Wheels
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 246
Likes: 6
Wheels
I am looking at puting ZR1 sized rims and tires on my 1996.
Where is a good place to look for wheels?
from what i see i will need
17"x 11" rim with 52mm offset
17"x 9.5"rim with 52mm offset
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Where is a good place to look for wheels?
from what i see i will need
17"x 11" rim with 52mm offset
17"x 9.5"rim with 52mm offset
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 6
OE Wheels is where I ordered mine for my 96. Mine are 56mm offset in the front (9.5 rim) and 50mm offset (11x17) in the back. They will also put tires on and balance them too. Should have mine next week. Also free shipping.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 316
Likes: 63
From: Peoria IL
First, I will admit to not knowing exactly what is on my car, which I just inherited from my dad who only owned it a few months. It is a Collector Edition and it has some aftermarket wheels on it I have been trying to identify. I believe they are ZR1 sizes (the car has 315 tires on the rear and 275s in front) and I am fairly sure they came from OE Wheels. I don't know anything about the offsets, but OE Wheels sells wheel sets intended for the application, and they have a bunch of styles, so they should be able to fix you up. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 1,972
From: St. Charles MO
ETA: Forgot to include the following. The actual ZR1 rears were 17x11, but with only 36mm offset, whereas the GS rears had the 50mm that I use. You want the GS 50mm offset, not the ZR1. The fronts for both cars were 9.5" with 56mm offset, just like Moser is using.
Last edited by MatthewMiller; Jan 6, 2018 at 04:39 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 6
First, I will admit to not knowing exactly what is on my car, which I just inherited from my dad who only owned it a few months. It is a Collector Edition and it has some aftermarket wheels on it I have been trying to identify. I believe they are ZR1 sizes (the car has 315 tires on the rear and 275s in front) and I am fairly sure they came from OE Wheels. I don't know anything about the offsets, but OE Wheels sells wheel sets intended for the application, and they have a bunch of styles, so they should be able to fix you up. Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The 52mm offset you mentioned will work, but it might be worth the extra trouble to find the 5-spoke design wheels that have the OEM offset. Also make sure that the bolt circle is 5x4-3/4" or in Metric-speak: 5x120.6mm
Try eBay for AFS wheels. OE Wheels have a good reputation but either of these will be heavier than the OEM GS wheels.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 246
Likes: 6
I am not educated on wheels. What i know is i like the ZR1 appearance. The tire i have chosen is the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 which only comes in 17 inch (correct me if i have overlooked a supplier with other diameters).
So am i to understand that rims can be ordered with backspacing of your choice?
If so, it is my intent to get the right offset that tucks the 315 tire in as cleanly as possible. Now if there is a bit that peeks out, im fine, just dont want it looking like my cousins 73 Nova back un the day. After all, this a Corvette. We must at least act luke we have some class!
So with this in mind, the 275 in front can be standard offset, but the 315 out back without the widebody kit of the ZR1, what is the offset i need?
So am i to understand that rims can be ordered with backspacing of your choice?
If so, it is my intent to get the right offset that tucks the 315 tire in as cleanly as possible. Now if there is a bit that peeks out, im fine, just dont want it looking like my cousins 73 Nova back un the day. After all, this a Corvette. We must at least act luke we have some class!
So with this in mind, the 275 in front can be standard offset, but the 315 out back without the widebody kit of the ZR1, what is the offset i need?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 1,972
From: St. Charles MO
If so, it is my intent to get the right offset that tucks the 315 tire in as cleanly as possible. Now if there is a bit that peeks out, im fine, just dont want it looking like my cousins 73 Nova back un the day. After all, this a Corvette. We must at least act luke we have some class!
So with this in mind, the 275 in front can be standard offset, but the 315 out back without the widebody kit of the ZR1, what is the offset i need?
So with this in mind, the 275 in front can be standard offset, but the 315 out back without the widebody kit of the ZR1, what is the offset i need?
- If you go with 9.5" wheels in the front, you want 56mm offset for them.
- For 17x11, either in back or at all four corners, you want 50mm offset.
They will be right. They will look great, stay just inside the fenders, and they won't rub anything. Here is my car on AFS replica A-Mold wheels, 17x11 with 50mm backspacing at all four corners:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 363
From: Central Alabama
Please post back on how it goes. I'm looking at the ones with black centers and machined lip. But planning on 17x9.5 all around like the stock setup on my 92.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 1,972
From: St. Charles MO
50mm for 17x11 wheels, yes. Thanks for the compliment! If you live anywhere near me (greater St. Louis area), I'd let you try them on your car.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
I swapped my 315 rears up front once...to check out rub, tracking, and ride. I wasn't sure I would want it full-time either. It felt kinda "heavy" though I'm sure it would be great for power cornering or auto-x.
I'm sure lots of people know they reverted from 9.5" fronts to narrower 8.5" on later models due to consumer complaints about "tracking" ... probably in ruts? That added to my concern about fulltime 11" fronts....possibly like you?
So...I ended up splitting the difference (per se). I bought a set of ZR1 replicas but opted for the early C4 offset...though I have an 89. They are the 11/9.5" combo. The fronts sit flush with the wheel well with the rears slightly outside it. Add in the 315's and the back looks really WIDE. I like the conversion because I felt the factory offset has the wheels sitting too far inboard (looks). Even by pushing the front outward, it helps fill up the wheel well IMO.
The only downside is I expected "deeper" rear rims. They have the same lip as the front wheels...which I've gotten used to.
Compared to 60's cars, I wish we could have DEEP deep dish on all 4 corners. Guess I like the tire outboard...with the dish inset.
I'm sure lots of people know they reverted from 9.5" fronts to narrower 8.5" on later models due to consumer complaints about "tracking" ... probably in ruts? That added to my concern about fulltime 11" fronts....possibly like you?
So...I ended up splitting the difference (per se). I bought a set of ZR1 replicas but opted for the early C4 offset...though I have an 89. They are the 11/9.5" combo. The fronts sit flush with the wheel well with the rears slightly outside it. Add in the 315's and the back looks really WIDE. I like the conversion because I felt the factory offset has the wheels sitting too far inboard (looks). Even by pushing the front outward, it helps fill up the wheel well IMO.
The only downside is I expected "deeper" rear rims. They have the same lip as the front wheels...which I've gotten used to.
Compared to 60's cars, I wish we could have DEEP deep dish on all 4 corners. Guess I like the tire outboard...with the dish inset.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 672
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Copied this info a few years ago...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1984-1996 Corvette Wheels 1984 (base)
front & rear 15"x7" 17mm
Goodyear Eagle GT, P215/65R-15
These wheels were in the catalouge, but were never installed on any new Corvette.
1984 (base)
front & rear 16"x8.5" 32mm
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
1984 (z51)
front 16"x8.5" 32mm
rear 16"x9.5" 38mm (6.7" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1985 (base)
front & rear 16"x8.5" 32mm
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
1985 (z51)
front & rear 16"x9.5" 38mm (6.7" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
black painted centers
1986 (base)
front & rear 16"x8.5" 32mm
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
1986 (z51)
front & rear 16"x9.5" 38mm (6.7" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
aluminum centers
1987 (base)
front & rear 16"x8.5" 32mm
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
1987 (z51,z52)
front & rear 16"x9.5" 38mm (6.7" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
grey painted centers
1988 (base)
front & rear 16"x8.5" 50mm
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
1988-1989 Callaway (b2k)
???
???
1988 35th Anniversary Edition
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle ZR, P275/40ZR-17
White Wheels
1988 (z51,z52)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle ZR, P275/40ZR-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 (all)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle ZR, P275/40ZR-17
1989 (pre production zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P315/35ZR-17
1990 (base)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle ZR, P275/40ZR-17
1990 (zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P315/35ZR-17
1991 (base)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle ???, P275/40ZR-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 (base)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
"SAWBLADES" with cast surface
1991 (zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P315/35ZR-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 (zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P315/35ZR-17
"SAWBLADES" with cast surface
1993-1996 (base)
front 17"x8.5" 56mm
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P255/45ZR-17
rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P285/40ZR-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993-1995 (z07)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 (z51)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
"SAWBLADES" with machined surface
1993 (zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P315/35ZR-17
"SAWBLADES" with machined surface
1994-1995 (zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P315/35ZR-17
1995 pace car
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
P275/40ZR-17 B/W Tires
1996 Collectors Edition (base)
front 17"x8.5" 56mm
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P255/45ZR-17
rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P285/40ZR-17
1996 Collectors Edition (z51)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
1996 Grand Sport (coupé)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 50mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P315/35ZR-17
1996 Grand Sport (convert.)
front 17"x8.5" 56mm
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P255/40ZR-17
rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P285/40ZR-17
Additional information
Link to a 1984-1996 Corvette Suspension Chart
All 1984-1996 Corvette wheels have 5 bolts and the bolt circle diameter is 4.75"
To use 1988-1996 wheels on a 1984-1987 Corvette you need 0.75" spacers.
The 11" wide rear zr1 wheels will fit 1984-1987 Corvettes without spacers.
The 1984 and 1985 wheels were made from an aluminum casting that do not shine much when polished.
Enkei produced the 1986 and 1987 wheels for GM and they were made of an aluminum that could be polished to a high luster. These Enkei produced wheels also were slightly larger on the inside, which means you can use the '88 and later 2-piston front brake caliper with a 13" rotor. The Enkei produced wheel can be identified by a small symbol in one of the slotted radial wheel vents which looks like an "m" grafted to an upside down "J".
Tire Size Calculator
Use the calculator to see what happens to your speedometer reading when you change the size of your tires and wheels. The graphic shows your stock tire selection in an outline overlaid on your new tire selection
1984-1996 Corvette Wheels 1984 (base)
front & rear 15"x7" 17mm
Goodyear Eagle GT, P215/65R-15
These wheels were in the catalouge, but were never installed on any new Corvette.
1984 (base)
front & rear 16"x8.5" 32mm
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
1984 (z51)
front 16"x8.5" 32mm
rear 16"x9.5" 38mm (6.7" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1985 (base)
front & rear 16"x8.5" 32mm
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
1985 (z51)
front & rear 16"x9.5" 38mm (6.7" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
black painted centers
1986 (base)
front & rear 16"x8.5" 32mm
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
1986 (z51)
front & rear 16"x9.5" 38mm (6.7" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
aluminum centers
1987 (base)
front & rear 16"x8.5" 32mm
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
1987 (z51,z52)
front & rear 16"x9.5" 38mm (6.7" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
grey painted centers
1988 (base)
front & rear 16"x8.5" 50mm
Goodyear Eagle VR50, P255/50VR-16
1988-1989 Callaway (b2k)
???
???
1988 35th Anniversary Edition
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle ZR, P275/40ZR-17
White Wheels
1988 (z51,z52)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle ZR, P275/40ZR-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 (all)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle ZR, P275/40ZR-17
1989 (pre production zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P315/35ZR-17
1990 (base)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle ZR, P275/40ZR-17
1990 (zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P315/35ZR-17
1991 (base)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle ???, P275/40ZR-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 (base)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
"SAWBLADES" with cast surface
1991 (zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Gatorbacks, P315/35ZR-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 (zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P315/35ZR-17
"SAWBLADES" with cast surface
1993-1996 (base)
front 17"x8.5" 56mm
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P255/45ZR-17
rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P285/40ZR-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993-1995 (z07)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 (z51)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
"SAWBLADES" with machined surface
1993 (zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P315/35ZR-17
"SAWBLADES" with machined surface
1994-1995 (zr1)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 36mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P315/35ZR-17
1995 pace car
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
P275/40ZR-17 B/W Tires
1996 Collectors Edition (base)
front 17"x8.5" 56mm
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P255/45ZR-17
rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P285/40ZR-17
1996 Collectors Edition (z51)
front & rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
1996 Grand Sport (coupé)
front 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P275/40ZR-17
rear 17"x11" 50mm (7.93" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P315/35ZR-17
1996 Grand Sport (convert.)
front 17"x8.5" 56mm
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P255/40ZR-17
rear 17"x9.5" 56mm (7.4" backspacing)
Goodyear Eagle GSC, P285/40ZR-17
Additional information
Link to a 1984-1996 Corvette Suspension Chart
All 1984-1996 Corvette wheels have 5 bolts and the bolt circle diameter is 4.75"
To use 1988-1996 wheels on a 1984-1987 Corvette you need 0.75" spacers.
The 11" wide rear zr1 wheels will fit 1984-1987 Corvettes without spacers.
The 1984 and 1985 wheels were made from an aluminum casting that do not shine much when polished.
Enkei produced the 1986 and 1987 wheels for GM and they were made of an aluminum that could be polished to a high luster. These Enkei produced wheels also were slightly larger on the inside, which means you can use the '88 and later 2-piston front brake caliper with a 13" rotor. The Enkei produced wheel can be identified by a small symbol in one of the slotted radial wheel vents which looks like an "m" grafted to an upside down "J".
Tire Size Calculator
Use the calculator to see what happens to your speedometer reading when you change the size of your tires and wheels. The graphic shows your stock tire selection in an outline overlaid on your new tire selection
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 416
Likes: 29
From: diamond bar ca
zr1 rims
i have zr1 style chrome wheels and tire combo, front 17x9.5, back 17x11 , back tires are 315 s with good tread in great condition off my 96 in the upcoming events southern california section for sale , tires are Sumitomo. if your local it could be worth your while.
Last edited by bob arrowsmith; Jan 8, 2018 at 10:34 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 1,972
From: St. Charles MO
PS - I actually think that Mickey Thompson looks like an interesting tire choice!
Last edited by MatthewMiller; Jan 8, 2018 at 01:04 AM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 250
Likes: 41
From: Sydney NSW
To be fair, I've been running race-oriented rubber on these wheels (Toyo R888s and Hoosier A7s). but among actual street tires, there is a Sumitomo, a Goodyear Eagle F1 ($$), a couple of Nittos, and (believe it or not) a Mickey Thompson Street Comp. So there is a some selection still available.
PS - I actually think that Mickey Thompson looks like an interesting tire choice!
PS - I actually think that Mickey Thompson looks like an interesting tire choice!
) The rest of those are drag radials. I suppose OK to drive on in dry weather, but what if it rains??It seems to me these are another of the sizes generally abandoned for 20+s
Greg