Checkmate1

Guys,

I'm seriously considering the C7 Z51 having read the awesome reviews to date. Mike @ Criswell would be my first choice when I'm 100% ready to buy.

For one, I'm a BMW enthusiast who is no longer interested in anything the brand has to offer post my current E90 M3.

The Z51 is what I've been longing for eons from Corvette and it is finally here. Track day weapon that can still be driven fast with the top down. Doesn't get any better than that.

I'm a certified track day junkie. Can you guys provide advise on an ideal Square Wheel/Tire set up for the track? I am ONLY interested in a square set up at this time.

I am only looking at 18" wheels at this time. I looked into some Grand Sport wheels but need to make sure that the wheels have the perfect offset to fit flush with the fender all all 4 sides.

Your help on this would be most appreciated.

VatorMan

I've been checking into the same thing. I have a set of 18X10.5 and 18X12 wheels that won't work on the C7 because they are too wide. I used them on my C6 GS for the past 3 years.

mb1

I'm interested in the answer on this also.

I like you have a brilliant E90 M3 and from my limited experience, it takes most of the performance that the M3 delivers and amps it . More torque, much better handling, better braking and I actually think the interior is nicer even in 1/2LT guise, certainly better in 3LT with the upper alcantara.

If I finally buy a Vette, I'll be keeping the M3 as a family car because personally, I think they broke the mold with the S65. Just starting it up is a joy and spinning to 8,400 rpm is therapeutic and the LT1 can't compare in terms of sound but that's just a personal opinion. BMW is lost these days going with turbos and chasing fuel eco the easier way. Also, if you're after a 7MT, its pretty good and certainly better than the 6MT in the M3 (I hated the manual in the M3 so much that I refused to buy it and got a DCT instead).

adamsocb

I understand 18" wheels will not fit over the Z51 front brakes. I am considering 19" all around for the track on mine.

Hope there will be more info on this once more track junkies get their C7 Z51 cars.

Checkmate1

I think the Mods need to sticky this thread for future reference. I foresee a lot of owners taking these beasts to the track.

VIN666

18 do fit over the Z51 front brakes, check LG motorsport.

sandu002

Once I have a few thousand on mine, I plan to do some track days and am interested in what wheel/tire to use on the track.

VatorMan

Z51 wheel specs:

19X8.5 with a 56 MM offset
20X10 with a 40 MM offset

adamsocb

Once there are enough C7s we can take up these discussions in the Autocrossing & Roadracing forum.

When my C5 was in its most track modified form, I ran CCW 3 piece 18"x11" front and 18"x12" rear wheels with 305/315 width Hoosiers or Goodyear racing slick tires all around. I had the best Pfadt coil-over/sway bar setup and solid poly bushings. I could not use the active handling at all because the setup was so far from stock. The car was very neutral and on a tight turn course few street cars were faster. The tires rubbed a bit, carved a grove on the inside of the front fenders, and wore a hole in the rear fender liners.



Since I now have a race car for all-out track use, I have no intention of modding the C7. I just want to find a good combination of readily available DOT legal tires so I can drive the car to the track, enjoy it for the day, and drive home without tearing up the $1500 run-flats. Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 looks like a good possibility for 19s all around.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes

adamsocb

OE wheels, or the special LG aftermarket? In an earlier thread someone posted the C7 OE 18" wheels would not fit over the Z51 brakes. Something about a noise damper was in the way.

I won't be spending $1500+ per wheel to get the special LG's with extra brake clearance.

Checkmate1

A Square Setup is ideal for Tire rotation and increasing the track life of the tires/wheels. In addition, its the ideal set up for learning/experiencing neutral handling.

A staggered set up only adds to more understeer (which is no different from the stock set up)

VThokies

I already made the move from a BMW E46 M3 to the C6 GS Corvette. I now have a C7 on order so I too am interested in the square 18" track setup.

adamsocb

I tried "square" width on my C5 (18" C5 Z06 rear wheels on all four) and while better than stock I found it made the car too loose that's why I settled on 305/315.

With the Z51 ELSD I think the C7 will need more rubber in the rear. It will be interesting to hear some real times once folks start experimenting.

hxrly

I run a square set-up on my C5 and it's the best choice I ever did with the car. Running Michelin Pilot Super Sports 285s all around. Definitely interested on what people run in the C7.

TRAKCAR

Interested in trying to fit my 335/30/18 on the rear..

kiteboardr

First Square Set up I have seen on a C7:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-t...uspension.html

Checkmate1

Bumping this thread up considering track/HPDE's will commence in March.

What's the word on track day wheel set ups folks?

Croc999

i'm wondering how stability control system will handle different tyres size than it wasprogrammed for....
will it adjust itself or will go complete crazy?....

J. R.

Did you say convertible? I thought that convertibles without roll bars weren't allowed to be used on tracks.

sajonf

I am thinking round wheels would work better at the track than square ones