[julianr]

Hello,
I recently picked up a 94 firebird and the front tires are shot, and the rears are just about bald. I want to change them, and a guy by my house has some corvette c6 rims with tires for sale. the rears are 19x10 and fronts 18x8.5. I just wanted to know if they will fit, or I need spacers. I saw somewhere I may need spacers in the rear, but can't find it in the forum.

 

[FSTLS1TA]

The bolt pattern is the same but the offset/backspacing will not work for your car. And the need spacers need are big and longer wheel studs will be needed.

 

[Injuneer]

Can be done, but there are some issues.

First, up until 97, the rear axle hub diameter is larger than the front hub diameter. Usually, when putting newer wheels (97+) on the older models, like your 94, the hub holes on the rear wheels have to be lightly sanded to allow the wheels to fit over the rear axle hubs. No problems doing this, since the wheels are centered on the axles by the conical lug nuts.

As far as the C6 wheels, the factory sizes are (are they factory wheels, or aftermarket repro wheels?):

Front: 18" x 8.5" 54mm offset. This will bolt directly to your fronts, with no problems. The wheel will sit slightly deep in the wheel well, but will not cause any problems.

Rear: 19" x 10" 79mm offset. This is where the problem is. That's an 8.75" backspace, and that will not fit on the rear without a "spacer". But you don't use a spacer that slips over longer wheel studs. You buy a spacer/adapter from someone like Skulte Performance Designs, that bolts directly to your rear axles, and has another set of studs to bolt your wheels to. Using studs long enough to accomodate a 1+" spacer might be dangerous.

Here is a link to a "how to" on another site that I moderate, with specific dimensions for the spacer/adapter (1.25"), and photos (its a Camaro, though):

http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showthread.php?t=528858

Here is a link to a source for very high quality spacers:

http://www.skulte.com/

 

[Pete W]

Can be done, but there are some issues.

First, up until 97, the rear axle hub diameter is larger than the front hub diameter. Usually, when putting newer wheels (97+) on the older models, like your 94, the hub holes on the rear wheels have to be lightly sanded to allow the wheels to fit over the rear axle hubs. No problems doing this, since the wheels are centered on the axles by the conical lug nuts.

As far as the C6 wheels, the factory sizes are (are they factory wheels, or aftermarket repro wheels?):

Front: 18" x 8.5" 54mm offset. This will bolt directly to your fronts, with no problems. The wheel will sit slightly deep in the wheel well, but will not cause any problems.

Rear: 19" x 10" 79mm offset. This is where the problem is. That's an 8.75" backspace, and that will not fit on the rear without a "spacer". But you don't use a spacer that slips over longer wheel studs. You buy a spacer/adapter from someone like Skulte Performance Designs, that bolts directly to your rear axles, and has another set of studs to bolt your wheels to. Using studs long enough to accomodate a 1+" spacer might be dangerous.

Here is a link to a "how to" on another site that I moderate, with specific dimensions for the spacer/adapter (1.25"), and photos (its a Camaro, though):

http://www.camaroz28...ad.php?t=528858

Here is a link to a source for very high quality spacers:

http://www.skulte.com/

Fred what a great post and so very helpful! You are one of the best examples of why this site is so amazing, My Compliments to you!

 

[Zippy]

Damn Fred, Beat me too it LOL. I got my adapters from vbandp.com cost about $400 for 4

 

[Rusty]

Fred knows!!!!

 

[julianr]

Thanks Injuneer , I really appreciate your response and details. A lot of people would have said I needed a spacer and left it at that. Thanks for all the info. I just purchased the adaptors for $70 and hopefully will get this done this week. Currently the car is on jack stands.

 

[96LT1]

nice description injuneer ha