18" Wheel Options For C5Z
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
18" Wheel Options For C5Z
My 04 Z06 Z16 is in need of tires. Considering finding decent rubber in OEM or close to OEM sizes is nearly impossible, I'm looking to pick up new wheels for an 18" setup. Initially, I planned to pick up two more Z16 rears (already have one actually), but I HATE how much poke is up front. While I understand that this is a popular/functional option, I can't get passed the look.
Ideally, I would move to a square(ish) setup, but running staggered wheels/tires isn't a huge deal as long as they are sizes with readily-available tires. Right now, that seems to be 315/30/18 (Rival S or RT615K+). What are people running for wheels in these sizes? I was originally considering CCW Classics, but am open to suggestions. My only concern is that eventually I'd like to step up to an AP/Essex BBK or similar.
Car will see use in AutoX (CAM most likely), some HPDEs, and general corner carving. Not as concerned with price as I am fitment and quality. Prefer polished aluminium or polished + clearcoat if possible.
Ideally, I would move to a square(ish) setup, but running staggered wheels/tires isn't a huge deal as long as they are sizes with readily-available tires. Right now, that seems to be 315/30/18 (Rival S or RT615K+). What are people running for wheels in these sizes? I was originally considering CCW Classics, but am open to suggestions. My only concern is that eventually I'd like to step up to an AP/Essex BBK or similar.
Car will see use in AutoX (CAM most likely), some HPDEs, and general corner carving. Not as concerned with price as I am fitment and quality. Prefer polished aluminium or polished + clearcoat if possible.
#2
Advanced
Forgestar F14s are hard to beat, I think you would have to spend twice the money to save a pound. My 11" F14s were 21.6 lbs each.
Last edited by Josh67; 10-15-2018 at 12:14 PM.
#3
Safety Car
Forgestar is probably your best option considering custom offsets and cost. You can go to a 18x11 or 18x12 and still keep a 315 tire.
Last edited by smitty2919; 10-15-2018 at 09:28 AM.
#4
Drifting
TSW wheels are nice. I have the nuringburg (SP) that I use for my track wheels 18X10.5 Nice for a square setup. Clears my Wilwood BBk also without any issue.
TSW C5 wheels
TSW C5 wheels
#5
Nurburgring
I have a set too. Tons of brake clearance.
I have a set too. Tons of brake clearance.
#7
Instructor
Thread Starter
I appreciate all of the input. Presently, I'm looking at Forgeline. Some have recommended Forgestar, but I'm not exactly sold on their wheel designs or the fact that they are not hubcentric. Personally, wheels (or tires, brakes, etc.) are not an area where I would like to cut corners.
The TSWs seem to only list a 9" maximum for the fronts. For what I'm looking to do, I'm going to need something wider.
The TSWs seem to only list a 9" maximum for the fronts. For what I'm looking to do, I'm going to need something wider.
#8
Instructor
They are talking about running "rears" on all four corners
I appreciate all of the input. Presently, I'm looking at Forgeline. Some have recommended Forgestar, but I'm not exactly sold on their wheel designs or the fact that they are not hubcentric. Personally, wheels (or tires, brakes, etc.) are not an area where I would like to cut corners.
The TSWs seem to only list a 9" maximum for the fronts. For what I'm looking to do, I'm going to need something wider.
The TSWs seem to only list a 9" maximum for the fronts. For what I'm looking to do, I'm going to need something wider.
#9
Instructor
Thread Starter
#10
Safety Car
Most likely if a C5z wheel pokes out in the front but does not in the rear. IMO you are better off getting the same offset front/rear so you can rotate easier. Otherwise you need to dismount/remount tires.
Look online for calculators and determine a wheel size that will not poke out in the front, then see what it does in the rear.
You know a stock c5z wheel pokes out XX.XXmm, make adjustments to offset to reduce that and finalize a front wheel spec and how inner fender clearance will be.
OR call vendors and have them tell you lol.
Look online for calculators and determine a wheel size that will not poke out in the front, then see what it does in the rear.
You know a stock c5z wheel pokes out XX.XXmm, make adjustments to offset to reduce that and finalize a front wheel spec and how inner fender clearance will be.
OR call vendors and have them tell you lol.
#11
Instructor
The TSW 18x10.5 wheels have 65mm offset if I am not mistaken compared to 59mm for the OE, so they do not stick out as much. With a few degrees of camber they tuck inside the front fenders. Personally I will never pay $6,000 for a set of Forgelines because there are much better things to spend money on that will make me faster, but you are free to do that if you want .
#12
Supporting Vendor
Given your plans for the car (HPDE), keep big brake kit options in mind when selecting wheels. Something like a CCW Classic with a stepped lip has horrible caliper clearance, while something like a CCW Corsair C14 has fantastic brake disc/caliper clearance. Many brake kit manufacturers offer downloadable wheel fitment templates that allow you to check wheels for clearance (see pic below). If you plan ahead now, you can save yourself a lot of headaches and expense later. If I had a dollar for every person who tells me, "Shoot! I really wish I had thought of this before I bought my wheels," I could probably be retire today.
Last edited by JRitt@essex; 10-25-2018 at 03:08 PM.
The following users liked this post:
smitty2919 (10-26-2018)
#13
Instructor
Thread Starter
The TSW 18x10.5 wheels have 65mm offset if I am not mistaken compared to 59mm for the OE, so they do not stick out as much. With a few degrees of camber they tuck inside the front fenders. Personally I will never pay $6,000 for a set of Forgelines because there are much better things to spend money on that will make me faster, but you are free to do that if you want .
Personally, I don't mind spending the money on a quality product if it meets my stupid requirements. Double that if it's a quality USA-made product. As previously stated, there are some areas where I don't like to cut corners. Wheels/tires/brakes are one of them.
Given your plans for the car (HPDE), keep big brake kit options in mind when selecting wheels. Something like a CCW Classic with a stepped lip has horrible caliper clearance, while something like a CCW Corsair C14 has fantastic brake disc/caliper clearance. Many brake kit manufacturers offer downloadable wheel fitment templates that allow you to check wheels for clearance (see pic below). If you plan ahead now, you can save yourself a lot of headaches and expense later. If I had a dollar for every person who tells me, "Shoot! I really wish I had thought of this before I bought my wheels," I could probably be retire today.
#14
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Aug 2002
Location: Ventura County, CA
Posts: 7,428
Received 420 Likes
on
234 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
I’m running Fikse FM5s on my C5Z and have a set of Fikse ARO on standby (presently on my C4). I would also keep an eye out for CCW Corsairs or Classics
Last edited by ElisTwoCents; 11-01-2018 at 12:05 PM.
#15
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Oct 2007
Location: Akron Ohio
Posts: 8,868
Received 1,753 Likes
on
941 Posts
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
-2° is what I used to run on my street car as a more mild setup. The track cars get between -2.8°-3.2° on the front and about -1.5° on the rear.
#16
Former Vendor
We can do custom offsets and widths in any of our builds, if we can be of any help at all, please feel free to contact us or any of our dealers.
#17
Safety Car
forgestars. 18s are on sale right now for $200 off. thats how i bought mine last year.
i would HIGHLY suggest staggered. i tried square first and had to wait way too long on exit to put power down and car felt to on edge. now running forgestar 11/12" 315/335
also the forgestars came with rings that make them hubcentric. mine did.
i would HIGHLY suggest staggered. i tried square first and had to wait way too long on exit to put power down and car felt to on edge. now running forgestar 11/12" 315/335
also the forgestars came with rings that make them hubcentric. mine did.
Last edited by STANG KILLA SS; 11-17-2018 at 10:20 PM.
The following users liked this post:
romandian (11-18-2018)
#19
Safety Car
You would think they can make custom offsets, why can't they machine the bores according to the application.
Side note, are C5 front and rear hub diameters the same? I know Fbody's are slightly different.
Side note, are C5 front and rear hub diameters the same? I know Fbody's are slightly different.
#20