16x9.5 wheels for autocrossing?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: LaVale Maryland
16x9.5 wheels for autocrossing?
I've searched the archives, and it appears most posts regarding wheels for the early C4's are regarding going to a 17 or 18 inch wheel. I plan to autocross my car next season in B stock. To remain in B stock, I need to stay with a 16x9.5 inch wheel for my Z52. 17's will bump me into a B Street Prepared and I really don't want to go that route with this car. That being said, is there a 16x9.5 inch wheel, other than the factory wheel that is lighter to mount my sticky tires on and would fit on my '87 Z52? Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 338
Likes: 49
From: Quincy,Illinois
Nope. I have searched everywhere for another 16 x 9.5 wheel and no one makes one or ever did that I found. I use the stock z51 9.5 wheels on my car for auto cross and they work just fine. i run Kuhmo 265/45/16 tires
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Valencia California
The French Gotti 5 spoke wheel was a popular upgrade to the early C4 back in the 80's. They pop up from time to time here on the forum (which is where I got mine) or on ebay. 16 x 9 - $200-300 for the set.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
You can get really light rims for imports from places such as SSR and Volk. Problem is the bolt pattern HOWEVER since you are 84-87 suspension you had the greater offset required. You might be able to run a hub centric wheel adapter to convert and make them work, the question being how much does a 3/4-1" wheel adapter weigh and can you find a light import rim in the right size and offset (or be able to shave the offset.) It isn't uncommon to see some of the really light import wheels at 16x7"s ~15lbs.
The question is can you get the weight, fitment and adaptation under the stock 16x9.5" wheel package weight....and under CCW classic weights, which I think the 17x11 classics weigh in 21lbs or so... pretty light.
The question is can you get the weight, fitment and adaptation under the stock 16x9.5" wheel package weight....and under CCW classic weights, which I think the 17x11 classics weigh in 21lbs or so... pretty light.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 385
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From: Blue Ridge GA
16 x 9.5s are considered old school so you should be able to find some really good deals out there.
Team Owner
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From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
7th Gear
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From: Highland NY
JE
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
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I attended an Auto-x with my 86 on stock turbines and Kumhos. Registered in B Stock, and some dip stick spotted the Z51 wheels (9.5) Protested me, and won.
But only after I spanked him by a second and a half.
I didn't have the Z51 option on my RPO list. The rules comm was trying to support a local boy and I popped in to run their event for the first time. It was not worth wasting time debating over as I came to have fun and not for trophies. Funny thing was they were so worried about the wheels that they completely missed the MSD, Camber Brace and halo support.
But only after I spanked him by a second and a half.
I didn't have the Z51 option on my RPO list. The rules comm was trying to support a local boy and I popped in to run their event for the first time. It was not worth wasting time debating over as I came to have fun and not for trophies. Funny thing was they were so worried about the wheels that they completely missed the MSD, Camber Brace and halo support.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
The stock turbines are HEAVY....3 times heavier than the 17" sawblade.
That being said, an 16 aftermarket wheel with a good solid billet spacer /adaptor thats an extra 5 lbs would still be less unsprung weight than the stock 16" disc/turbine.
After throwing my 16's around then grabbing a sawblade..it was like it was made of plastic...Part of the difference is the tire itself...the 16 has much more sidewall and that in itself is additional weight.
Only problem with sawblades is that the sawblade can warp if it slides into a berm or against a curb or some other semi-solid piece of a street/road surface. Easy enough to get "trued" its still something to be aware of...
That being said, an 16 aftermarket wheel with a good solid billet spacer /adaptor thats an extra 5 lbs would still be less unsprung weight than the stock 16" disc/turbine.
After throwing my 16's around then grabbing a sawblade..it was like it was made of plastic...Part of the difference is the tire itself...the 16 has much more sidewall and that in itself is additional weight.
Only problem with sawblades is that the sawblade can warp if it slides into a berm or against a curb or some other semi-solid piece of a street/road surface. Easy enough to get "trued" its still something to be aware of...
Last edited by leesvet; Sep 22, 2012 at 08:49 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
I attended an Auto-x with my 86 on stock turbines and Kumhos. Registered in B Stock, and some dip stick spotted the Z51 wheels (9.5) Protested me, and won.
But only after I spanked him by a second and a half.
I didn't have the Z51 option on my RPO list. The rules comm was trying to support a local boy and I popped in to run their event for the first time. It was not worth wasting time debating over as I came to have fun and not for trophies. Funny thing was they were so worried about the wheels that they completely missed the MSD, Camber Brace and halo support.
But only after I spanked him by a second and a half.
I didn't have the Z51 option on my RPO list. The rules comm was trying to support a local boy and I popped in to run their event for the first time. It was not worth wasting time debating over as I came to have fun and not for trophies. Funny thing was they were so worried about the wheels that they completely missed the MSD, Camber Brace and halo support.
That is hilarious that they missed the more obvious mods. FYI, in SCCA its the drivers job to class the car, not the club. Only an issue if other competitors complain.
They do make R-Comp DOT rubber in the stock 16inch sizes for your early C4's so no need to miss out on the good rubber. Street tires that is another issue....
