17 X 9 Wheels

3Whiterag · 07-27-2007, 09:21 AM

I need some info. I am looking at a set of supposedly Corvette wheels from I think a 96 Special Edition Corvette. These wheels are like the ones on the 96 SS Camaros. My 96 Camaro has 16" wheels because it is a convertible. The wheels I am looking at are all 17 X 9 and have no GM stamp inside but do have the letters JPN embossed on the casting on the inside of the wheel. Apparently this is common in GM wheels. Is this true or should original wheels have the GM mark inside. Also I have been told that the wheels should be 9.5 " wide if they are Corvette. Is this true? Any info would be a great help! Thanks, Tom

Luke@tirerack · 07-27-2007, 10:13 AM

1996 Corvettes did not have an option for a 17x9 wheel

standard = 17x8.5 front / 17x9.5 rear
Grand Sport = 17x9.5 front / 17x11 rear
Z07 = 17x9.5 on all four corners

3Whiterag · 07-27-2007, 10:18 AM

Did any Corvette have the 17 X 9 wheels?

c4cruiser · 07-27-2007, 11:46 AM

Nope. No Corvette had a 9" wide wheel.

The "JPN" stamp usually means the wheel was made in Japan. That by itself is not a bad thing as many OEM wheels are made there. Some GM wheels are made in Mexico.

OEM GM wheels will have the GM logo and wil have a GM part number that is cast into the inside of the spokes.

You may be looking at reproduction wheels. There are a few companies that offer the Corvette style 5-spoke wheels that were on the Collector's Edition, ZR-1 and Grand Sport. They are available in a silver painted color, polished, chrome or black. AFS Wheels even has a "black chrome" version.

Luke@tirerack · 07-27-2007, 03:59 PM

no Vette but the 1998-2002 Camaro SS had a 17x9 ET50 wheels from the factory which did look like a C4 wheel