17” wheel search (Page 1/1)
ninedriver JAN 19, 12:33 PM
So I’m looking for some 17” wheels for my 88GT. I’ve read a bunch of old threads regarding sizes and from what I learned it appears that 17x8 w/35mm offset for the rear and 17x7 w/48mm offset for the front with keep the wheels/tires from rubbing and tucked so they’re not sticking way out.
I really like the ASA AR1’s which guys were using. Unfortunately, I can’t find those wheels in those sizes any longer😡

I’m trying to keep the look as close to factory as possible, black mesh with polished lip. I’d like to have 17’s, vs 18’s, so I can still have some sidewall to keep for a better ride. And I really don’t want the front wheel/tire to stick out any more than factory.

Anyone have any suggestions?
pmbrunelle JAN 19, 12:58 PM
Enkei RPF1 and PF05 have 16x7 and 17x7.5 wheels with higher offsets for the front...

Look into those, they also have some choices for the rear. Actually, look through the entire Enkei website.

I ordered a set of PF05 16x7 ET+48, 17x9 ET+40. They should arrive in 3-4 months.

Until then, I have to make do with an MS Paint preview:

[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 01-19-2021).]

Will JAN 19, 01:14 PM
Would probably work better with a lower angle shot of your car.
Raydar JAN 19, 09:58 PM
When you go to search for aftermarket wheels...
Look for an early VW "New Beetle" for the rears, and a Subaru Impreza for the fronts. The trick will be finding the same wheel for both applications. (Of course, pay attention to offsets and bolt circle. But that should put you in the ballpark.)

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 01-19-2021).]

ninedriver JAN 20, 11:11 AM
Thanks for the tips. It’s amazing how 15” wheels were the goods back in the day and now 17” wheels are slowly getting phased out. Everyone wants 18,19,and 20’s.
Other issue is that 5x100.
Somewhat of a tangent and maybe best for another thread, but has anyone sourced a front and rear hub swap, plug n play, to update out lug pattern to something more common?
cvxjet JAN 20, 12:20 PM
A) When searching for wheels for the Fiero. go to Tire rack and search for vehicle; Subaru BRZ which uses the 5 x 100 bolt pattern...the wheels have a bit more offset- But that is good up front because it will make the steering easier while also eliminating some of that kick-back thru the steering wheel. On the rear you can just use a spacer to push the wheels/tire out a bit if needed. Try to keep light- it really makes a difference on our light cars (The new cars use aluminum suspension pieces and very advanced shocks to cope with the added wheel weight of the 18-19-20s)

B) If you need to, you can re-drill the hubs for larger diameter bolt patterns- a number of people have done this.

C) I switched to new 16 x 7 wheels and General G-max tires back 10 years ago from 15 x 7 and BFG tires. Took 3 lbs off each rear corner and 6 lbs off each front while moving the front tire/wheel inward by 8 mm.....The car went from driving like a cheap pickup to driving like a new, refined car. Huge difference. "Add lightness" (Colin Chapman of Lotus)

D) The C7 Vette Grand Sport came with 285 mm wide tires up front and 335 in the rear. It weighed 3500 lbs vs a Fiero GT at 2700....The ratio is 1.3 to 1....so those sizes become 215 up front and 255 rear. I am running 205 up front and 225 rear and with my 2600 lb stripper that works out to 290 up front and 320 width in the rear on that 3500 lb Vette. I have driven cars with wide but heavy tire/wheel packages and cars with narrow but LIGHT packages......The light felt far better than the slight improvement in ultimate grip those wider heavier tires gave. Something to keep in mind
USFiero JAN 21, 07:01 PM
I was a fan of the 'big and little' look on my Fiero - an inch diameter larger in the back over the front. If I were to do it today it would be 16 and 17's with stock brakes and 50 series tires, bigger with upgrades and 45 series.
Thunderstruck GT JAN 30, 07:46 PM
Find a wheel that is closest to specs, buy blanks and have them custom drilled. It is best to deal with the manufacturer direct as they will have all the info at their finger tips. You will not be able to purchase directly from them but they can supply you with a part number in which you can order them through your favorite supplier. I personally found that "WheelsForLess" out of Texas had unbeatable prices.

[This message has been edited by Thunderstruck GT (edited 01-30-2021).]