when they went to 17s and then shark tooth....lol
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Old Sep 25, 2009 | 03:55 PM
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I think "salad shooters" is the term most people use when talking about the first generation of 17" wheels found on '88-'90 Vettes.
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Old Jun 21, 2019 | 11:03 AM
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Default Blade Direction on wheels

I just took my wheels off and inside the wheel it is marked left and right. Pic shows correct position
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Old Jun 21, 2019 | 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by dadsblackvette
I just took my wheels off and inside the wheel it is marked left and right. Pic shows correct position
First post and on a 10 year old thread. Well played.

Last edited by KyleF; Jun 21, 2019 at 11:30 AM.
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Old Jun 21, 2019 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by KyleF
First post and on a 10 year old thread. Well played.
I believe the issue is a RELATED LINKS message that presents itself in many/most mobile browsers and maybe even some of the PC BROWSERS. I've never seen it using m VIVALDI browser but with many browsers MAYBE that feature could be turned OFF. I don't believe he was searching to just revive it!! It happens often in PR&C - few times a day I think.
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Old Jun 21, 2019 | 10:27 PM
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Cut the newbie a break.
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Old Jun 22, 2019 | 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by KyleF
First post and on a 10 year old thread. Well played.
You sound like a great guy!
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