Here's what I want to do: get my stock 18x10.5" rear wheels widened to 12" by Weldcraft (widen to the inside), get the L5R flared quarters, and use spacers to push my wheels out flush/just inside the quarters. I am going with a blower or turbo setup this summer or fall, and plan to get between 550-600whp, fyi. Only reason I mention that is if there are any concerns using spacers on a high hp car. Main goal is flush or near fit, no rubbing, maintaining rear brake ducts, and 335 or 345 tires.

I've searched for answers all day yesterday and today, and can't find what i'm looking for. So please don't respond with "do some research", i'll take some heat if I am not intelligent enough to type in the questions correctly. But if you can reference threads specific to my questions that would be great. So here are my questions:

Anyone know how much room is between the stock rear wheels and wheel well?

The L5R flares extend out 1.25", any advice on whether the 12" wheels would be too wide, or if 11" would work better? I don't want the wheel out past the quarters, and no rubbing.

Found spacers from Livernois and Doug Rippie, I am just not sure what size. I would think the 12" wheel would be better, being it would require a smaller spacer (if that even matters). From what i've read about guys who have done the mini tub, it was tubbed an extra 2" for 12" wheels. I'm thinking I may have to go with an 11-11.5" wheel, and a 1-1.25" spacer. One last thing, will a 335 be a properly fit tire for 11" wheel? It's a street car, like to have fun on country roads, and plan to take it to a drag strip a couple times a year for fun.

Any help is much appreciated, I obviously am kinda lost here.

 

You're widening the wheel by 1.5" and then adding a 1.25" flared fender. I wouldn't worry about the tire being .25" inside or outside once it's mounted. If you don't get those spacer/adapter pieces that have the studs already welded on then you'll need to get some of the extra-long ARP studs.

335 is a bit wide for an 11" wheel but you'd need to check the tire's specs to be sure. I think the normal size for an 11" is 315 and normal for 12" is 335.

 

I wondered if that would be a better fit, 335 on a 12. I get the math of what i'm adding each way. I wasn't sure how much the 12 would stick out. I also wouldn't be worried if it was a small bit sticking out, I jsut don't want any rubbing for sure. Thanks for the reply, i'll check out the ARP studs

 

I widened my wheels on the Trans Am and it was a bit of math to figure out what spacer/adapter I needed and to see if it would clear.

The stock wheels are 10.5's and I don't think weld craft will widen a wheel just a 1/2 inch to reach your 11" wheel. You need to go at least an inch and then they can do 1/2 inch increments. So minimum you'll have an 11.5" wheel and then you might as well step up to a 12" so you can run the 335. A 335 on an 11" is going to be a big and will bubble, okay for drag racing, not so good for cornering. A 315 is a perfect fit on an 11" wheel. A 335 on a 12" will be a much better fit.

Any spacer over a half inch you want to run an adapter. The adapter bolts to the hub and then the wheel bolts to the adapter. This is much safer then using a 1" spacer and extra long studs. Buy a good quality adapter with 10.9 grade hardware and that is hub centric and wheel centric. Universal ones will vibrate at high speeds as it is not perfectly centered. I ran a 1" adapter on my Trans Am which made 515hp/625tq to the wheels on the nitrous and I had no issues with the adapters.

Lets see I would do a 12" width. Stock offset the wheel sits in the tub fine and the outside of the wheel is nearly flush with the fender if not maybe a hair inside. If you add 1.5 inches to the inside of the wheel and then push the wheel out 1.25 so it stays flush with the new flair. You only need a 1/4" of clearance behind your current setup. Get out there and measure and see if you have an extra 1/4" of clearance behind the wheel, which I'm sure you do.

 

Good info, thanks. I would go out and measure, but i'm currently (temporarily) out of the country for work. 1/4" between the wheel/well is good to know. Sounds like the common answer is 1/2" right now on my 295's. I spoke with James from Weldcraft a wk or two ago, and he said they could do anything from 1/2"-2", but like you said i'd really like to get a 12" total. I'm gonna have someone measure it shortly, thanks again

 

One of the options I was considering, was the 11.5" wheel. If I wanted to put on a 335, would that be a good fit? I just haven't seen many guys running an 11.5" wheel, once again ignorance on my part.

 

I had a 315/35/17 toyo TQ which run a bit wide like a MT ET street Radial and on a 17x11 it was bubbled slightly.

If you're going to spend the money to widen a wheel I would widen it as far as I could go and still have it fit under the body. With the fender flair the 18x12 w/ a 335 will fit great and look good. Vipers run a 335s on a 13" wheel and the tire is at a perfect right angle with the tread/sidewall. This is all depending on actual tread widths also. If I wanted to run a 335 I would atleast get a 12" wheel.

 

I run a 19x11 on a 325 tire with flares and it looks good.
Spacers are ok with lower hp but with a blower not a good
idea. Unless you enjoy watching your wheels from the front
windshield.

 

A picture is worth a 1,000 words

 

Consider running a mini tub wheel w a 1.25 spacer? I may sell mine... I ran a 355 to keep the correct OD. (The 335 and 345 look like baloons to me.) Although widened stock wheels are a great look....And there's better dr options.

 

FWIW; 325-30/19 Nitto Invos on 11" wheels. No body mods, or spacers, and when viewed from directly above wheel well, only outside of tire visible.

 

Looking good dude. I liked the idea of a mini tub, but i really don't want to get rid of my brake ducts. I don't do any course racing, or beat on it a ton in the streets, so i'm not even sure how big of a difference they would make for a driver like myself. Of course I get on it, and like to do it with some authority, but I don't do it all the time, or for extended periods. Talked to the guys at Lingenfelter, and they advised that removing them isn't an issue unless you're a hardcore course racing SOB (I added the SOB part). I just like the function being maintained. Once again, dandy car you got there

 

Also looking real nice on there. I'm considering going to the 19/11 or 18/11 as well, but I really like the look of the stock Z wheels. Looks like 19's/11" is what 325 sized tires are fitted right for then?

 

Also a good looking car. I couldn't tell from the glare, but are you running the T2's? If not, what you got goin on there? Tub? And can you school me on the high hp and using spacers being an issue? Personal experience? Thanks

 

Exactly what I thought about goin ahead and widening to 12". I feel like the 12" w/ 335's, and a 1.25-1.50" (somewhere in there) spacer will be the near perfect fit/function. I'm trying to research on why spacers would be a no no with high hp/tq cars, so anyone's advice or experiences are much appreciated. Thanks

 

Just wanted to say thanks again for your guys feedback. Always good to meet new ppl, esp who share common interests. Hope you guys have a safe and fun New Year's wknd. Keep the suggestions and advice coming

 

I have 325/30/19 Invos as well, and the look great

 

Yeah, it does look good. Noticed your also from Indiana, not sure where Schererville is, but i'm down in Greensburg (SE corner near Kentucky and Ohio). Nice car, what wheels you have the C6 Z wheels?

 

Yes C6Z Repros 19x11 and I am in the Northwest corner of Indiana, right by IL, and lake Michagan.

I am most likely going with 345 DRs and will be selling my 325 Invos if you are interested. About 4-5k miles on them.

 

Are you the clown from IT?