Ms Eliz

Hello all!

I have a 03 C5 Z06 w/stock suspension.

I'm interested in buying a used set of wheels for HPDE events that I can mount track only rubber to without modifying rear tubs etc.

I'd like to invest in a wheel combo that gives me room to grow into a big brake kit as my skill level improves.

Is there a universally accepted standard size for track rubber all you experienced road racers would recommend for my needs?

Perhaps 18x10.5 OE Z06 wheels on all four corners?? Does this give me lots of options on brand of the rubber and compounds?? What is the most cost effective investment a novice like myself should be looking for that allows some growth into bigger brakes when needed?

Thanks so much!
XOXO,
Ms Eliz

Ms Eliz

Really? No opinions? Maybe I asked wrong...I'll try this!

"What's the most popular wheels sizes for C5 Z06 road racing?"

Thank you!

Ms Eliz

2MCHPWR

yeah the OE rears put on all four corners is a good setup. it would give you option of running all four same size if you wanted (305 or 315 all around) or you can run a staggered setup like 295 front, 315 rear. Your preference and driving style should dictate the rubber size.
or find some used CCW's. i bought used set, 18x10 and 18x11.5. love em. i run 295's front and 315's rear. good setup for me, but i don't autocross. I mostly do HPDE's like you. I feel like the bigger rubber in back gives a safer feel (understeer) just in case things get hairy at higher speeds.

L98Terror

Depends what you want to do there are tons of answers, when I ran my 03 Z06 I ran 275 17s square, IMO the cheapest set up. BTW it is very fast also, you really don't need much more tire than that.

Buy to sets of used Z06 wheels take the 17s and I'll buy the 18s off you. My race car needs 18s to clear the brakes other wise I'd run 17s also.


Edit for big brakes, of course if you are going to upgrade to a big brake kit than 18" rims are better but if you are only doing HPDE I personally don't see a need, just upgrade your pads and you'll be braking with the best of them.

C5inWV

It is hard to find a set that is lighter than stock w/o spending some unnecessary $.
It just so happens that I have a set of ZO6 wheels; two of the stock 17" fronts and FOUR of the 18" rears. I needed all 18's to clear the brake calipers on my C6. The stock calipers on the C5 ZO6 are great, so you can go w/ the 17/18 stock configuration. No need to overthink it.
PM if interested in details.

ssdeuce

What size tires did you run with your 17" square setup?

JohnD60

Used C5 Z06 rears (18X10.5) are very popular. There are several options for 18" tires including used track tires in this size. Friends with the 17" set up seem to have a harder time finding used tires.

18's fit all the way around and, as long as you stay in the 305 or below range on the front, they do not even rub at full lock.

Used 02 and up Speedline version of this wheel are available and won't cost you an arm and leg. I put two set of 18" rears together a couple years ago from wheels I found in the for sale section of CF.

I actual like the look of square 18" set up as well.

John

oldmansan

The smallest and lightest reliable (not cast IMHO) wheels that will accomodate the widest tires you want to run and fit over the largest brakes you'll ever need. Anything larger is just added rotational weight and bling.

San

L98Terror

275 40 17s

dcvee

depending on tire pricing/usage answers can vary. I do some semi-serious HPDE work and chose 18x10.5's on all 4's using 275-35-18 Koni Challenge scrubs. I've only ran one event to date but was extremely pleased with the car's handling.

Don

fej

Having just run 315/35/18 710's on the front at a somewhat bumpy autocross event, the tires did some rubbing on the inner fender liners. I have not pulled the wheel yet to check the full extent, but it was not a hole ... yet.

IMO if you were to run the 18x10.5 rim set, I would stagger the tire sizes to 295/35 or 305/30, and possibly look into an 1/8" spacer for a touch more inner clearance.

This set up (315/35 front) will require a car to not be super low, unless you want to adjust your front fenders Or if you are sufficiently stiff in your suspension set up, it might work.

The OEM rims are pretty tough to beat, another option would be genuine GM Grandsport rims in the 17x11 variety, but probably more expensive than the zo6 rims are, and not much less than a used CCW set in the same sizes.

G'luck
Fej

Ms Eliz

Great responses so far guys! I really appreciate the feedback.

I like the 18" x 10.5" idea as they sound like a great deal for the money, allow larger brakes down the road, provide better tire selection and with the proper staggered tire size no rubbing issues.
We may have a winner!
Ms Eliz

Todd Z

You are 100% right! Easy to find tires (contact me), clear BBK in the future. Only change would be if you wanted a lighter set of wheels. That day will come once your car becomes a full blown track car.

VERGIL

Hi guy im not to familier with this . My question is can i run zo6 wheels widen to 12" (18x12) with nittos 555 size>>>> 335-30-18 on th rear and 285-35-18 up front without any rubing on the inside and if so please do you know how much tubing do i need (inches widen )also is a company that builds the extra space to be added allready made for the c5 i saw it in the forum but not save the name of company ,i realy appreciate your time .thank you very much.if like to contact-me by cell please call me or e.mail me i will call back @ my expense thank you my e.mail: ango52@aol.com or my cell # 1-914-924-3229..thank you again vergil 2000 frc

FasterIsBetter

Exactly right, Ms. Eliz. I had an '03 Z, now an '04, and two sets of stock size wheels, 17" fronts, 18" rears. I run Kuhmo V710s on the track, 275/40-17 fronts, 315/35-18 rears. They work great, stick like glue. But having the 17" fronts limit brake choices. I really wish I had gotten 18" fronts, and I would have gone with a Brembo big brake kit. Oh well.

Zenak

not all BB kits will fit under 18's my baers had to come off... no worries they suck for racing and cracki like ****ty rotots they are under load. no 17" will fit BB kits except MAYBE wilwoods. 17" chaper tires ---> 19/20" more $$$.

Fit 275/285 front after 285 you rub bad on wheel lock. 335 on 18" (12" wide rim) will rub just a smidge on full load on your shocks. coil overs makes this easier.. stock rears without a spacer you might want to stay 315/325 You do NOT need a BB kit on your C5. You just need better brake pads. The stock calipers are fine unless you are a bad *** motha fuhka. Get a good race pad. i love my carbotech XP8s this season.

the nice thing about 18 x 10.5 on 4 rims = get 5 and always have a spare for wheel failures.