50BLKZ06

I have a 2003 Z06 with the stock wheels. It had the Continental Extreme Contact DW tires on it when I bought it. I liked them and wanted to buy the same ones but they are no longer available in the 17" size for the front. The only tires that keep popping up are the Michelin PS2 and the Goodyear F1. Both are very expensive and have very short tread life. I have found several options for the C6 size wheels so I am considering buying C6 size wheels and tires so I will have access to more tire options with lower prices on subsequent tire changes. Is there anything I need to be aware of when buying the larger wheels and installing them, ie clearance issues, reprogramming ecu, etc. What other tires have you guys used and would recommend or stay away from?

Toque

Just make sure that your rear tire is 0.5"-1.0" larger in diameter than the front tire diameter. That will keep your active handling and traction control in check.

You don't have to do a 18/19 setup.. you can do a 19/19 setup too. I went with a 19/19 combo almost 8 years ago now. You just have to make sure you size your TIRES correctly. I have never had any issues with active handling or traction control. Many have made this mistake with out doing their homework.

Pay attention to wheel weight as well. Try to avoid the heavy cheap China wheels.

Stock C5 (97-04):
Front
Rim size = 17x8.5" rim
Tire Size = 245/45/17
Diameter = 25.7"
Rear
Rim Size = 18x9.5"
Tire Size = 275/40/18
Diameter = 26.7"


Stock C5 Z06 (01-04):
Front
Rim size = 17x9.5" rim
Tire Size = 265/40/17
Diameter = 25.4"
Rear
Rim Size = 18x10.5"
Tire Size = 295/35/18
Diameter = 26.1"

So my proposed new setup compared to Stock

Front
Stock Z06 = 265/40/17 = Diameter 25.4"
Proposed = 275/30/19 = Diameter 25.6"

Rear
Stock Z06 = 295/35/18 = Diameter 26.1"
Proposed = 305/30/19 = Diameter 26.3"

Front --> Increased the Diameter by only 0.2"
Rear --> Increased the Diameter by only 0.2"

Hope this gives you something to start with on your research.

Toque


Front 19x10 - 275/30/19
Rear 19x11 - 305/30/19

Black 03 Z06

I don't think you can go wrong with the information that Toque has provided. When I bought my CCW I took a great deal of advice from him and others. Very happy with my 19" square set up, 265/30/19 fronts 305/30/19 rear Michelin Pilot Sports.

Good luck with your search, ask lots of questions and get what you really like.

switchplanner

Very nice! What wheels? And do they extend past fenders? Thanks

4XLR8N

If you decide to stay with the stock wheels, Nitto NT-05's are a good choice. You will have to go with 275 up front and 295 in the rear. I've had mine for over a year and very happy with their performance, both wet and dry, but especially dry.

FourKings

This is nicely laid out - thanks!

Rndani

Buy the Bridgestone's ... They work perfectly, and their less than $900 dollars at Discount Tire.

danziger

I went with an 18" square TSW rim set-up and Michelin Pilot SS tires. Probably the best mod I've done to the Z...

striper

I have 18" wheels front and rear. 10" wide front and 11" wide rear. You can use 265/35-18 and 295/35-18. Then you will be able to use the Conti DW's. I am planning on getting them also since the brand I am presently using is no longer making the sizes anymore.

Toque

Thanks !
They are CCW SP500 wheels. (19/19)
They are flush, but if you get a tire with a LARGE lip protector they will stick out a little. Get a tire that has a small or no sidewall protector.
I have RE-11 Bridgestone tires and they fit great.

TOque

50BLKZ06

Thanks for all the info guys! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the tires quick enough and ended up getting caught in a big rain storm while out of town. I hydroplaned on the parkway and hit the concrete center barrier very hard with the right rear of the car at about a 45 degree angle. I hit so hard the car went up in the air enough to get on top of the barrier and skid with the back wheels on the other side of the barrier and the nose dragging the pavement. There was such a huge display of sparks being thrown from under the car I thought it was on fire! But after skidding 100ft or so (up hill) it finally fell back down on to all fours and I was able to drive it on home, although I did have to pull some of the trunk pieces off that were dragging, and I had to pry the muffler back off the wheel first. After a couple months in the body shop I got it back and put a set of Continental Extreme Contact DW on it. I discovered that although they had stopped producing the 265/40/17, they did have a 275/40/17 (Tire Rack $150ea.). So I put those on the front and I bought one stock size 295/35/18 (Tire Rack $236) for the left rear. The insurance company replaced the damaged right rear. I was very impressed with how well the tire stood up in the crash! While there were a few chunks taken out of the side wall and a couple large gouges worn into the tread from not getting the muffler pulled completely off the tire, it never lost air and I drove the remaining 100 miles home from where I crashed.

63Corvette

WOW!!!!! Glad to hear that you are all right

zx12rider

17% off on all R888Rs here!!

https://www.tiresdirect.net/