Hey everyone,

I have a 78 Vette and have factory rally's with 255/6015's for the winter tires but want to put some aftermarket 18's on it for the summer but no one can tell me what the maximum offset, maximum backspacing and all the correct specs that I need for such wheels..... I don't want to sound like I'm totally stupid, but when it comes to sizing up the fit, I am clueless.

Can anyone give me any kind of insight on what or where I need to look for some after market wheels that will fit my 78?  I am in the dark and sure could use some light shined in on this.

I thank you in advance.

I don't know for sure but try www.tirerack.com and you can shop by make and model.  They give the offset, etc..
 of their wheels.

Jim

Thanks.

I looked on their website.

I appreciate it.

Just for reference, You need a 4 inch backspace. I'm installing 17 inch 4 inch backspace American Racing Torque thrust 2 wheels 8 inches wide. Tires are 255/50/ZR17. The rear are another story. I installed reverse offset trailing arms. So my wheels are American Racing Torque Thrust 2, 18 inch 4.75 offset 9.5 inches wide. Tires are 285/40/ZR18. Both sets of tires are 27 inch diameter.

Most of the wheels that I have liked or looked at have at least a 6 inch or so back space.  Those wouldn't work at all then would they?  I can find very few, unless i'm just looking on the wrong website.  lol

A 6 inch backspace will put your wheel and tire into the frame.

That's what I was wondering.  I guess i just need to surf the web some more and see if I cant find something close.

I appreciate it.

I really had a hard time finding the correct offset for the American Racing - Torq Thrust II 15" I wanted.

Most of what I found on ebay or tirerack (or anywhere else) was zero offset of another one (-18mm I think) which would have required a spacer.  If you are spending money to replace wheels and tires; don't settle for spacers unless you "really" have to.  Keep looking for the size (backspacing) you need without compromise.

The previous owner of my car had spacers that I wanted to get rid of.  To correctly clear the caliper; I needed about 3.75" Backspacing.  It fits by a hair.  Through my month-long research on the web/phone, I only found 2 places that had this offset. 

This guy is where I bought them: http://www.westkycustoms.com/

There was also another place in California that does a lot of customs; but couldn`t mount 15" tires for me; so I picked West KY customs.  Great price; good communications and about 3 weeks delivery to my door (being in Canada; that`s good!).

Hope this helps!