Topic: Just another wheel question?
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Forgive the rookie questions, but I'm new to the Corvette thing. I just bought my first Corvette a 78 and was looking into new wheels. Maybe TT2's or Coy's C5's? I know the stock wheels were 15x8 with 4.00" backspace.
My question is how much backspace can you get away with on 16" or 17" wheels on a stock setup with out rubbin anything?
Also about the width, how wide without stickin out of wheel wells?
Tires of choice for 16 or 17 that mantain stock height(look)?
Pics would be great?
TIA
Jeff
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Rookie question?! Naw...we all started somewhere. 
This has been covered in several threads, but HERE'S ONE of the latest, with some good info/suggestions. Hope it helps!
Welcome to C3VR, and don't be afraid to ask any question you need an answer to. We're all here to help!
This has been covered in several threads, but HERE'S ONE of the latest, with some good info/suggestions. Hope it helps!
Welcome to C3VR, and don't be afraid to ask any question you need an answer to. We're all here to help!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
The only rookie question is the one not asked.
Joel is right, there is a wealth of knowledge here, some already typed out.
You can search the existing threads too and learn alot.
Have fun with the '78. And take lots of pics for us.
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I put 16" wheels and tires on "The Toy" without any problems. Just made sure I had the correct amount of spacer behind the wheels to get back to the correct 4" offset. Here's a picture (its BIG) and if you look closely between the spokes of the wheels you can see the spacer. So far no problems with clearances.
As Dave mentioned there's a LOT of threads discussing tire and wheel combinations to help you with what to look out for.
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
Just ask away. I just put a set of 255/50 16's on a couple for weeks ago. So far no rubbing. They are the TT II with the standard 4" backspacing
. It was a tough call what to go with. Do a search for wheels and you should find a few threads.
. It was a tough call what to go with. Do a search for wheels and you should find a few threads.in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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