Hey guys I snagged a once in a lifetime deal on some 17x11 ZR1's, only down fall is they are a 36MM off set. This means the wheels stick out just a touch further than id like. I have probably 1.5 inchs clearence inside, so that isnt a problem. Heres my question, Can I take the wheel to a machine shop and have them "mill" the back of it to make it tuck a little bit more? Id like to mill 1/8 to a 1/4 inch off where it bolts up. Is it doable?

 

I didnt know they even made a 17X11 in a 36mm offset. Did you mean something else? Because 36mm should be practically resting on the inside of the fender well.

 

The true Corvette ZR1 17x11 wheel had a 36.5mm offset, and fit under the rear fender of the ZR1 because the ZR1 rear body was 3" wider than the "base" Corvette. When they decided to put the ZR1 17x11 wheels on the 1996 Grand Sport, which didn't have the wider rear fenders, they increased the offset to 50mm, to sort of keep the wheels under the "base" body. It still required a small add-on eyebrow over the top of the wheel opening to meet the coverage requirements.



The 50mm offset puts the outer edge of the tire just inside the fender, if you look straight down from above (at least on the Firebirds). The 36.5mm offset pushes the tire outwards by a little over 1/2", meaning the tire is now outside the fender. Most people seem to prefer the 50mm offset Grand Sport wheels.

 

So is it possible?

 

I wouldnt recommend it. But if you do, just be cautious of how much you take off. Those are relief cuts in the back of the wheel for brake clips. If you mill the back of the wheel take off all brake clips to eliminate any chance of that wheel not mounting flush to the hub. You'll also be compromising the pilot hole for the hub. I just wouldnt do it, but I dont really know if it will affect the integrity of the wheel. Hopefully Fred will chime in again.

 

I have no idea whether it can be done.

 

Sure it can be done but good luck finding a shop that will do it. There are to many liability issues with that so no one is going touch them. Ask me how I know. Been there done that. Ended up selling the wheels