stros

Hello,

I'm thinking about going with the 18x9.5 front, 19x11 rear setup on my 98 vert with beautiful wagon wheels. I'd use the Michelin Pilots 275/35/18 on the front, and 295/35/19 on the rear.

Any problems with going to this setup instead of the stock Z06 setup (17/18) or 18s all around? Is performance/ride any worse with the rear 19? It looks like the 19 inch tire has the same size sidewall as the 18 inch, so there shouldn't be any worse ride, correct?

Those of you who have made this change, did you lower your car? If so, how much?

Any recommendations on where to buy the 18x9.5, 19x11 wheels? I'm looking for the lightest and cheapest that I can get - probably in Z06 style.

Is the Michelin tire size setup above the best to buy for the 18x9.5 and 19x11 setup?

Thanks,
stros :cheers:


[Modified by stros, 7:33 PM 1/3/2004]

EFI-1

I got a very similar set up. Ride is a little harsher, but nothing major. I would recommend going with 265's up front instaed of 275's. It'll match the rear "stretch" better. Check my sig for pics. :thumbs:

Maineiac

I'm running the exact same wheel - tire setup. No issues here. :thumbs:

niphilli2

Only con I can think of is tire availability on the 19

YO-EL

Go for it...

I had all 18's for years, now 18/19... LOVE IT.

19 fills the rear quite nicely. Ride, handling, stability are awesome.

Check sig for pic...

Ellis

6SHIFTIN

With the C6 coming out in these sizes and likely behind it the C6 Z06, hopefully tire availability for the 19" will improve. i.e. 305, 315, 325 & 335 widths. Better rim selection as well.

Bob50th

Is there anyone running 18's and 20's?
Just curious how it would handle
:flag

Pumba

Stros,

I just took a look at the Michelin USA web site. According to their data on the Pilot Sport 275/35ZR18 tire, it is 25.3 inches in diameter. That is exactly the same diameter as the Goodyear 265/40ZR17 front tire on your Z06. On the other hand, the Michelin web site says that the 295/35ZR19 Pilot Sport is 27.1 inches in diameter. The Goodyear 295/35ZR18 tire that came stock on your Z06 is only 26.1 inches in diameter. If you go with the 295/35ZR19 Michelin you will have a significant speedometer error, and your ABS computer will find it difficult to adjust to the diameter difference front to rear.

I would like to suggest that you look at the Michelin Pilot Sport 285/30ZR19 tire for the rear of your Z06. It is 26.0 inches in diameter. That is a much closer fit to the diameter of your original Goodyear tire.

Good Luck with your choice.

UAWDES1

Make sure the circumference is the same as stock regardless of the wheel diameter. The Mich Pilot sports have a better ride than the run flats, but your Z didn't have that problem in the first place. As someone else stated go with 265 front it's a lot easier on the power steering. Mine is starting to moan as it is. Also if the diameter is different it not only screws up your speedometer but it changes your rear end ratio!
Good Luck,
KJ


[Modified by UAWDES1, 12:04 PM 1/3/2004]

Y2Kvert4me

But his 98 Vert isn't a Z.

The stock front 245/45/17's are 25.7" tall. The 275/35/18 Pilot Sport is actually 25.7" tall. (a 265 is 25.3" tall).
The stock rear 275/40/18 are 26.8" tall. The 295/35/19's as you stated are 27.1" tall...a .3" difference.

Plenty of people use these size tires with no problems.


:cheers:


[Modified by Y2Kvert4me, 11:03 AM 1/3/2004]

UAWDES1

My mistake I thought it was a Z also. The Pilots will have a better ride as stated just watch for the difference in diameter and/or circumference!

ALLKAR

I have 18" & 19" on my '03 with 305 Pirellis on the rear. No Problems! :thumbs:

The One

ALLKAR - any pics from the back? I was told the 305 Pirelli's were too tall. :confused: Do you have 19x11s?

JC

stros

Thanks for the great responses.

Does anyone else have problems with the 275/35/18 on the front? I liked this selection because at 25.6 inches it is the closest to my stock 98 Convertible wheel diameter (25.7), while the 265 is 25.3 inches.

Those of you with this tire....does it match up well to the 295/35/19 in the rear in terms of looks.

Thanks,
Darryl

ALLKAR

Yeah, 19x11. This is the only shot I have from the back.

The 305 is not any taller & only a little wider than the stock 295.
Here is one of my CCW 18x11.5 w/335 pilots (they are wide!!)

The One

:thumbs:

Wadoka

Slightly lower fuel economy, and slightly higher aerodynamic drag. Your top speed'll fall off 1 or 2 mph. But what's a couple of mph at 170? :D

(No joke - the reason the C5 comes from the factory with 17s/18s is because John Cafaro lost an argument with the engineering team over aero. It's in "ACAR")

stros

BTW, if anyone has any suggestions where to buy the 18/19 wheels, that'd be helpful as well.

Looking for the lightest weight wheels - probably in the Z06 style. The cheaper the better as well.
:cheers:

kevette

I'd suggest the Z06 Motorsport wheels in 18's & 19's, looks very good, can get them with Black centers if you wish, very reasonable price, $1300 from house of wheels!!! :cheers:

Maineiac