caliper to rim clearance - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

jimmyh · 06-06-2011, 10:22 PM

I am on a quest for some decent used 18" wheels to use for winter. I still have the 18" BFG tires from when I had my LT. They did an EXCELLENT job in the snow last winter, so I would rather stick with them than try a different tire that may or may not even be satisfactory. Plus I won't get squat if I try to sell them.

I found some 18" wheels that clear the brembos (they are bmw wheels, lulz) but not by much. 1/8" at the most. I am not inclined to think that is enough clearance to be safe. But I was hoping for some opinions.

Nine Ball · 06-07-2011, 07:23 AM

1/8 clearance is plenty. Actually considered industry minimum by most brands. I've seen clearance as low as 2mm before. Our calipers do not move like some older caliper designs, and new brake pads do not change their face location like older calipers (4th gen Camaro).

Tony

IBM/2SS/RS/LS3 · 06-07-2011, 07:37 AM

I can barely get a business card in between mine

jimmyh · 06-07-2011, 11:17 AM

Hmm. Thanks for the input fellas, I really appreciate it. Maybe I will take a second look at these rims then. It depends on the rears now. I only test fit on the front. While I know the rears are 1/4" larger diameter, by my measurements, the fronts stick out (to the sides of the car) 1/4" more than the rears.

Also, there was plenty of space between the calipers and the spokes, more than there is with the stock wheels. I would say at least 3/8". The 1/8" was between the radial edge of the caliper and the inside of the rim.

I still fear the rears will not clear, but based on your responses, it's worth a second look. Thanks again!!

06-06-2011, 10:22 PM	#1
jimmyh Drives: 2011 1LT => 2010 2SS Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: an I-294 traffic jam Posts: 189	caliper to rim clearance I am on a quest for some decent used 18" wheels to use for winter. I still have the 18" BFG tires from when I had my LT. They did an EXCELLENT job in the snow last winter, so I would rather stick with them than try a different tire that may or may not even be satisfactory. Plus I won't get squat if I try to sell them. I found some 18" wheels that clear the brembos (they are bmw wheels, lulz) but not by much. 1/8" at the most. I am not inclined to think that is enough clearance to be safe. But I was hoping for some opinions.

06-07-2011, 07:23 AM	#2
Nine Ball Drives: 1969 & 2016 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,849	1/8 clearance is plenty. Actually considered industry minimum by most brands. I've seen clearance as low as 2mm before. Our calipers do not move like some older caliper designs, and new brake pads do not change their face location like older calipers (4th gen Camaro). Tony __________________ Fquick.com/NineBall

06-07-2011, 07:37 AM	#3
IBM/2SS/RS/LS3 NorCal Camaro➎ Member Drives: Bowties ONLY!! Join Date: May 2009 Location: Nor☆Cal Posts: 1,768 View My Garage	I can barely get a business card in between mine __________________

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06-07-2011, 11:17 AM	#4
jimmyh Drives: 2011 1LT => 2010 2SS Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: an I-294 traffic jam Posts: 189	Hmm. Thanks for the input fellas, I really appreciate it. Maybe I will take a second look at these rims then. It depends on the rears now. I only test fit on the front. While I know the rears are 1/4" larger diameter, by my measurements, the fronts stick out (to the sides of the car) 1/4" more than the rears. Also, there was plenty of space between the calipers and the spokes, more than there is with the stock wheels. I would say at least 3/8". The 1/8" was between the radial edge of the caliper and the inside of the rim. I still fear the rears will not clear, but based on your responses, it's worth a second look. Thanks again!!