********* *NOTE #1* ********* I did some research on the wheels for 4th gen F-Bodies subject just recently. If you are looking at mounting 275/40-17 front and 315/35-17 rear on a 4th gen using ZR1 wheels, this should pose no problem and many folks have done this... However there are several "gotcha's" to be aware of. If only mounting a 275/40-17 on the front, then a Corvette ZR1 Style front wheel (17 X 9.5, 56mm offset, 7.4-inch backspace) will do quite nicely... good clearance and no worries. What's really a nightmare is mounting a 17 x 11 on the front... but that's another story. Mounting rear 17 X 11 wheels is a bit tricky. Be very aware that 17 X 11 Corvette ZR1-style wheels come in two offsets: the ZR1 (a 56mm offset, 7.4-inch b/s) and the GS (a 50mm offset, 8.0-inch b/s) For a 4th Gen Camaro the rear 17 X 11's MUST USE the GS Offset (50mm offset, 8-inch b/s) wheels. A ZR1 offset will stick the wheels too far outboard, causing tire to outer fender lip interference.... which is bad! The GS offset tucks the wheels way inboard which clears the outer fenders (just barely) but causes some tire to inner fender well rubbing.... but that can be dealt with as follows.... You will need provide some additional clearance (with a large hammer) in the forward inner fender wheels to eliminate tire rubbing. I found that it was easiest to remove the rear springs and jack up the rear axle until the axle is barely touching the jounce bumpers (don't lift the car off the jack stands doing this!). This process simulates the position of the axle and wheels in full compression. With the rear axle in simulated full-compression position, center the axle with your NEW adjustable panhard rod (you SHOULD have one to run the 17 X 11's) and then look/feel around the back side of the tires to see/feel for any close clearances. I aimed for a minimum of .75-inch clearance (thickness of an index finger). Mark all tight/close areas with a piece of chalk, lower axle (don't stretch the brake line please), remove wheels, confirm that the rear seat is in the "up" and locked position (keeps the seat pins from moving), and start pounding the marked areas with a > 5-pound hammer. Note that large pieces of the undercoating will dislodge, so get some spray on undercoating for later touch-up. Repeat process as needed until a uniform .75-inch clearance between tire and inner fender well is achieved. If your car has been lowered, then you will also need to check for tire to outer fender lip clearance when the wheels/axle in the simulated full compression position. You might need to "roll" outer fender lip flange by gentle persuasions with a body work hammer. Also, with the wheels mounted check for tire/wheel clearance when the rear axle is allowed to droop (to full extension of the rear shocks) when the frame is supported (such as on a frame hoist). Many people have had to modify/grind the jounce bumper for clearance. Most people don't worry about it. But its worth checking and knowing that there is a possibility for severe wheel/tire damage if the car is hoisted wrong or could possibly get airborne.... ;-) That should do it. FWIW: I elected to run 17 X 10.5 wheels (custom 3-piece, 48 mm offset, 7.625 b/s) with 315/35-17's on all four corners of my autocross (SCCA ESP) Camaro. This size allows for easy rotation (no spacers needed) adequate rear fender clearance (some pounding, no jounce bumper mods) but I did have to "shim" the front fenders to gain some outer fender lip clearance. Wow what a novel! Contact me if you've got any questions. ********* *NOTE #2* ********* Yup, genuine GM 17 X 11 ZR1 wheels are $pendy! The 17 X 11 GS Wheels (available in Black color only) are no longer stocked or listed by GM Parts, so used or NOS is the only way to purchase them these days. When the 17 X 11 GS wheels were stocked, they were also MORE expensive than the ZR1 17 X 11's ... ouch! I had assumed that you were going with after market rims (ZR1-"style" a.k.a. replica rims) anyway.... so I didn't mention wheel sources.... sorry. Anyway, AFS is one of the best wheel reproduction manufacturers in the current market... so you made a good choice there. The only minor downsides of the AFS wheels is that they are a little bit heavier than the OEM wheels because they are a cast wheel while the OEM's are forged, which makes the OEM wheels a little stronger too. If you aren't planning to compete in "major league" racing events were you need every hundredth of a second you can buy... then you should be quite happy with the AFS Wheels. A few "name" autocrossers use AFS wheels so that's a good product testimonial in my opinion. You also made a good choice on the adjustable LGM G2 Panhard rod. I run a LGM G2 Race (double rod ends) Panhard Rod on my Camaro these days.... its a very strong and light-weight unit... easy to adjust too. Expect a small increase in "road noise" with the new panhard rod though as a warning. BTW: I had a typo or two in my original reply... the hammer I used for fender pounding was a 3-pound (NOT 5-pound) "drilling" hammer... I guess with extended use it must'a felt like a 5-lb. Best wishes on your wheel install. Regards, Rick Smale '95 Camaro Z/28 #97 ESP / NWR SCCA #97 IB / WWSCC -----Original Message----- From: Bill Francis [mailto:bill@abacuscorporation.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2002 9:26 AM To: cjessup@eskimo.com; Rick Smale Subject: Hey guys, if you ever get asked about 315 tires again check this out!!! GM wanted $507 for the ZR-1 RIMS (not bloody likely). But anyways, AFS makes replica wheels for Corvettes, Camaro's, Mustangs, etc. so I went to their website. Went into the Corvette area and saw the wheels and thought, "nice", but wrong offsets (oh, GM does not give GS offsets for ZR1 wheels). So then I went to the Camaro area and WHAT DID I SEE? Tons of different combinations of wheels, sizes, and everything. This package from them includes ZR1 (replica) wheels; 56mm offsets for the front 9.5x17, 50mm offsets for the rear 11x17, center caps (will have to order blank ones and put the Z28 logo on it for myself), and TIRES 275/40 & 315/35 @ $1648 for silver finished wheels. That includes mount, balance, shipping, everying! SWEET! I'm going to order that and a G2 ADJUSTABLE PANHARD BAR for $179 and I'll ready for the install! http://www.afswheels.com/camaro_wheels/index.asp Thanks again for all your help!