G-bodies and AFX spindles

[Bill Howell]

As people start installing these on their g-bodies, I would love start a list of what size wheels/tires you are using on the front and the proper backspacing. I am in the market for some new wheels, but absolutely want to order the right size the first time. The TTll's I have now are not much help in trying to order the right size since they require spacers with the C-5 brake stuff. I have ordered some 17X7 with 4" bs for a temporary solution, but once someone gets the size right, I will order the new style wheels I want.

[SicMonte]

i dont have those spindles yet...but they are on order from SC&C. Im running 17x8 with 4"bs...and i think they will fit just fine. Call up mark....he will know exactlly what you need on there.

I have been up there numerous times, while my car was being worked on, and I saw the prototypes for the spindles on his frame jig. Awesome stuff....I cant wait to get mine.

[Rubes]

It will probably be a while 'till I install mine (ordered from SC&C last week along with upper/lower tubular arms, the bling plated ball joints and coilover conversion kit). Since Tyler says that they do not increase track width, I too am hoping that the 17x7 4"BS wheels I already have will be OK. Please let me know how those fit. Although I guess I'll see for myself in a few weeks:seizure:

Sorry for making a post without answering your question. I hate it when people do that.

By the way...Mark at SC&C is awsome, just like everyone says. Made me feel like one of his buddies by answering every question in depth and NEVER making me feel like I was wasting his time. Class act right there!!!

Rubes

[olds87]

Have any of you use 17x8 up front with 4" backspace or more of backspace with the AFX spindles?

[Bill Howell]

I ended up ordering 17x7 w 4 3/4 bs. I doubt you will make 8" fit.

[olds87]

Bill do you have any pics of the install?

[RatMalibu]

why would an 8" wheel not fit? interference with the control arms, spindle or what? I've had a 9.5" wheel on the front of my malibu....it was ok just plan on making 12 point turns lol.....tire to frame clearance = nil

[olds87]

Any one from ATS can see if a 17x8 will work or not? Wickedmotorhead put some different type of wheels on and I don't know what size thay where.

[olds87]

I just left a message with Tyler at ATS and Shane put 17x8 wheels on all corners on his car with no problem on Buick that he have.

[white79bu]

I am running American S200's on my 79 Malibu that are 17x8 w/ 5" backspacing on all four corners. The front I am running b-body spindles(soon to be AFX spindles), C5 rotors and calipers w/ no spacer and a 245/45/17. The rear I am running a 1/2" spacer with a 255/45/17 tire. The front rubs once in a great while (at full lock). When I autocross the car I have never heard it rubb. I tried a 17x8 with 4.5" backspacing on the front with my autocross tires 245/45/17's and it rubbed bad. Andy

[Bill Howell]

It will be interesting to see how the new spindles work for you. With the lowering springs combined with the ATX, my car has the right look but the wheel offset had to be changed. Once you sort it out, I will order a new set of custom wheels for myself. I will say this though, after the weekend of autocrossing, I am very happy with the spindles. The car is absolutely on rails now and we still have some suspension tuning to do. Just a tad more camber and we will be set. I am so happy with the times compared to all the high tech cars that were at the event. the best time any camaro did was a 64.1 and the bu did a 65.5
I know that is a bunch but the camaro was DSE's test car with all their goodies and much more hp. I feel the bu's times were very respectable.

[Marcus SC&C]

I just noticed this thread and thought I`d chime in. The AFX spindle and C5 rotor only have about .250" more offset to the outside (the thickness of the rotor) vs. stock G spindles and rotors so the difference between the two is very slight. I like 4.5" BS on G bodys in general for best tire clearance in the front so if you`ve got 4"BS the tires will be a little closer but it should still work fine so long as it`s not ground dragging low. A little more - camber will free up some fender clearance also. We also tried the spindles with a 17x8.5 Momo with 5"BS and there`s LOTS of tie rod end clearance (about 1/2" more than stock G spindles). They actually fit inside a 7.5"BS C5 wheel (it just won`t fit on a G body) so they`re not too particular about wheel fitment.
Bill just wait until you get it dialed in. It`s pretty close in geometry to our G-5 package and I`m still impressed with our G-5 Cutlass every time I drive it. The harder you drive the car the more you`ll appreciate it. :) Mark SC&C

[whitess]

Mark,
Is the 4.5" BS better for the stock spindles also or just the ATS ones? If so, is this just for clearance at the fender or does it make a difference in the handling as compared to a wheel with a 4" BS?
Larry.

[Buick Motorsports]

On my Buick, I currently have the following up front

17 x 8.5 w/4.47 inch backspace, 245-40 tire.

Stock spindle with -1 degree of camber. Absolutley zero interference, and I like the way the wheel sits in the well.

[65convertible]

Hey Guys, anybody tried C6 18 x 8.5 all the way around or 9.5 on back of a g body, with spacers,regardless of inner fenders etc, is that all it hits, or what else has to be modded. Looking to put c6 wheels on 86 elco, willing to cut inners frt and rr, any help? Thanks

[shelby987]

I read through the thread, and couldn't find what I was looking for, can anyone tell me is C5 rotors and calipers will fit inside of a TT II's 17x8 rim on the front of a G-body with ATS spindles? Am I looking at any rubbing issues.....how low can I go before I am looking at issues?

Also, about the question above, any answers on whether or not a 17x9.5 rim can be stuffed under the rear of a G-body with 275/40/R17 tires? If so, what is required, and how low can I go until I have issues?

Almost forgot, if the combo above does work, what B.S. do I need to be running front/rear?

[gearheadmatt]

I just ordered the AFX spindles from ATS. Mark at SC&C is the g-body guru and spent much time on the phone ironing out details of backspacing and such. I'll be running C6 calipers with matching 12.8" rotors until further funding permeits an upgrade to either Z51 (J55) option larger discs (13.5"), and Hawk pads.
Wheels, according to several sources, can range 8.5" and even 9" up front depending on camber and ride height. I've ordered ROH Drift R's in 18x9 front and 18x10 rear. Fronts have 5" back space and rears will have a custom adapter made. Tires are 245 40 front and 285 40 rear.
Its all going in an 86 Regal. got 800lb. coils front & 175lb rears all with adjustable ride height perches (circle track stuff). Will run standard sway bar till I get a better idea in sorting the suspension set up. It should stick like glue, at least compared to now! Mark has been a great help and has all sorts of cool stuff in the pipeline for g-bodies including a Watts-link!

When I get it all together I'll update with specifics for rear backspace and any issues with the install.

[jdpolzin]

What springs are you guys running in the front?? I have a set of MOOG 5658 for my GN. I'm hoping to accomplish a 2" total drop with the AFX spindles and MOOG springs. -------Jeremy

[Gbodyolds]

What factory GM wheels can I bolt on to a G body that will clear C5 brakes and have no rubbing issues ?

[Gbodyolds]

no one ??? :dunno:

[Gbodyolds]

will 96 Impala SS wheels clear C5's ?? I know their the wrong bolt pattern and the offset is wrong but a set of adaptors can fix both of those problems.

[GBodyGMachine]

I run 18x9 and 18x10. Tires are 255/40/18 and 295/30/18. I have 9.5" 550lb circle track springs in the front with adjustable spring cups and 185lb coilovers in the rear. Front wheels have 4.75in of backspacing.
My car is low, ask mark. I dont rub but I do have a frame notch in the rear and no inner fender wells in the front with the chrome trim massaged a bit.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/12/73b385i-1.jpg

[megaladon6]

anyone have a problem with the tire hitting the frame on turns? i am trying to figure out my spacer thickness. i'm using 17x8.5 w/54mm offset up front. i believe i'm good with 2" spacers. the car will be dropped 2-3in.

[gearheadmatt]

Ok folks. Finally got it together, snow's is melting out here so had to be able to play ya know.
Here's the skinny. I just got it together two days ago and aligned today so started pushing it a bit in the twisties. Refer to the setup I posted above I think May 07.
Back spacing: I'm running 18X8 F with 245 40 18 and 18X10 R with 285 35 18 (bout 27 inches tall by 11.75" wide). Five (5) inches backspace on the rear; gives about 1/2" - 5/8" between tire and frame and about the same on the fender. I have them trimmed about a 1/4" in from the outer edge. Tucks right in and looks great!
Fronts are 5" BS with a 5mm thick hub centric spacer (about .2"). No rubbing and tucks in perfectly at full compression without fender mods.
I had custom adapters made for the rears as they came at 6.5" BS. I would HIGHLY recommend wheeladapters.com. They make them hub and wheel centric and turn around is a day or so.
Assembly: Its a bit trial and error but pretty easy other wise. You will have to remove the steering stops from the control arms (they don't tell you that). The SPC adjustable arms look sick and are a breeze to use when adjusting alignment but they have no bumpstops. I installed limiting straps but they are not necessarily needed. Any questions, call Mark at SC&C. He'll talk your ear off but what an amazing help and wealth of knowledge that guy has.
Driving: Hard to compare from skinnies but DAMN! I don't even have my sway bar on yet and still have some tuning/ride hight adjustments to make but it does damn well so far. I've got it set to a performance oriented alignment and turn initiation is pretty nice. Seems to increase steering ratio a bit too. Predictable and alot of fun. Can't wait to get it fully sorted and get to some sort of 'legal' twistie event.
Additional info: I'm happy to talk to anyone doing the swap and make recommendations/troubleshooting tips. I don't have any new pics just yet but will soon. If anyone wants to get an idea of the wheel/tire combo and how it looks just let me know & I'll be happy to forward some pics. email: [email protected]
All the best and happy touring!

[GinoRin]

I need help on wheel fitment as well. My challenge is I don't have the front clip on my car yet, and need to order wheels/tires asap so I can roll this thing around the body shop. Its an 87 GN with AFX spindles in front, and C6 Z06 brakes all the way around. I have Global west UCA's (offset for B-body spindle), stock lowers, and Eibach drop springs on all 4 corners. I'm trying to buy a 18" wheel to fit these monster brakes (it'll be a 3 piece). As a reference Simmons F-series 18" will not fit. (rim hardware hits the calipers) Wanting to run a 245/40/18 in the front and a 295/35/18 rear. I will go 285 in the rear if needed, but Im lookin at that 295/35/18 BFG drag radial :) I have the rear fenderwell rolled. Is ANYONE running the AFX / C6 Z06 combo on a G-body yet????? Please, someone????

Any help is appreciated... :bananna2:

[GinoRin]

bump this back up. I ordered wheels in late March, and I just got them today. The company wouldnt let me give my input on backspace and here I sit with a set of 18x8.5 front and 18x9.5 rear all with 5.5" of backspace, AFX spindle/C6Z06 brakes on all 4 corners. Theres no way these things are going to work without at least an inch spacer... I'm a little bummed since it took 14 weeks to get these things in the first place. I test fitted the fronts and they hit my tubular UCA on full lock, and theyre gonna rub the frame BAD on the rear without a heavy spacer there too. Also, I ordered a gloss gunmetal finish and I received a matte finish, so I think I'm going to have to send these back. I didnt drop 4k on wheels and tires to have to use a spacer.... Is ANYONE running a C6 Z06 setup with AFX spindles on a G body? please?? I need to get this backspace thing figured out so I can get some wheels.. I'm totally worn out on this subject...

[slimneverdies]

How much are these spindles? Is there a distributor cheaper than the $750 guys out there? Damn, I want a pair of these bad boys.

[Samckitt]

If anyone has any pics of these installed, and of the spindles themselves up close, please post them.

[ScotI]

.... I ordered wheels in late March, and I just got them today. The company wouldnt let me give my input on backspace and here I sit with a set of 18x8.5 front and 18x9.5 rear all with 5.5" of backspace, AFX spindle/C6Z06 brakes on all 4 corners. Theres no way these things are going to work without at least an inch spacer... I didnt drop 4k on wheels and tires to have to use a spacer.... Is ANYONE running a C6 Z06 setup with AFX spindles on a G body? please?? I need to get this backspace thing figured out so I can get some wheels.. I'm totally worn out on this subject...
Any pics?
I suggest doing preliminary BS verifications w/a known wheel. That would give you an idea of what you need before spending more time/effort on wheels you might receive based on an over the phone recommendation.

[xxxturbo6]

I have just installed a set of CCW Classic's & Toyo T1R tires on my 86' T-Type and I must say They fit GREAT! This is on a complete stock system! Future up-grades will soon be- The SSBC dual piston calipers with slotted rotors up front and F-Body disc brakes in the rear and eventually a full Air-Ride kit..
Here is my sizes.

Wheel sizes:

FRONT: 18" X 9.5" W/ 4.75 Back spacing..
REAR: 18" X 10" W/ 4.75 Back spacing..

Tire sizes:

FRONT: 255 / 35 ZR18
REAR: 285 / 40 ZR18

Picture:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[H2Ogbodies]

1994-97 Impala SS wheels fit as far as a bolt on with regards to clearance however, I used B-body spindles and re-drilled my axles for the 5 on 5 pattern. I ordered them from an ROH distributor about four years ago but they are not available anymore. They had 5" B/S-ing and fit my 79 Monte like a glove. I had Hotchkis uppers, F-body front anti-roll bar (1.25" diam.) and Olds Cutlass diesel springs with half a coil cut. This gave me an overall drop of three inches and even with an Iroc gearbox, I had no rubbing problems. I ran 255/45/17 tires up front and 285/40/17 in the back. However, I am now doing my own b-body spindle mods to accept brackets for the -05-up Caddy CTS-V front brakes as well as the rears. I am building for maximum braking so 14" rotors and Brembos at all four corners will be in my future by April hopefully.

[wheelman]

If you find this thread and want to know how to determine the correct offset to make the biggest tire fit without rubbing, check out the Tire MountMate at www.wheelworksinc.com .

[gearheadmatt]

I have C6 8.5 x 18 front wheels on my 84GN with B-car (tall) spindles and Hotchkis tubular b-car conversion upper control arms. I could position the wheel tire way more inside but have an interferencw with the upper ball joint area of the control arm. Thinking about seeing if the C6 9.5 x 19 rear wheel will fit the front. It all fits with Riken Raptor 245/45-18 tires on front but would like to move the front wheel-tire inboard 1/2" or so to stay away from the fender lip.
Conrad

Conrad,
unless you do some major massaging of the front fender or remove the inner fender there is NO WAY a 9.5x19 will fit, unless you just go straight...would look sick though

[gearheadmatt]

I have just installed a set of CCW Classic's & Toyo T1R tires on my 86' T-Type and I must say They fit GREAT! This is on a complete stock system! Future up-grades will soon be- The SSBC dual piston calipers with slotted rotors up front and F-Body disc brakes in the rear and eventually a full Air-Ride kit..
Here is my sizes.

Wheel sizes:

FRONT: 18" X 9.5" W/ 4.75 Back spacing..
REAR: 18" X 10" W/ 4.75 Back spacing..

Tire sizes:

FRONT: 255 / 35 ZR18
REAR: 285 / 40 ZR18

Picture:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

bump for a SICK ride!!:cheers:

[xxxturbo6]

I have C6 8.5 x 18 front wheels on my 84GN with B-car (tall) spindles and Hotchkis tubular b-car conversion upper control arms. I could position the wheel tire way more inside but have an interferencw with the upper ball joint area of the control arm. Thinking about seeing if the C6 9.5 x 19 rear wheel will fit the front. It all fits with Riken Raptor 245/45-18 tires on front but would like to move the front wheel-tire inboard 1/2" or so to stay away from the fender lip.
Conrad Conrad,

Not sure if the 19's will fit but I can vouch for the 18's! You haven't mentioned your back spacing, what is that front & rear?

I currently have 18"x 9.5" rims up front with a 255/35-18 tire and my ride height from the ground to the fender lip measured at the center of the wheel is 24 5/8"... My BS is (4.75" front & rear)

No massaging of the inner fender lip or inner fender. Things will change when I go to the BAER brake set up as the BAER brakes move the front wheel outward .400 (1/2") and the rear .200..

So as long as you stay with stock style brakes you should be fine. If you have 3-piece wheels this kind of switch is a piece of cake cause all you do is change out your hoops to the new size you need & back spacing.

I'm also running -1.1 deg camber right now and will soon be moving it up to -1.5 deg. wich will also give us a tad more room at the top of the wheel well opening.


Scot W,

[gearheadmatt]

I run 18x9 and 18x10. Tires are 255/40/18 and 295/30/18. I have 9.5" 550lb circle track springs in the front with adjustable spring cups and 185lb coilovers in the rear. Front wheels have 4.75in of backspacing.
My car is low, ask mark. I dont rub but I do have a frame notch in the rear and no inner fender wells in the front with the chrome trim massaged a bit.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/12/73b385i-1.jpg


way old post but i've seen pics of your car...low is an understatement. i've got almost the identical set up and been running the autocross a bit. it needs to be lower i think but i'm hesitant to remove inner fenders. doesn't it get sh*t all over the engine bay?

[xxxturbo6]

bump for a SICK ride!!:cheers: Thanks for the compliment!


Scot W.

[chumscustoms]

i have been on the montecarloss website and a couple guys are running 18x9.5 and 17x9.5 rear and front the say wihth spacers thery are getting the stock vette wheels to fit all around, doe sanyone have experience with this

[eldogg]

I have C4 Corvette wheels 17x8.5 & 17x9.5 on my Elco. B-body spindle but my C5 brake swap is still on the shelf. Give me a month or so.

[killer69]

Here is our new GN that has the complete Track Time Package installed, the package includes
AFX Spindles and steering arms
Tubular upper and lower arms that are designed for max clearance, the GN is running 18x 9 with 6" bs and 275 30's
Ridetech coil overs specific to the package
front chassis / steering box brace
1 5/16 tubular sway bar
a Lee steering box is also available.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/DSC_2941-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/DSC08960-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/DSC_2944-1.jpg

The Rear inclused upper and lower trailing arms with Articulink joints. both uppers and lowers are adjustable.
Coil over conversion that also includes instant center and anti squat adjustment.
ProTouring adjustable sway bar

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/Gbodyarms019-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/Gbodyarms012-1.jpg

if you have any questions let me know

[Pro Touring SS]

Are you running 18X9 and 275's with the 6inch backspacing all around? And what kind of wheels are those? they're wicked!

[alphaenvirmgt]

I will spill my guts tonight on my 84 Grand National. Still working on fronts. Ridetech Truturn control arms and 3-way triple adjustable coilovers and Musclebar. Also have GNX fender extenders and patch panels. Also have modified fender liners to eliminate tire rubbing of wide tires. Currently running C5 Vette wheels...8.5 x 18 with 1.5" spacer yielding ~5.5" (~7" wheel backspace with 1.5" spacer =5.5" combo backspace). Tire is 275-35-18 Raptor tire. At full turn, inside rim is very close to upper control arm and tire rubs Musclebar arm. Of course, won't be at full lock on Autocross course so not sure how critical this is.

Scot W is running RidetechTruturns & coilovers. Not sure about sway bar or specific tire but know they are 255's, 9.5 x 18 CCW wheel (4.75 BS). I don't know how this combo is not rubbing fenders...May be the relatively narrow tire. 275's are wider and, according to Ridetech should fit.

I am "looking" at 295-30's (on 9.5 or 10" wide wheels) but know they are way wider than 275's! Still looking at the available real-estate. Anyone tried 295's under front fender of G-body?
Conrad

[MonzaRacer]

I am wondering if there is a steering arm 1/2 in shorter than the g body length.
I need to find out if there is a shorter arm I could use. I have wondered about using g body ats spindle on my Monza but the g body arms are 1/2 in longer than h body and it really messes with steering angles.

[AarenJones]

Hey, would anyone know if its possible to run 275/40/r17 on all four corners? if so what back spacing and was there any Mods needed to make these fit. I have a 1988 cutlass and I plan to run the AFX spindles. any advice would be appreciated thanks in advance!

[SSLance]

I run 275/40/17s all the way around on my car on 17 x 9.5s with a 5.0" backspace. I use a 1/8" spacer on the rear and have corrected the geometry on the front with aftermarket control arms and tall lower ball joint and the only slight rub I have is on the frame up front at full lock.

[AarenJones]

I run 275/40/17s all the way around on my car on 17 x 9.5s with a 5.0" backspace. I use a 1/8" spacer on the rear and have corrected the geometry on the front with aftermarket control arms and tall lower ball joint and the only slight rub I have is on the frame up front at full lock.

Awesome thank you! I've been frying my brain trying to figure this out lol.

[79T/Aman]

posting a dead link on first post?!

[derekf]

How else would we know they're spammers?

(also, maybe don't click obvious spam links?)