C5 wheels on 3rd Gen Nova

[Cruisin'73]

Howdy guys. First off, check out the new shoes I picked for my baby: C5 thin spokes in near perfect condition with 245/45R17 fronts, 275/45R18 rears

I am in the mock up stage now, and I am trying to determine the thickness of spacers required front and rear. I have found a few Camaros running C5s and 2" spacers seem the most common. From my measurements I am estimating about 1.5"-2" should give me the best fit. If any one has any experience, pictures or recommendations I would appreciate it. THANK guys!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_1140_zpsdwc9t7dw-1.jpg (http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/griffit2/media/Nova%20Continued%20Improvements/IMG_1140_zpsdwc9t7dw.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_1137_zps23ugfyzi-1.jpg (http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/griffit2/media/Nova%20Continued%20Improvements/IMG_1137_zps23ugfyzi.jpg.html)

[JustJohn]

I like.

Thinking about Corvette wheels on mine to go with the brakes.

[Kenova]

Plywood is your friend.
Cut out some plywood discs and drill your bolt pattern in them. You can stack various thicknesses and bolt the wheels on. Cycle the wheels through their range of motion looking for any interference issues. When you find the thickness that works order up the real deal.

Ken

[67rally]

If the 3rd gen Nova is exactly like the 1st gen Camaro, then a +6 offset will center the wheel in the opening, giving you the most clearance between the inner and outer fenders.

If you have a wheel with a +50 offset, subtract 6 and that's 44mm. That's the sized spacer to hit "ideal". Since there are 25.4mm/inch....44mm/25.4mm=1.73" So a 1.75" spacer would be closest to centered. If you want to tuck the wheel a little more, go with a thinner spacer, and if you want to push it out flush to the outer fender, go a little thicker.

I like Ken's idea, but if you are building a 1.5-2" spacer, your wheel studs may be too short to even get a lugnut on.

[Cruisin'73]

Thanks for the great idea with the plywood mock-up, but unfortunately 67rally is right, the stock studs are too short to mock-up the anticipated 1.50”.

67rally thank you for your input! Your viewpoint on wheel fitment is very good, and I think I will be adopting it! I believe Camaro and Nova axles are the same overall width, but I am pretty sure the fender well shapes are different from one to the other.

Based on your input and my measurements I think I will be ordering up a set of 1.50” hubcentric spacers this weekend and see if they do they trick. I will also be ordering a several .25” spacers for fine tuning AND allow me to compensate for the axle being offset to the right by approximately .25”, which I understand is a pretty common issue with a lot of the General’s cars from that era.

[67rally]

No problem. What's the offset on the C5 wheels you have? I have been considering some Corvette or BMW take offs for a track day wheel/tire setup.