16x8 Firebird wheels won't fit 3rd gen?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 236
From: Herrin, IL
16x8 Firebird wheels won't fit 3rd gen?
I bought a set of 16x8 rims off of a 1998 Firebird, and they will not fit on my 1988 formula. The kid I bought them from had them on his 91 RS, so I'm stumped. Any suggestions?
Administrator
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 71,109
From: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
Re: 16x8 Firebird wheels won't fit 3rd gen?
What part "won't fit"? They should have the same bolt pattern 5 x 4-3/4".
But.... the 4th Gen wheel has 1.5" to 2.5" more backspace than you need on a 3rd Gen. The rear axle on a 3rd Gen is 3" narrower than the one used on the 4th Gen, for example, and the front and back "backspace" is different on a 3rd Gen. You generally need 1.5" - 2.5" wide spacers to use 4th Gen wheels, and have them out near the edge of the fenders where they belong.
But.... the 4th Gen wheel has 1.5" to 2.5" more backspace than you need on a 3rd Gen. The rear axle on a 3rd Gen is 3" narrower than the one used on the 4th Gen, for example, and the front and back "backspace" is different on a 3rd Gen. You generally need 1.5" - 2.5" wide spacers to use 4th Gen wheels, and have them out near the edge of the fenders where they belong.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 236
From: Herrin, IL
Re: 16x8 Firebird wheels won't fit 3rd gen?
The bolts don't align with the holes which I think is very weird.
Can you get the spacers at Autozone?
I'm really noobish to working on cars so thanks for your time.
Can you get the spacers at Autozone?
I'm really noobish to working on cars so thanks for your time.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dbusch22
Forced Induction
6
Oct 31, 2016 11:09 AM
PFYC
Supporting Vendor Group Purchases and Sales
0
Dec 4, 2014 11:56 AM
formula79
Automotive News / Industry / Future Vehicle Discussion
23
Jun 20, 2002 01:42 PM