So I bought a TA rear end with disk brakes. Rebuild the rear end and brakes and the thing looks awesome. My question is; I am using the OEM Z28 aluminum painted spoke rims. The clearance between the inside of the rim's spokes and the caliper is about 0.1 inches. Does anyone know if this is sufficient clearance or will the two come in contact while driving and cornering?

If it is not enough clearance I have 2 options here: 1: is to machine the brake pad down a bit which will cause to outside caliper to move inward

2: I am going to get the rims refurbished. I could always have them machine the inside of the rim down 0.25 inches to increase clearance.

If anyone has done this conversion without any issues I would appreciate hearing from you

thanks

Dan

 

and as a third option I guess I could add a 0.25 inch wheel spacer

 

any one have any thoughts on this? Does anyone know what the minimum clearance should be between the rim spoke and a caliper

 

The rim and caliper move in relation to one another so I think you'll be fine. The caliper is connected to the axle which in turn the rim is connected to. So you'll have positive movement from both the caliper and the rim at the same time. The only time I could see something happening is if there's substantial downforce on the rim and upforce on the axle and I can't think of any legitimate reason that would happen. That doesn't mean it couldn't happen but I can't think of a reason.

Since it's already in the car you could take it out and do a series of "punishment tests". Start out easy with going over basic road hazards like train tracks or a little bumpy road. Bring it back, jack it up, pull the rim and check for wear. Or just take it out and drive it for a few days and check it then and do the same over the period of a few months but keep the checking at regular intervals so if you do have a problem you're more likely to remember what you did to do the scoring.