mammoth713

looking for new rims/tires.. Car will see lots of spirited street driving and a couple HPDE/autocross events each year.

Have narrowed it down to 18x10.5", square setup, running either TSW interlagos or C5z rear's. The TSW's are slightly cheaper actually.

going to order 285/35/18 Michelin PSS

I'm set on using a square setup, I'm aware of the risks with TC/AH. There is not enough forum evidence to sway me against square setup; not enough facts, too many rumors.

Which is a better track rim?
What rim do you think looks better?
Which rim has better durability?

My z06 is yellow for what it's worth. Here are some photos I found online of the 2 rim setups [these are other forum member cars, not mine]:

JeremyGSU

I run the OEM wheels that I bought from House of Wheels at $250 each. They have been fine as a track rim.

Evilash

Even though I was told they would work on the front of my 2001 coupe. The TSW Interlagos in 18x10.5 didn't work in the front without hitting the control arm. I even added a pair of steering rack limiters and it would still contact. I wasn't going to add another pair. THe offset is 5 mm different than the C5Z rims.
I had to buy a set of 9's. And now the 18's are sitting in the corner.

Last C5

I run two different sets of TSW 18 X 10.5s on my Z without any rubbing. I wonder what's going on with your set?

Evilash

Maybe the low ride height with coilovers. But they definitely didn't fit at full lock.

troyguitar

I'm curious about that myself as I need to make a choice on track wheels soon. OEM Speedlines are $1200 shipped and TSW's are like $1100 shipped, though you can sometimes get speedlines cheaper used.

I did test fit my TSW/Cray 19x11 +73 wheels in the front on my Z and they do fit but I did not check whether they fit at full lock, guess I should look at that. I didn't think there would be any issue fitting the 65mm 18x10.5's unless you were running 315's on them.

Evilash

Had a 265 slightly stretched on it. The barrel made contact on the inside but only when turning rather tight to nearly full lock.
It wasn't heavy contact which may be why they work for others with different setups. But it was enough to not sound like a good thing and drop $600 replacing them.
I would track them which is why I kept them but for parking lots it didn't work.
But then I did some mocking up of a C6 brake duct and they would contact the duct. And since I would rather have ducts than wider rims I'm just going to stay with the 9's out front.
Sure wish they had made a 9.5 which is what I really wanted.

Last C5

I am running 315/30s all around and the tire just barely touches the DRM ducts at full lock. Like Evilash said - OK for the track not so OK for parking lots.

Scooter70

I run C5Z rears on the track because I got them used and paid a lot less thank $1k for the set. I stripped them and painted them "brake dust grey". With 305/645-18 Pirelli slicks they don't rub the fenders but may touch the ducts at full lock.

If you're buying brand new wheels, the TSWs are strong, look cool, and usually have plenty of clearance for big brake packages.

Zmeister

I was faced with the same dilemma except for me the option was TSW Nurburgrings. Beautiful wheels!!
If you have stock Z wheels on your car already then you only need to buy an additional pair of rears to be all set.
I ended up going with the Z rears all around and am very happy. They are lighter, track proven over many years and I still think they are a great looking wheel.
If you're not in a huge rush you will always find good deals on the Z rears if you just keep your eyes open.
Good luck!

Ludeaem

Now that I'm looking at these pictures I'm wondering if the front should run 30 series instead of 35's. Any thoughts on that?

63Corvette

YES, the front will turn in quicker, and still stick as well as the rears

Scooter70

I don't see a 285/30-18 for the PSS on Tire Rack.

Ludeaem

Yea, the 30 series may be limited which is an issue. Just throwing out ideas as I may do this in the future.