ZedO6

Tried searching this topic, I'm sure it's been covered but no luck finding it.

I'm new to C5 Z06 ownership, but not new to road racing. I'm looking at my first event with this car and have some questions about wheels and tires.

I read that the OEM Z06 rear 18 X 10.5 wheel will work on the front as well, allowing a "square" setup as far as wheels go. If this is true, can I also run the same size tire on all four corners? Any spacers required? I'm fine with a small rub on lock to lock, which is what I've read may happen.

Like all of us, I'm looking to maximize tire wear and the ability to rotate the fronts to the rear would be great (especially at my home track Willow Springs, which kills the left front). I was going to run Nitto 555RII 305/35ZR18 on the rear and 275/40ZR17 on the front with stock rims, but I'd run the 305 on all four corners if that works.

Looking for info from people with experience running a "square" setup and also feedback on the 555RII.

The car will get limited street use, I'm mainly concerned with track performance on a basically stock car.

Thanks

RDnomorecobra

yes i've run 295/35 and 305/35 at all 4 corners on the 18's no prob. I've run 315/30's, they rub a bit in the front on the fender lip if you dont have a decent amount of neg camber, say at least -2 degrees give or take. i dont think i'll buy 315's again. I'm HPDE and street use only so 295's or 305's are plenty wide for my use.

ZedO6

Just to be clear, this was with OEM "Spider" C5 Z06 18 X 10.5" wheels on all four corners? If this is correct, what tires did you run? What other mods do you have on your car? Thanks for the info

RDnomorecobra

The 295's are firestone firehawk, 305's were toyo R888, and 315's were Falken RT-615. Basically stock '03 z with new c6 z51 sways and '04 shocks. Slightly agressive alignment from Phoenix. She corners real nice.

ZedO6

Good info, I'm going to be basically stock for the first few events, just racing pads, steel lines, track alignment and R comps most likely on OEM 18X10.5's. Still undecided on tires. Is your car lowered?

JimbeauZ06

You can run up to 315x18 square on the stock C5 Z06 wheels. The Nitto RII 305s or the NT01 315s would work well since you mentioned Nitto. I personally like the RIIs better.

ZedO6

Good info, thanks Jim. I have zero experience with Nitto, only what I've read on CF and other places. The last R comps I bought were Hoosier and that's not gonna happen here, so I'm looking for lower cost options that will get me some good track life.

What are my best options for a set of 4 18 X 10.5" C5 Z06 wheels? I notice HOUSEOFWHEELS is selling brand new wheels in another thread. My track rims don't need to be purty....

waddisme

If you can find used ones, they are the best deal. I ended up buying two full sets of 17/18s, but got my money back from selling the 17s. Aftermarkets ones can be heavier and there are stories of them breaking. I used the 305 R888s with zero issues. I am using Hoosier R80s 305s now with no issues except the extra grin.

RDnomorecobra

The deal house of wheels has for the oem speedlines isnt bad at 250 ea. You can find them used from folks on here for less but they sell within minutes when listed.

RDnomorecobra

My cars not purposely lowered for looks ... I asked Phoenix to align and corner weight it and set the ride height for dual track and street track use. I honestly couldn't tell you if its lower than stock or not.

doveboat

I have been running the RII's (305/18's & 275/17's) for HPDE's and have been very happy with them. I have run 5 track days and still have good life left. The taller rear gives you a few more mph in each gear.

I have also bought new 18 X 10.5 OEM's from HOW and am happy with the purchase.

Ed

ZedO6

Alignment and corner balance is what I'd be doing as well. In an effort to corner balance, the ride height may change, I get it. Thanks again for the good input.

ZedO6

Good info Ed, thanks for the input. Question, why not run the 305's up front too? More tire can only help, right? You are somewhat local to me up there in Agoura. I can bet we run the same tracks, Willow, BW and Laguna. Might want to pick your brain on setups.

OT, how the heck do get my location and car info in my signature? I've been in the CP and checked the box. Weird....

doveboat

I am waiting to see what the 2012 Corvette Challenge rules will be. Running a wider front may bump me up a class.

I bought 2 new rears for when I change to C6 Z06 Brakes as they will clear. When I do, I may run the RII in the 285/35/18 size up front. Mine is a street / HPDE car and I think I may need to maintain some stagger to not trigger the Active Handling on the street or in Comp Mode. I have read that some with C5Z's can run a square setup with no AH issues.

Not sure on the location piece, will check after I post this.

Come join the Corvette Challenge, I run in stock class with an all stock 02 C5Z with the RII's. First event is Jan 28 or 29 @ Buttonwillow

Send me a PM if you have any questions

Ed

ZedO6

I may try running a square setup once I secure rims. Been thinking about RII's or Toyo R888 in either 305 or 295. May go 295 and see if anything rubs or the computer nannies have a fit with the square fitments.

I've run Speedventures before, I was instructing for them when I last did an event. I doubt I'll be ready for my first event with this car by January, but I may go up and watch. I will for sure keep in contact. Thanks again Ed.

drivinhard

Square is no problem, I have run 285/35/18 RII's on the C5Z rears all around and it's a nice set up. Depending on the track and ride height/camber you might get a little rub with the 305's, you can test and play around with it though.

MJM

Yes many of us do it and it works well.

Stock C5Z06 rear wheels on all four corners. Light, cheap, and plenty of tire choices. I run used racing slicks.

Matt

yakisoba

I run 275 Hoosiers on that setup and it works well. No rubbing. Hoosiers tend to run wide.

varkwso

Only scrubbing I had running 315 Hoosiers squared was scrubbing on my Hardbar studs for the upper control arms. Stock bolts I have had zero issues with.

ZedO6

Great info guys, now to find the wheels. Interested in tire choices as well, so all this input is great.