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Corvair Center Forum :
Corvair Center Phorum
Chad Guthrie
Onondaga, MI
'63 convertible
Corvair Center
17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
kmart356
()
Date: December 14, 2020 01:18PM
After reading the 17x7 wheel install '64 Spyder Posted by: joelsplace , my interest for finding 17x7 wheels for my ’62 Spyder was sparked.
This online tool compares wheel/tire combinations - Wheel Offset Calculator. I used 175/80R13 with Dia. 24.0" to represent the OEM size.
Finally found some wheels I liked - XXR 521 17x7 +38. The fitment calculator using 195/45x17 tires told me the diameter was very close to OEM and these XXR wheels would move inbound so clearance should be checked.
The plan was to test fit one wheel and then buy the remaining wheels.
Front clearance was not much concern as the 17” wheels provide plenty of space for the Colt caliper/rotor and the quick steering arms should be fine. Test fitting was a success.
Rear fitment. After making sure the wheel would fit flush on rear drum without hitting suspension, I mounted the wheel + tire and checked again. The Rear Suspension Bumper plate “corner” was a bit close so the grinder smoothed that with contour to match upper mount. Clearance is now approx. ½” to ¾” in that area.
The notches in trailing arms had already been cut by the previous owner. Photo shows approx. ½” – 5/8”. Not sure the notches are required with 17” wheels so take a look at second photo with popsicle stick simulating no notch clearance is approx. ¼ “ (decide for yourself).
The XXR wheel was left on the rear for a quick test drive with no issues identified.
The other (3) wheels are due to arrive this week and the 195/45x17 tires are ready to mount. These should be fun on the backroads of rural Florida.
Ken
'62 Spyder
Florida
This online tool compares wheel/tire combinations - Wheel Offset Calculator. I used 175/80R13 with Dia. 24.0" to represent the OEM size.
Finally found some wheels I liked - XXR 521 17x7 +38. The fitment calculator using 195/45x17 tires told me the diameter was very close to OEM and these XXR wheels would move inbound so clearance should be checked.
The plan was to test fit one wheel and then buy the remaining wheels.
Front clearance was not much concern as the 17” wheels provide plenty of space for the Colt caliper/rotor and the quick steering arms should be fine. Test fitting was a success.
Rear fitment. After making sure the wheel would fit flush on rear drum without hitting suspension, I mounted the wheel + tire and checked again. The Rear Suspension Bumper plate “corner” was a bit close so the grinder smoothed that with contour to match upper mount. Clearance is now approx. ½” to ¾” in that area.
The notches in trailing arms had already been cut by the previous owner. Photo shows approx. ½” – 5/8”. Not sure the notches are required with 17” wheels so take a look at second photo with popsicle stick simulating no notch clearance is approx. ¼ “ (decide for yourself).
The XXR wheel was left on the rear for a quick test drive with no issues identified.
The other (3) wheels are due to arrive this week and the 195/45x17 tires are ready to mount. These should be fun on the backroads of rural Florida.
Ken
'62 Spyder
Florida
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
guthrie1068
()
Date: December 14, 2020 03:57PM
Chad Guthrie
Onondaga, MI
'63 convertible
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
kmart356
()
Date: December 23, 2020 02:34PM
Follow up after receiving the (3) remaining wheels. Mounted the wheels/tires and took it out for test drive. No rubbing anywhere. Responsiveness (turn-in and cornering) is improved to the point that it feels like front & rear anti-sway bars were added (but without the harshness). The new look works for me!
Happy Holidays
New signature under construction
Happy Holidays
New signature under construction
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
The Stig
()
Date: December 23, 2020 02:55PM
Looks great! I am sure it is a blast to drive.
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
MattNall
()
Date: December 23, 2020 03:16PM
Now you've made it "YOR CAR"!!!
MODERATOR
Sea Mountain, between Charleston Harbor and Coos Bay! SW Oregon Coast
Click HERE for My Website...Click HERE for My TechPages!
..............................110-PG.................................................Webered-Turbo
MODERATOR
Sea Mountain, between Charleston Harbor and Coos Bay! SW Oregon Coast
Click HERE for My Website...Click HERE for My TechPages!
..............................110-PG.................................................Webered-Turbo
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
toms73novass
()
Date: December 23, 2020 03:58PM
Ken, That is sharp! Now you have me thinking of new ones for my car! 
-Tom
63' Monza Spyder Convertable (in process) MY Build Thread
65' Monza MY Build Thread
73' NovaSS 454 Big block (Sold)
86' BMW 325es
98' VW Jetta TDI, for daughter
01' Audi Allroad Stage 3 twin turbo
67' UltraVan 211 "Violet"
NFCC, UMCC
Grand Island, NY
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/23/2020 04:10PM by MattNall.
-Tom
63' Monza Spyder Convertable (in process) MY Build Thread
65' Monza MY Build Thread
73' NovaSS 454 Big block (Sold)
86' BMW 325es
98' VW Jetta TDI, for daughter
01' Audi Allroad Stage 3 twin turbo
67' UltraVan 211 "Violet"
NFCC, UMCC
Grand Island, NY
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/23/2020 04:10PM by MattNall.
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
doug6423
()
Date: December 24, 2020 01:55PM
I like those wheels!
Doug
65 Monza
Cincy, OH
Doug
65 Monza
Cincy, OH
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
jjohnsonjo
()
Date: December 24, 2020 03:02PM
Look great Ken, please describe the ride quality.
J.O.
65 Corsa Turbo Vert
79 Honda XL 500S
69 Honda CL 160 D
2010 BMW F 650 GS
2003 Bounder 36D
2013 KIA Optima SX turbo-AKA ZIPPY (wife,s car)
69 Newport Holiday Sailboat
Baja 150 dune buggy cart
Coleman HS 500 UTV
2016 KIA Sorento SXL Turbo
Bethlehem,Pa
J.O.
65 Corsa Turbo Vert
79 Honda XL 500S
69 Honda CL 160 D
2010 BMW F 650 GS
2003 Bounder 36D
2013 KIA Optima SX turbo-AKA ZIPPY (wife,s car)
69 Newport Holiday Sailboat
Baja 150 dune buggy cart
Coleman HS 500 UTV
2016 KIA Sorento SXL Turbo
Bethlehem,Pa
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
steve c goodman
()
Date: December 25, 2020 08:36AM
Your car looks great with the new wheels Ken.
best wishes, Steve
Rear Engine Spec. Inc. Golden, Colo.
1962 spyder 3.0L turbo---1965 Crown V8
1967 monza 110/4---1968 monza 110/4
1971 amante gt 110/4
CORSA/RMC/PPCC/V8 Registry
best wishes, Steve
Rear Engine Spec. Inc. Golden, Colo.
1962 spyder 3.0L turbo---1965 Crown V8
1967 monza 110/4---1968 monza 110/4
1971 amante gt 110/4
CORSA/RMC/PPCC/V8 Registry
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
kmart356
()
Date: December 25, 2020 10:33AM
Thank you for the compliments!
Ride quality on the 17" wheel/tire combination has to be compared to the previous 14" wheel/tire setup I was running up to now. The Spyder has a '64 suspension with rear traverse bar (new bushings/center support). KYB gas shocks and no anti-sway bar on either end. Quick steering arms & 14" steering wheel.
Ride on the new tires is not harsh as one might think with shorter sidewalls. No rear seat, battery & spare in trunk contribute to balanced smooth ride. The Forceum OCTA tires have a nice rounded sidewall transition (similar to the old Pirelli CN36) that allows for good cornering feel. Turn-in is quicker but not quirky. I have not tried any higher speed maneuvers or tight cornering but the curves we encountered were handled nicely. Tire pressures set to 32F/37R give steering a "light" feel.
Ken
'62 Spyder
Florida
Ride quality on the 17" wheel/tire combination has to be compared to the previous 14" wheel/tire setup I was running up to now. The Spyder has a '64 suspension with rear traverse bar (new bushings/center support). KYB gas shocks and no anti-sway bar on either end. Quick steering arms & 14" steering wheel.
Ride on the new tires is not harsh as one might think with shorter sidewalls. No rear seat, battery & spare in trunk contribute to balanced smooth ride. The Forceum OCTA tires have a nice rounded sidewall transition (similar to the old Pirelli CN36) that allows for good cornering feel. Turn-in is quicker but not quirky. I have not tried any higher speed maneuvers or tight cornering but the curves we encountered were handled nicely. Tire pressures set to 32F/37R give steering a "light" feel.
Ken
'62 Spyder
Florida
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
joelsplace
()
Date: December 25, 2020 07:03PM
Why did you take off the front bar? Body roll on a 64 without the front bar has to be extreme. I stiffen the front bar with Clark's nylon bushings.
Joel
Northlake, TX
5 Ultravans, 114 Corvairs and counting...
Joel
Northlake, TX
5 Ultravans, 114 Corvairs and counting...
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
kmart356
()
Date: December 26, 2020 07:23AM
joelsplace Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why did you take off the front bar? Body roll on a 64 without the front bar has to be extreme. I stiffen the front bar with Clark's nylon bushings.
The Spyder came to me with very hefty Front 7/8" bar & Rear 3/4" bar installed. Ride was flat but really jostled when going over road bumps & RR tracks. They were aftermarket bars and road clearance was minimal. Took those off it loosened up and felt more predictable (reminded me of the 356 handling I had learned to "like") but was not extreme. I have acquired a '64 factory front bar, mounts and nylon bushings so I can try that if it rolls too much with these new wheels/tires.
Ken
'62 Spyder
Florida
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/26/2020 07:24AM by kmart356.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why did you take off the front bar? Body roll on a 64 without the front bar has to be extreme. I stiffen the front bar with Clark's nylon bushings.
The Spyder came to me with very hefty Front 7/8" bar & Rear 3/4" bar installed. Ride was flat but really jostled when going over road bumps & RR tracks. They were aftermarket bars and road clearance was minimal. Took those off it loosened up and felt more predictable (reminded me of the 356 handling I had learned to "like") but was not extreme. I have acquired a '64 factory front bar, mounts and nylon bushings so I can try that if it rolls too much with these new wheels/tires.
Ken
'62 Spyder
Florida
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/26/2020 07:24AM by kmart356.
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
mborge
()
Date: January 05, 2021 05:54PM
Looks awesome. Will get 17's soon. I like BBS but they are expensive, so I might just choose Enkei from 4wheelonline.
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
Seth Emerson
()
Date: January 05, 2021 10:45PM
The neat thing about wheels/tires. If you don't like them - 4 or 5 bolts and you change them.
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
kenzen
()
Date: January 11, 2021 05:40PM
Looks great! 17's give you lots of tire options as well.
Ken
kenzen
66 Monza Coupe 110/PG
Bel Air, MD
Ken
kenzen
66 Monza Coupe 110/PG
Bel Air, MD
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
didget69
()
Date: January 11, 2021 05:56PM
I'm looking into 17's on a '64 as well... hmm.
bnc
bnc
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
JimBrandberg
()
Date: January 12, 2021 06:04AM
Maybe it's just me but if all I wanted was a 195 tire a 6" wheel seems like it would be plenty.
I'm not trying to disparage anyone, the 17" wheels are great and I suppose once a guy has 7" wheels fitted he can always mount different tires.
I'm just sort of going over the possibilities for other folks considering bigger wheels.
Jim Brandberg
Isanti, MN
CorvairRepair.com
I'm not trying to disparage anyone, the 17" wheels are great and I suppose once a guy has 7" wheels fitted he can always mount different tires.
I'm just sort of going over the possibilities for other folks considering bigger wheels.
Jim Brandberg
Isanti, MN
CorvairRepair.com
Re: 17" wheels on EM
Posted by:
kmart356
()
Date: January 12, 2021 07:23AM
JimBrandberg Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Maybe it's just me but if all I wanted was a 195 tire a 6" wheel seems like it would be plenty.
Cannot disagree with your logic but as clarification, my search started with the 17" wheels, not the 195 tire. Once I found the 17" wheel that I really liked (and would fit) then I selected the tires that were closest to the 24" diameter spec. There are 215/45x17 tires that should also fit the EM with cautions noted. Might just try a set on the rear next time.
Ken
'62 Spyder
Florida
-------------------------------------------------------
> Maybe it's just me but if all I wanted was a 195 tire a 6" wheel seems like it would be plenty.
Cannot disagree with your logic but as clarification, my search started with the 17" wheels, not the 195 tire. Once I found the 17" wheel that I really liked (and would fit) then I selected the tires that were closest to the 24" diameter spec. There are 215/45x17 tires that should also fit the EM with cautions noted. Might just try a set on the rear next time.
Ken
'62 Spyder
Florida
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