Big Brakes on A body with Billet Specialties 17 in wheels

[Zanie]

I'm looking to upgrade the brakes on my 71 Chevelle from the stock disc/drum set up.
I've got Billet Specialties Hiboy 17 inch wheels
I printed out the KORE3 templates and checked the wheels
The rear C5/C6 305 mm is not problem with the 17 x 10s
The Front C5/C6 325 mm won't clear the 17 x 8s
The smallest id of the wheel is 15-1/4 inch, and that is right where the caliper is.
Interference is only about 1/16 inch, but that seems a bit much to grind!
I've already installed the SC&C tall ball joints with the short spindle (last year).

I'm not married to the wheels and will probably go to 18s next year, so I don't want to spend a ton, just to fit bigger brakes in the wheels.

What are my other options for the fronts?

Use? Autocrossing and that hopefully get to blast around Gingerman again this year.
Thanks!

[THE TECH]

Well based on what you've said, why not wait and get the brakes that you want once you change the wheel setup?

[shep]

I'll probably get flamed for this. Use washers behind the wheel to gain the clearance you need it will probably only take one or two washers on each stud, you are going to need longer studs when you upgrade the brakes anyway. I did this on my 69 so I could run a 245/60 on the factory 14" SS wheel with out the tire rubbing the tie rod ends. You could also buy a spacer that is the correct thickness.

[THE TECH]

I'll probably get flamed for this. Use washers behind the wheel to gain the clearance you need it will probably only take one or two washers on each stud, you are going to need longer studs when you upgrade the brakes anyway. I did this on my 69 so I could run a 245/60 on the factory 14" SS wheel with out the tire rubbing the tie rod ends. You could also buy a spacer that is the correct thickness.

Using any kind of spacer wouldn't eliminate the problem that he has if I am reading it correct. He needs the inner wheel diameter larger.

[Zanie]

Using any kind of spacer wouldn't eliminate the problem that he has if I am reading it correct. He needs the inner wheel diameter larger.

Correct. The inner wheel diameter is the problem.

[shep]

I see, I thought spoke clearance was the issue.

[JRouche]

Hey Dan, I ran into the same problem... If I see it correctly the Hiboys are a smooth lipped hoop, like my BS SLC62 wheels.

Wheel hoops need to have a strengthening section, A rib if you will, I think of it as a channel or U section.. Its where the hoop is formed to create a "U shape". On most wheels the start of the U shape begins more to the outside of the wheel. Thats why we see the step in the hoop. On smooth lipped wheels they start the channel behind the center section. So it intrudes more into the wheel on the backside making caliper clearance an issue.

I did the same thing as you. Went to the Core site and got the specs for the calipers (I have 17" wheels also). They were too tight by just that much

I ended up going with Wilwood calipers. They are not as bulky and clear the wheels just fine. Really close to some parts, the spokes, the rib and even the valve stem which is also behind the spokes. But, all is good, and stops really well. JR

The brakes...



The wheels..





The car...

[Zanie]

Awesome. Big fan of your duece too.
Which brake set up is that?
Is that the 12.88 rotor?

[JRouche]

Awesome. Big fan of your duece too.
Which brake set up is that?
Is that the 12.88 rotor?

Hey thanks Dan. Yes its the 12.88 x1.1" rotor. 160-6836 is the part number. JR