argonaut

I'm looking for a low cost set of track wheels. I used a Mustang on the track last year and switching to an FRC this year. On the Mustang I used a square set up (17x9) all around, same offset front and rear.

On the FRC I'd like to do the same thing so I can rotate. But while absorbing knowledge from this forum I've learned two things: the stock front and rear offsets are different and the stock rim widths are different front and rear.

Questions:
- Regarding the offsets - can I run the same offset all around? If so, what offset?

- Is there any reason to have a wider rear rim or is having same rim and tire width front and rear ok? On the Mustang I didn't want wider rims/tires on rear for a few reasons, including I didn't need more relative grip on the rear end of a already understeering platform.

- I'd like to get a set of OEM Z06 wheels or other lower cost, light weight, strong rims; but in the for sale section all I see pretty much is sets of 4 (18s and 17s)...if you have a set of low cost 17s all around, what are they and where did you find them?

Thanks much, Brad

Solo2GS

Factory C5Z came with 2 17" rims and 2 - 18" rims.

Cheap, but not so light - AFS or other replica GS or ZR1 wheels (17 X 11 GS Offset) will fit on all four corners.

Not so cheap, but light - CCW Classics

Independent1

One other alternative is to run C5 Z06 rears ( 18 X 10.5) all the way around. Might be able to pick some up in the c5 parts for sale section or there are some vendors that sell them. Don't remember which ones though.

argonaut

Based on the above responses thus far I've learned:

- I can run the rear Z06 wheels (18x9.5 w/~60mm offset) on all 4 corners. These are relatively light wt and strong but they are 18s = higher tire cost and its hard to find 4 of them. Most people want to sell their stock rims as a set (17 front and 18 rear) together.

- I can run the C4 Grand Sport or ZR1 rear rims on all 4 corners. Very hard to find OEM units it seems. Lots of aftermarket replicas available in 17" with a variety of offsets and widths. They are cheap but also heavy and are they strong enough (these are Chinease rims right?).

Anyone else have some inputs? Other than the guys with the high dollar CCWs, HREs, etc, what are you guys on a budget using?

bobmoore2

Will you be driving to/from the track on the track tires or using a tire trailer? I've driven home on my race tires once when I discovered my street tires were worn to the cords, but I don't make a habit of that.

I'm using 18x9.5 fronts and 18x10.5 rears with 275/35-18 and 305/35-18 tires. My race tires are shaved and slightly used Toyo R888s that I can get for about $75 - $85 a piece. (Send me an email and I'll hook you up with this great deal on tires.)

I recommend you find a set of C5 rear wheels (18x9.5) and a set of C5Z rears (18x10.5). There are people willing to sell them separate. Send an email to someone who is trying to sell a four tire set, but not getting any buyers. They're often willing to separate the set and get half the money, versus keeping the set and getting no money.

Or try http://www.corvette-wheels.com/ for great prices on new reproduction wheels. I got the wheels I'm using from them a few years ago. (This will allow you to get different sizes front & rear or four identical sizes that still look like a matching set.)

Bob

WBHighwind

I love my replica a mold wheels for track use. I have 4 17x11 and 2 17x9.5 in the GS offset but I try to run with a square setup. They are made in USA by AFS and weigh 23.3 lbs according to my bathroom scale.

One of my friends who has a 996 Turbo was helping me change wheels at the track one time and commented on how light those wheels are with Hoosiers on them. Plus, with the 17" sizes, you can take advantage of used tires from the T1 guys.

Ive never heard of these wheels breaking due to track use and they fit around my LG GStop brakes.

Forum Sponsor: C119 -> http://www.houseofwheelsonline.com/corvette1.html

R Mackow

I have a set of 4 early C5(fat wheels, 18x9.5) that are powder coated white and have some old V700s/285/30-18, that are barely showing tread. They are autox wheels and have some nicks in them but are solid(no cracks.)
They are made to take a 275, but I have put 295s and 305s on these wheels and run them flat out at Pocono/North Course.
They are taking up space in the shed and you can have them for a small donation or less.

JohnD60

Here's another vote for the square C5Z rear (18X10.5) set up with scrubs. As stated earlier, R888 scrubs can be found for $75.

It may take some time but you can find rear wheels for sale on here. I took the extra time to find the 2001 Alcoa version but in hindsight it would have been easier and cheaper to have gone with Speedline.

Something to think about ---- I purchased 2 rears from one seller and then purchased a complete set from another. I sold the 2 extra front wheels on here in less than a week.

John

argonaut

These are the "wagon wheels"? Thats an awesome offer and I certainly appreciate it...not sure I can stand putting those on a black car though...hmm.

argonaut

The responses have been a big help, thanks guys! You've given me some good options. If I can get R888 scrubs for $75, I'm all for the 18" wheels.

These will be track only rims and tires - I'll be getting a trailer for the vette, or sometimes I caravan to the track with a buddy who has a truck and trailer.

davidfarmer

I run the C5Z06 18x10.5" rims all around. I've run everything from 275's to 315's on them. They are also nice because they will clear most big-brake kits as well (repros may not, as the spokes are often thicker)

Jason

I run 4 Z06 fronts.

The CCW's I weighed were within a couple pounds of the Z06 wheels. I sold'em.

ssdeuce

Where can you buy scrubs??

MySR71

If you go to the NASA FORUMS, there is a for sale section for wheels & tires. Under there, there is thread called "USED TIRE BLOWOUT....ALL BRANDS - updated". Phil's Tire Service updates this thread every week or so with his inventory.

ssdeuce

Thanks!

davidfarmer

I buy scrubs from Bob Chick here usdrctrs "AT" aol.com

His stock varies, but if your not picky about specific sizes etc, he can usually hook you up. To me, for HPDE, there is no difference between 275-305 etc.....I'll take whatever is in the best shape!

RickF

If you want 17" C5Z fronts all around I would buy a regular 17/18 set and offer a trade "my 18s for your 17s". I'll bet you will have no shortage of willing partners. This is what I was going to do but went a different direction due to a cheap co owner.

Just a thought...

yakisoba

And if you need wheels, I'll sell you an old set of GS offset ones. Light, 2 x 9.5 x 17 and 2 x 11 x 17. 295 Hoosiers fit just right on front, 215 on the back, no spacers required. They served me well for many DEs. Tires included, you will have to get the shipping though. Drop me a PM if interested.

bobmoore2

Call John Berget at 262-740-0180. He is a small businessman who goes to the races, takes the slightly used tires (scrubs) from the race teams, and sells them to folks like us. They run around $75 to $85 each.

Just tell John that you've heard he has some scrubs for sale, then he'll probably ask you a couple questions, and you'll end up getting the best sizes for your car.

davidfarmer

Yes, John B is good also. I used him years ago, but have bought from Bob the past several years. It has gotten harder to get good scrubs the past few years, as liability seems to have kept suppliers from letting go of them after the races, but I still manage to find some good ones.