<VV> Wheels / Tire swap and front disc brakes

[Sethracer@aol.com]

In a message dated 6/23/2004 8:30:03 PM Pacific Standard Time,  
jsconiers@mac.com writes:

I have a  set of 18" ( I believe 8" wide) rims with 225 / 40 ZR 18" 
tires that I  pulled from my 2003 Nissan Maxima.  They've been sitting 
in my  basement since December.  I'm getting the bright idea of placing 
them  on a 65" vert but I don't believe the will fit.  From a previous  
question I know the vair is a 5 on 4.75 bolt pattern.  I looked the  
Maxima up and its bolt pattern is 5 x 114.3 with 12mm x 1.5 lug  size.  
I plan on doing a dual master cylinder and front disc brake  conversion 
kit.  My question are as follows:

1.  Is there  a kit that will allow me to use those rims on the vair or 
is it time to  get rid of them and buy some more.

2.  I read in an article that  after you go to disc brakes the wheels 
need to be replaced.  Is this  true?  What should I look for in a 
replacement rim knowing I'm going  to front disc brakes?

Thanks in advance!




John - Those tires are 25" tall - a little tall for the Corsa, but not bad.  
Since the tire edge is so thin, there is not much sidewall there to absorb the 
 vertical shocks. The Nissan was tuned for that, the Corvair may not be. Even 
so,  they can be made to fit the Corvair. The 5 on 114.3 bolt pattern is a 
Ford  Pattern - lots of Japanese cars use it for their 5-lug wheels. The wheels, 
 though, have a backspace designed for a front-wheel-drive hub. (Not 
surprising,  since the Maxima of that year was a FWD car.) Most wheels, today, have 
the  amount of offset cast onto the front of the wheel - look for a number like 
40 or  36, etc. That is the amount of offset you will have to overcome to 
instrall them  on the Vair. Luckily, though, you will need an adapter to fit the 
Corvair  pattern. If you can find one about 1" thick - You are home free, or, 
at least  closer to the COrvairs backspace. DO a Google search on wheel 
adapters. You will  be looking for adapters to bolt a Ford wheel to a Chevy hub. If 
you get stuck,  drop me back an E-mail. I have my sources.<grin> Be sure to 
send us all a  photo of the complete installation. I've seen 17s on a VAir, but 
never 18s - You  could be the first! -Seth Emerson