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I noticed "down sizing" wheels isn't covered much....if at all. Probably because in the front there is no room to go smaller and clear the caliper. But over the years I have found it to be a very viable drivability enjoyment multiplier and upgrade to cornering performance. Got the idea from some DSM guys, their AWD Eclipse's would run 3000GT rims and tires for the same "upgrade". Wider contact patch, lighter setup (more air less metal), more squish for daily driving and an upgrade in rubber is useful regardless of the amount of sidewall.
Overall I'm thinking 17x9.5 front and back. Looking for a traction/contact patch upgrade, with a little more room to squish. Basing the Square setup around the Rear Wheels STOCK diameter and width. I'm willing to consider wider, but ya gotta start somewhere.
This should allow for more sidewall on all 4 corners but not negatively effect stock clearances or change rear wheel RPM form stock. Simply upsizing the tires in front to match the rear wheel diameter (adding sidewall), and decreasing the wheel size in back to get more sidewall.
Any recommendation for tire or wheels?
What offsets are needed to run "square" on all 4 corners?
For a long time T1 CCW Classics were run 17". Maybe you can still find some though new ones increased price out this world. IIRC 30 bolt set typical T1 configuration 17X10 and 17X11 8.25 Back spacing.
I've actually debated doing this for my C5. I have two sets of C5Z wheels, and I want to run square 18x10.5 (rears) for track days/HPDE. But I was debating running square 17x9.5 for daily and autocross with a meaty rear tire. Another benefit is the tires are so much cheaper for 17" even if you get the grippy ones. I'll be curious to see how this works for you.
You probably know this, but you can get the C5Z front wheels for almost nothing because everyone buys the set for the rears and then they sell both fronts for $150 or less.
Correct me if Im wrong but these are the C5Z wheels right? (Pic Below, My car)
That would explain why my sidewall is so slanted on the fronts and rears........ The previous owner stretched a 245 across a 9.5in, and 275 across a 10.5in wheel!
Geez no wonder the ride is so harsh, all the side wall can do right now is grab the rim.
c5z06 wheels are one piece, so don't have the bolts holding them together
yeah those may or may not be the size you want, you gotta tape measure?? Also very possible the repro chrome 17"s are heavier than alcoa (forged)/speedline (not forged) 18"s
I am honestly curious about why you are worried about matching the stock diameter (aside from looks)?
On track (and street) I have run a square 275/40/17 setup on 17x9.5's with no issues with ABS/TCS. I normally run square 18x10.5s with 275/35/18. The 17's feel like they have more sidewall(flex), but I haven't done any same-tire compound timed comparisons between the 275/40/17 and the 275/35/18.
I don't like the turn-in feel of running tires too wide on a wheel. I actually like the way a 275 feels on a 10.5. I doubt you'd get much benefit (time wise) with a 285 over a 275 on a 9.5 wheel. Also, much less selection in 285 sizes (especially in sticky 200TW tires).
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17in Square Setup
