GatewayShepherd

I'm looking for a way to put 18" on the back of the C6Z so that I can run R compound tires.

I called and talked briefly with Bob at House of Wheels and he stated he has 18x12 split 5 spokes C6 Z06 rims with 59mm offsets. I couldn't find it listed on their website but in a search of the forum I found this thread.If anybody has used this setup and seen fitment problems or they look off on the Z please speak up as I don't want to spend cash and be disappointed.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-p...heels-f-s.html



I want to mount Nitto NT555R2's in 305/35ZR18 (101Y) on them. Anybody running the same setup and did they LOOK and FIT correctly?


My other choices would be to run the 10.5x18 +58 offset (same wheel) in the back with the same tire.
Or I can get a set of Spyder wheels in factory size and run R888's out back in a 305/30ZR19 (102Y).

GatewayShepherd

Wow...26 views and not a single comment..

Ranger

Gotta be honest. I'd not risk running on a road course with reproduction wheels on the car. I'd want a stronger wheel that meets strict QC standards.

Suggest posting your question on the Autocrossing & Road Racing board. You'll get better answers.

Ranger

FNBADAZ06

If you're talking about running these in a HPDE or autocross on the rear, I have several friends that run the 18x12 repo with Hoosier R6's (both C6 Z06 and GS models).
They haven't experienced any issues, but as Ranger has pointed out, they are repo's.
I haven't heard on any failures when using these wheels but it is something to consider.

Ranger

It's risk vs reward. Running generic wheels manufactured by a low bidder in China entails substantially more risk than on OEM wheels or those made domestically. US makers have liability and do more QC/testing.

Ranger

GatewayShepherd

I'm not looking to do any HDPE, but am looking for something so that I can run R compounds on the back for the street and occasional drag run. My car is not a daily driver so mileage is of no concern and unless caught in a freak rain storm, wet traction isn't paramont either. My car is putting down 486rwhp and I'm trying to increase traction and reduce spinning.

FNBADAZ06

If that's the case and your planning on running the tires all the time, then just run your OEM 19x12's with an r compound like the NT05R's at 345/30/19

BADZ

I run the repo's with MT's 345/35/18's and not a problem at all. (tested to 1000hp)

There are plenty of them out there with NO failures to date...

BOWTYE8

I am running those exact wheels with MT drag radials 345-35-18's.
The tires are a tad taller 28". Rims fit just fine. Good quality. I use them just for drags.... I may be selling. Looking to go a different route.


Close up


Dennis

GatewayShepherd

I understand what you are saying...and I would prefer to buy American made...but the manufactures need to get off their asses and start making some quality repro wheels to start with. Every single website I looked at the repro wheels were made overseas. If you know of a domestic manufacturer of repro wheels...I'm . I looked at all the big name domestic manufactures such as CCW, 360 Forged, HRE, LG and factory GM. They all start in the neighborhood of $1K a wheel. And the GM don't come in the 18x12's which entails having WeldCraft widen them for another $275 each and with the aluminum they can't adjust the offset when they do it.

I have also scoured the forum for cracked wheels, spin balancing problems, etc. and understand the risks. However going thru the wheel forum...there are thousands of repros that have been purchased on here. And I'm just trying to hear both sides the good and the bad. I do appreicate your reply and have read many of your posts about getting the Z launched off the line. I'm simply looking for options and other people's experience with the 18x12's and NT555R2's or other R compound tires.

Ranger

^^^ If your objective is a wheel for R-compound tires on the rear, you can run OEM C6Z rears 19" x 12". I recently bought two new ones in comp gray for $475 total.

If you want 18" instead, CCW Corsairs come only in 18". I bought a pair 12" wide that fit C6 Z06 and ZR1. They are CNC-milled from a block of very high-quality alloy. Paid about $825 each five years ago and don't know the current price. A great thing about the CCWs is they hold very good resale value and move quickly on the CF parts boards.

Both OEM and CCW are bullet-proof. But one is four times the price of the other.

Other members have advised on repro-wheel options. There have been occasional issues with them over the past 10-years of my readership here. But the titling on the threads and terms used make them hard to locate in the archives. Issues with OEM and CCW are extremely rare.

But this is America. You still get to buy whatever wheel meets your vision of proper trade-offs.

Ranger

tkr

Bob at House of wheels is a straight shooter. I have purchased repo wheels and they are good Quality. They will fit like they came with the car. FYI 305x35x18 really should be mounted on 10.5-11.00 inch wheel. The tire will look better with a proper belly to it. 12 inch wheels for 3.25-3.45 tires. They are repos therefore a little heavier..

Bill Dearborn

I ran repro wheels on my C5s for 8 seasons with no issues. Many track days and lots of miles on the track. They are heavier and probably have thicker spokes which can cause some clearance issues with brake calipers that the stock wheels wouldn't do but that is it. On the C5s the stock forged wheels have a history of cracking where the spoke meets the barrel so that doesn't mean that wheels from a name brand manufacturer really are that much better from a safety standpoint.

Bill

doje

Repros are totally safe and I have never personally seen one fail. This is not true for GM wheels which I have seen multiple failures. The GM wheels are made for performance (lighter) and therefore are weaker. The repros are heavier, but also sturdier.

6Speeder

I run those repro wheels and Hoosier drag radials on the street. They work great. If you are **** about looks be advised the area where the spokes meet the rim are very slightly different than the stockers. Also, the wheel lug nuts sit deeper in the wheel than on stock wheels.