EDIT-Added new question!

I just got a killer deal on a set of 17 x 9 ZR1's from a 2000 SS. I have three main questions, and a few sub-questions.....

1) What size spacers do I need for the front.

2) What size spacers so I need for the rear.

3) Where can I get the least expensive spacers. I looked at Thunder racing and they are $$$$ Do places like Pep Boys sell them a little less expensive and if so, how much should I expect to pay? On the same note, what are some of the dangers of using slip on spacers for this application?

It seems as though everyone is using 2" adapters. Will a 1.5" adapter work? If so, it seems as though the difference in appearance would be minimal, as I am staring at a ruler right now.

Thanks

 

2 inch spacers all around I believe, also, I don't think cheap spacers exist

 

I'm just trying to weigh my options as far as the different places to get spacers, and what types. I don't want to be stuck having to buy Billet aluminum $350 bolt on spacers if I don't have to. Can anyone recommend different places to get them?

 

For anything that thick, cheap really ain't the way to go. I got mine from Andris Skulte, www.skulte.com. I think JC Whitney sells them too and I don't think Pep Boys carries anything that big! I think there is a place vette brakes too!!

 

I checked out Skulte, and he has the same product as thunder racing.
I know that cheap is never the way to go. I drive this car approx 20 miles every weekend, and that's about it. No drags, no auto x, no performance. So, aside from cheap, I am just trying to be thorough and weigh any options, besided the main three that everyone names, that all sell very similar products at similar prices.
Thanks

 

Using a slip on spacer and longer studs can cause the studs to shear off.

 

Especially when you're talking about a 2" spacer...that's a LOT of room for the studs to flex and break. I would never run a slip-on spacer more than 1/2" thick, and maybe not that.



The good news is, you don't necessarily have to have rear spacers. You can pick up a 4th gen rear which is 4" wider and bolt it right in. You'll get posi, rear discs, better gears, and built-in spacing for the ZR1 wheels, all for $400 or less. Sure, it's twice the price of just spacers, but you're gonna want better gears and rear discs anyway, right? Get them now and save in the long run.

 

Thanks for the info. I guess I'm the only guy on this board who just uses his car for cruising with the family. I've done the performance thing, with my LS1, and sold it to get an SUV. I don't have a need for better gears, as the stock's on my auto are great for highway and city cruising, keeping it at low RPM's. There for I don't really want gears that would be better for performance, as theat would take away from comfort. This car could run 18's in the quarter and I would care less
As far as the spacers, it seems unanimous that it would be a danger to run slip on's, so thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

 

definately dangerous...full on adapters aren't always a sure thing as it is so to trust slip on anything with that much space would be crazy if you value anyone riding in the vehicle.

typical 30-50 is a decent range to expect when picking up adapters. i bought mine from skulte and still had to have more work done to them. personally i'm against using adapters in anyway but i do realize when you get a deal and can't afford to have direct bolt wheels sometimes it's the best way. just be sure it's worth the money your saving.

for an extra 400 i could have had my wheels i have now rather then my old z06's with adapters.....wish i would have known what i do now but you live and learn! good luck and enjoy the ss wheels. by the way; zr1 wheels are much much wider.

 

Thanks for the detail! What type of work did you have to perform on those adapters? Has anyone else had issues with adapters, or needed additional modification before installing your 4th gen wheels?
Also, is it fairly unanimous, that although there is a difference in the front and rear of our cars, that I will need 2" adapters all the way around? And, can I rund 275/40/17's all the way around, or do I need to go smaller up front?
Thanks

 

I run the Skulte spacers on the front of my car and all I did was bolt them on. After a few weeks I went back and re torqued them (as per the instructions) but I have had no issues with mine. I have a 4th gen rear so rear spacers I have no idea. I am running 18 x 9.5 y2k c5 wheels and have had no issues!!

 

NEW QUESTION-NEW QUESTIOn

Does a 1.5" adapter work? I was just wondering if anybody has experience with that. Does it work, if so, how would that 1/2" affect the appearance? It seems like a very small amount.

 

1.5" spacing for what? the adapters?

you really should pick the tire for the rim. a 275/40/17 is perfect for a 9.5 rim so do the math if you have a different size. another thing that bothered me with using adapters was how the brakes are so far back from the face of the rim. everyone thought i was running fwd rims on the car. if you have brakes that you don't want to be seen though it might be a blessing. it did help to keep my rims alot cleaner thats for sure.

 

Yes, would using 1.5" adapters work for slapping on a set of OEM SLP ZR1 rims? Any opinions, as to how much/little this would change the look? These are the 17 x 9, not 9.5". I will be using 275/40/17 F1's. These were one of the many rims I ran on my '01 LS1, so I am familiar with them. I believe they have the 56mm offset for 93-02 F-bods.

 

1.5 may be pushing it to fit your rim. I believe 2" or 1.75" would be the smallest you would be able to run. I am running 2.25" adapters on front with my 9.5" rim and I only have a gap of my finger between my wheel and strut. So for a 9" I would think 1.75" would be the smallest. Andris can answer any questions you may have. As far as the brakes go, it doesn't bother me to have them sitting back a little. Every show I have been to since putting them on, people love the look of my car and are amazed i got the c5 y2k's to fit on my car!!!