Wheel and Tire Deal!!

Mike I · #1 (**permalink**) 11-27-2001, 09:53 AM

FYI

For those who own E-M, Midstates, Hunter Cobras etc. and are running un-narrowed Corvette suspensions requiring deep backspace wheels, you may be interested in a wheel and tire deal being offered by SLP performance. SLP is offering their Firebird TO wheels and tires (16"x8" silver painted, 5 spoke, 5 x 4 3/4, 6.5" BS wheels with Goodyear 245/50ZR16 GS-C tires) for $549 (set of 4) complete. This includes mounting, balancing, OEM lug nuts & caps, of course shipping is extra. These are brand new TOs with only a few miles on them. They will also sell the wheels alone for $200 or the tires alone for $399. I saw the ad in Hot Rod magazine and then went to their website ( www.slponline.com ).

I needed a second set of wheels with stickier tires for track events and I figured this is a good starting point for the price, so I ordered a set. Shipping from Tom's River, NJ to Jacksonville, FL is $120, but for a total cost of $669 I think it's still a pretty good deal for me since a new set of wheels alone would cost at least that much.

Mike

nimble · #2 (**permalink**) 11-27-2001, 12:01 PM

Mike,

Do you have any idea how these wheels fit? I'm looking for the same thing for my E-M, but the backspacing that you listed is slightly different than the one E-M recommends.

I'm currently running Compomotive 15x9 rear, 15x7 front. Don't know the backspace off hand.

Mike I · #3 (**permalink**) 11-27-2001, 12:25 PM

Nimble,

I'm running Image bolt-on replica wheels on mine, 15x8.5 RR w/6.00 BS and 15x7.5 FR w/5.25 BS. Currently, my tires sit right at the outer edges of the wheel wells so I figure these will sit just inside of the WWs in the RR and I may have to add a thin spacer in front to keep them from hitting anything on turns. I'll let you know for sure in about a week when I get them.

Mike

BTW, I'm running '87 suspension.

nimble · #4 (**permalink**) 11-27-2001, 12:37 PM

Thanks Mike,
Do let me know how they work. I'm running '85 suspension. I believe yours is a bit wider. Or was it '88 that they changed the geometry?

Mike I · #5 (**permalink**) 11-27-2001, 01:48 PM

Nimble,

The suspension geometry was in fact changed in '88, yours sb the same as mine. I'll let you know how the combination fits my car.

Mike

Mike I · #6 (**permalink**) 12-10-2001, 07:39 AM

Nimble,

The wheels and tires were delivered as promised and I trial fit and road tested them this weekend. They fit perfectly in front, no interference anywhere through full lock to lock swing. The rear required a very thin spacer (7/32", the thinnest I could find) to provide better clearance at the upper trailing arm bolt head. Funny though, this was on the driver side only! I guess the suspension or chassis is not perfectly symmetrical as the passenger side has more than enough clearance....depending on your car, you may not require any shims at all! Note: without the shim, nominal clearance was approx. 1/4", plenty of clearance with the shim installed. Overall, I'm very happy with the purchase and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this deal. The combo looks great on the car and gives it a completely different look. I'll try to post some pix later in the week.

Mike

BTW, I think this combo will definitely outperform the greasy T/A Radials come track time, I'll find out in Feb when we go back to Gainesville....

nimble · #7 (**permalink**) 12-10-2001, 08:06 AM

Mike,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear the wheels are working out. I am seriously considerring the same purchase, especially because of the price, but I can't decide if I want to size up to 17" wheels or not. I'm wonderring how the newer Camaro SS, or Firebird Rims would fit? I think they are 17x9 with 56mm offset. Any thoughts?

It would be great to see some pics. too, thanks.

Mike I · #8 (**permalink**) 12-10-2001, 10:00 AM

Nimble,

I like the idea of stepping up to 17" wheels, but be prepared to pay a premium price...

Also, 56mm (2.2") positive offset on a 17x9 wheel equates to 6.7" of backspace, very possibly too much for your application (in my estimation) without resorting to thicker spacers in the back along with longer wheels studs.

Good luck, whichever way you decide to go.

Mike

nimble · #9 (**permalink**) 12-10-2001, 12:17 PM

Mike,

By the way, what alignment specifications are you using? I haven't had mine set yet...just got it on the road in Sept. and it was pretty good as is, but I need to have it done accutately next spring.

Thx!

Mike I · #10 (**permalink**) 12-10-2001, 01:00 PM

I went with the standard '87 Corvette specs. Stable and true at all speeds

As you mention it, I drove mine for a while before I had it aligned, with no alignment shims installed whatsoever, and it handled pretty well also. And it was really pretty well out of alignment visually (toe & camber) at that point. I'm really impressed with the C4 steering, suspension and brakes on my car, how about you?

Mike

nimble · #11 (**permalink**) 12-10-2001, 01:12 PM

Ditto on the driveability. I can't believe how well it goes knowing it hasn't been aligned. Also, I set the springs and shocks are on full soft. The shocks are koni adjustable which I may try a little bit stiffer, but as is, it is very good.

Mike I · #12 (**permalink**) 12-10-2001, 02:22 PM

Oh yeah, sounds like great minds think alike!!

I went with the Koni's also, and I've got my springs on the softest settings as well, but recently I adjusted my rear shocks to about the midpoint of their adjustment in order to eliminate some of the bounciness I was getting at low speeds. The fronts I've left alone so far.

Mike I · #13 (**permalink**) 12-18-2001, 06:13 AM

Nimble,

I didn't forget about ya' my friend.... here are some pix I promised you. Not the greatest resolution but clear enough I think!

Mike

Mike I · #14 (**permalink**) 12-18-2001, 06:17 AM

A different view.....

Mike I · #15 (**permalink**) 12-18-2001, 06:41 AM

Side view....

nimble · #16 (**permalink**) 12-18-2001, 06:41 AM

Mike,
Those wheels look great. I was worried that the rears would look too small, but I don't think so at all!

By the way, I like your under car exhaust! A little different than most replicas.

Here's a pic of mine...

Mike I · #17 (**permalink**) 12-18-2001, 06:47 AM

Threw this one in for comparison.... 15" replica wheels & road tires installed....

Mike I · #18 (**permalink**) 12-18-2001, 07:15 AM

Nimble, your car is beautiful!!! It's way prettier than mine...

I like the no-rollbar look, almost went that way also, but it's required for track events! Thanks for the compliment, I'm very pleased with my decision to go without the sidepipes, the car is relatively quiet and heat proof (which is real important here in FL!!

)

My brother lives up in Syracuse, next time I visit him I'll look you up.....

BTW, are those headrests I see on your car?

nimble · #19 (**permalink**) 12-18-2001, 07:39 AM

Thanks!

Actually, I will be installing a roll bar soon. I've been spreading out the costs as much as possible, so it's not 100% done yet. Same with the interior...carpet and upholstery.

The seats are high back seats from a Porsche 914. I needed a very thin shell seat for more cockpit room. I'm 6'2", so the replica seats were too thick. I'm not sure that I like the headrests sticking up so high, but it is a trade-off for safety as well.

Do look me up if you come to Syracuse. I'd be happy to show off the car! jamiehayslip@aol.com, (716) 742-3711

-nimble (Jamie Hayslip)

Mike I · #20 (**permalink**) 12-18-2001, 08:48 AM

Jamie, I did the same thing, only I spread the cost over about a ten year period.....

I only recently finished off my interior. I did my own carpeting and door panels, which look okay but not nearly as nice as the E-M carpet & upholstery kits look installed (just a lot cheaper). I never wanted it to be a show car, but even with an el-cheapo interior and an occasional wash and wax, it still never fails to take a trophy every time I do show it (local shows only).

The headrests look good, and I know you tall guys need that extra bit of support to keep the wind and high-G acceleration from slamming your heads back....

Something I don't have to worry about since I'm vertically challenged (only 5'7")

What replica wheels did you go with, they look real sharp. Are you planning to install side emblems? What induction system did you install? Do you have any engine bay pictures? Sorry for all the ???, just curious...