RickF

94 with a stock LT1 that runs well but is not factory fresh. Poly bushings all around (except front uppers) with offset front lowers so we can get 2.5 degrees of camber, Z07 bars and koni yellows.

I have a co owner to keep costs down so we try to do things on the cheap which explains my dilemma. I wanted to spring for 4 Z06 fronts but we have two sets of wagon wheels instead (already had 1 set and found a great deal on the second one).

For a variety of reasons we want to run a square setup (mainly to be able to rotate) as we are going to DOT R compounds.

My question is should we run four 17x8.5 or four 18x9.5?

The 17x8.5 are about 3 lbs lighter and tires are cheaper. Are we giving up too much handling with the narrower tire? Also, what are the widest tires we can put on each wheel? Any tires suggestions? Looking more for durability than the last tenth.
Thanks

Sidney004

First choice would be 18" x 10.5" for cheap used racing tire availability, 9.5" width is too skinny for most of the common sizes; you can run up to a 305 on 10.5's, the 285/30's or the 295/30's are probably the most common; 17" x 9.5" is a much better choice than the 8.5" wheels for more common and wider tires as well, you can run up to 295's on the 9.5's, though the 275 is more common.

Z07coupe

You usually pay a premium for the 18" tires.
Tire Rack prices:
Hoosier R6 Kumho V710
275/40/17 (R6) $271, (V710) $248
295/35/17 (R6) 289, (V710) 260
275/35/18 (R6) 290
285/30/18 (R6) 309, (V710) 235 heat cycled on sale
(710) 315 regular
295/30/18 (R6) 311
If you are dead set on using the 18" wagon wheels, all these will work. Don't put 275s on an 17x8.5" rim. And you do want the widest tire you can safely fit. That Kumho heat cycled tire is a deal, and would work just fine on the 18x9.5 wagon wheel. I tried to make a chart for you, but it doesn't work here.

RickF

Thanks for the responses.

So I gather the opinions are to go with the heavier but wider 18s at 9.5 than the lighter but narrower 17s at 8.5?