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

New Wheels for 85 Vette

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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 07:09 AM
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Default New Wheels for 85 Vette

Hi Guys,

I have been offered a set of 17" late model C4 wheels and tires for my 85 Vette.
I am interested in them, but would like others opinions on them?
I do understand that the later models had a different offset and that I would need a set of spacers, but this is only minor to deal with.
I have made an offer to him so will see what responce I get back.
I think they would look good on the car. A lot cheaper then a new set of 18" wheels.

Regards Kevin.

There's a mark in the photo on the far left wheel, can't pick it out what it is, so waiting for a reply from the seller as to what it is.
Also notice he has 2 different sets of tires.
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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 07:49 AM
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thats the wheels that are on my 89, i like them since theyre not the zr1 wheels and theyre different. heres a link to a pic of them on my car http://www.flickr.com/photos/umakeme...se/5797560739/

Last edited by solaris_vii; Jun 9, 2012 at 07:54 AM. Reason: added link
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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 11:13 AM
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No offense, so don't get mad, it's just my opinion.......I never liked those wheels, they just look really weak Go with a sawblade or Zo6 spoke or something like that. If those wheels didn't have that "floating ring" and just the cuts, they would look alot better. Sorry
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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 11:18 AM
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Do as want based on your personal budget/taste for wheels.......personally if I was going to updgrade my wheel/tire combo and needed adapters/spacers, or whatever to do it, I would look at other options unless you love the look of those wheels.......

I am just not a fan of the C4 wheels of any year to be honest, the sawblades of the later C4's are OK, but they are OK. Having said that, I do agree the ZR1 reproductions have been played out over the years as well and I am tired of looking at those as well which is why I sold mine.....do as you like though......wheels are personal choice, nothing more!

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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 11:19 AM
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Personaly I dont like them either.I would try them without spacers just to be sure they are needed. Please let us know what you find out.
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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 05:08 PM
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Wheels of any style, shape, size, color or chrome, I believe are a very personal matter & what other's think may or may not be important in ones consideration. However, when asking another's opinion, take it with a very small grain of salt. Having said that I'll throw in my penny's worth. I have been considering what wheels I want to put on my 1987 Corvette, I still retain the factory originals as money spent in the engine compartment outweighs my wheel needs at this moment. But I am partial to any wheel choice not only being capable of enhancing the outwards appearance, but practicality to it's use. Man, I really hate these over sized wheels that make any car look like the old 4 wheeler's that stand like 10 ft. tall with no sidewall action to speak of. Being old school I believe a tire should not only have payment tread but a sidewall that does what a sidewall was designed to do; flex as needed when cornering. NASCAR tires, and any other form of racing, are not with 1 inch tall sidewalls are they? Enough said, because I have the Dark Red Mmetallic paint on my Corvette I like these Grand Sport Wheels as pictured, and as 856speed said, I too get tired of the same style wheels being offered so check with your local Goodyear dealer and see what they have to offer.

Last edited by Gregorio Lonewolf; Jun 9, 2012 at 05:10 PM. Reason: Picture
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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 11:18 PM
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G'day Kevin,
I have got 2 of those wheels as track wheels (so i can buy better 17" rubber cheaper) on the rear,
they do fit without spacers, but with 315's they scrapped on the inside of the wheel well all the time,
with 275 tyres much better unless on a rough surface,
I have fitted 1" adaptors on the rear to get the clearance and use some negative camber,
by using the adaptors you also get your wheel track back where it should be, the later 17" wheels have more inside offset and ends up narrowing your wheel track,
here's a pic of the adaptor (they are $135 a pair)
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 12:40 AM
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These are 17X9.5 wheels with 275/40ZR17 tires on an '86 without spacers. The car was lowered and there were no clearance issues. I purchased the car for parts and have disassembled it completely. There was only slight markings on the inner fender plastics. Hope this helps.

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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 01:09 AM
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Guys, thanks for all the input.
I have fitted the wheels without spacers and there is plenty of clearance inside the wheel wells, so for now I am going to leave them as they are and see how they ride.
I don't hear any rubbing when I am doing full-lock on the steering, so that's a good thing, was worried it might touch.
If in the future I want to add a 25mm spacer I will do it, and then I have to get it certified as it is a techincal mod.
I am only running (now on 17") 275/40's on the front and 285/40's on the rear. They are slightly narrower (if I can say it that way) then the stock 16", 255/50's I had all round.
But I do believe they look better over the stock Sawblade ones.

Regards
Kevin.
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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 01:12 AM
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[QUOTE=WesTenRacing;1581033286]These are 17X9.5 wheels with 275/40ZR17 tires on an '86 without spacers. The car was lowered and there were no clearance issues. I purchased the car for parts and have disassembled it completely. There was only slight markings on the inner fender plastics. Hope this helps.

Crips, you brought it for spares, I'd have been happy to get it as a running car in that condition.
I think I am going to have to have a look and see what is available State Side, and then maybe look at importing it to NZ.
Cheers Kevin.
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