Thanks Again

Jeff

Norsky2007-04-16 09:33:43

    I found the above car on the Corvette Forum. ( I know, I know). Anyway he is running 18x9 with a 5.5 inch backspacing, so your tires should fit.......but you are going to have to get a shortened spring. I ran into this problem when changing the stock rear spring on my car...Guldstrand Motorsports sells a shortened spring (which is what the 73 pictured above uses as do I. Check them out at www.guldstrandmotorsports.com.  If you call them, ask for Craig. He can have a custom 5 or seven leaf spring made up for use with a spring rate based on how you plan on driving the car....ie cruising, slalom, etc.  They are located in Burbank Ca, not too far from me....Went there on my lunch hour, met Dick Guldstrand himself and a shop filled with some very nice cars . They make complete custom suspensions for all year Corvettes and are very reasonably priced. I definitely recommend them and their customer service can't be beat....

I thought I recognized that '73. He is a member of Rochester CC.

Hi Jeff..... I agree with Jimmy, if you go with 4 1/2" back space, it will rub.  I have a set of 17X8 Torque Thrust IIs with 3 1/2" back space and have about 1" clearance to the TRW glass spring.  The following pix show the spacing b/t spring and wheel.  You'll notice I had to use 10" bolts to get the rear end down.  The last pix shows how far the wheel come to the edge of the wheel well.  I'm running P255/55R17 Kumho tires and the fronts do rub some on hard turns.  If you use 235 or 245's on the front, they probably won't rub.

Thanks Guys!  That's what I needed to hear.

         This is why I recommend the spring from Guldstarnd. It is 1 1/2" shorter therefore providing you with the extra needed clearance.

  Vette Products will also Cut a Spring for You any Size You want. However You may Find that You don't even need it. Remember that going from a 15" to a !7" Wheel is Increasing the Clearance. In other Words You Might end up with the Spring Up inside of the Wheel when its on the Car ajusted to the Ride Height You want. And if it Hits the Wheel it will at the Very Corner of the Spring and You can just Cut off a Bit of the Spring and the Mount. Remember by Using a Shorten't Spring You are Changing the Angle of the Spring Bolts and there rubber Doughnuts will only Sit on one Side. You should really Move the Spring Mount inboard on the Trailing Arm so that the Bolts Remain Staight. Richard....

I agree with banks. I have the same question I came up with 4 inch back space with a little to spare. I have a 80 vette, do you think I can fit 17x11 in rear with flares and 17x8 in front? If the rim is taller more can fit into the back of the rim . Do you think 4 inch backspace is my max?