if your going to track it. You have the advantage of picking up more scrubs in 18"
c4-c5 brake conversion
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 18
From: St. Peters MO
from what I have researched, the answer is no. Sawblade wheels will not work.
Need 17" wheels that will fit on the front of an actual C5.
I'm assuming you are using an adapter for the caliper mount?
Need 17" wheels that will fit on the front of an actual C5.
I'm assuming you are using an adapter for the caliper mount?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 13
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,373
Likes: 2,734
I don't recall if the interference is the diameter of the wheel or if it's the face of the caliper to the back-side of the wheel. It might be interesting if someone actually responds with which and how great the interference is. Is it just a couple millimeters or something more substantial that can't be overcome?
Here's a post by a "responsible" member who mentions "yes" but barely. If a couple millimeter spacer would overcome the issues or maybe some gentle massaging of the flashing on the rear of the "saw-blade" you could be good to go:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1555683805-post2.html
The "saw-blades" I would guess were also the "painted" '91 - '92 since a '92 is mentioned. PM him and ask!
Last edited by WVZR-1; Sep 26, 2013 at 05:05 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I had read in some earlier threads that if you carefully grind down the outside edges of the fins on the C5 calipers, they will "just" clear the inside of the later 17" sawblades. The interference comes at the rounded inside corners of the wheels where the center meets the rim. Going this way will require some grinding and fitting steps to make sure that the necessary clearance is obtained but also to insure that you don't take too much off the caliper.
ZR-1 style 17" wheels will work with a C5 upgrade with no problems whether or not they are GM A-Molds or aftermarket wheels.
For the OP, have you considered using the 13" J55 brakes? They were installed on Z07 optioned cars and after '94 (?) the big brakes were standard on the front. And they fit inside the stock wheels.
ZR-1 style 17" wheels will work with a C5 upgrade with no problems whether or not they are GM A-Molds or aftermarket wheels.
For the OP, have you considered using the 13" J55 brakes? They were installed on Z07 optioned cars and after '94 (?) the big brakes were standard on the front. And they fit inside the stock wheels.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I tried several sets of 17" wheels on my C5.
The '93 to '96 sawblades don't fit. Mine hit on the back side of the vane. I have heard that you can do some grinding to make them fit or use a small spacer, but I didn't want to. I think the '91-'92 sawblades are the same, but I have not tried them.
The '90 wheels fit fine. I think the '88-'89 are the same, but I have not tried them.
The Camaro SS 9" fit fine. I think they fit the same as the ZR1/CE style 8.5" or 9.5", but I have not tried them.
And of course any of the 17" C5 wheels fit too.
The '93 to '96 sawblades don't fit. Mine hit on the back side of the vane. I have heard that you can do some grinding to make them fit or use a small spacer, but I didn't want to. I think the '91-'92 sawblades are the same, but I have not tried them.
The '90 wheels fit fine. I think the '88-'89 are the same, but I have not tried them.
The Camaro SS 9" fit fine. I think they fit the same as the ZR1/CE style 8.5" or 9.5", but I have not tried them.
And of course any of the 17" C5 wheels fit too.
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
It depends on which mfg you have of the "sawblade"...
I think the Enkie does fit....barley.
There were several yr 'blades that do not clear. The difference is small. The Enkie blade is cone shaped inside so it gets bigger the closer to the bead you get. If you space the wheel off the hub 1/2" or more it will clear easily.
The other blades fit if you grind the outside edge of the caliper heat sink about 1/4" at the outter edge and taped the grinding the further you go inboard.
I set mine on the floor, centered the brakes inside the wheel to see the clearance. Its close ! I mean be careful where the weights are kinda close...
Its not a big deal. The good billet spacers can be had for $75 a pair and even less if you catch a sale. I spaced mine out since it was an 87 when I put blades on it. 1" on the rear and 3/4" on the front. No issues.
I think the Enkie does fit....barley.
There were several yr 'blades that do not clear. The difference is small. The Enkie blade is cone shaped inside so it gets bigger the closer to the bead you get. If you space the wheel off the hub 1/2" or more it will clear easily.
The other blades fit if you grind the outside edge of the caliper heat sink about 1/4" at the outter edge and taped the grinding the further you go inboard.
I set mine on the floor, centered the brakes inside the wheel to see the clearance. Its close ! I mean be careful where the weights are kinda close...
Its not a big deal. The good billet spacers can be had for $75 a pair and even less if you catch a sale. I spaced mine out since it was an 87 when I put blades on it. 1" on the rear and 3/4" on the front. No issues.