C5 wheels on C4 question

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Apr 15, 2009 | 04:01 PM

rayosequis

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From: Cypress Texas

C5 wheels on C4 question

I picked up a set of C5 wheels (17x8.5,18x9.5) for my '94 LT1 and could not decide on what size tire to go with for the rears. I would like to stick with as close to a stock size (285/40-17) as possible to avoid abs/asr issues. If I go with a 275/40-18, it is slightly larger in diameter, but a 275/35-18 is slightly smaller and may look akward with the 255/45-17 in front.

Any suggestions or first hand experience ?

Thanks in advance,
Ernie

Apr 15, 2009 | 05:29 PM

Kubs

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Go with a 285/35. It is a little wider but alomst the exact same height. It will look good with the 255s up front.

Apr 15, 2009 | 07:45 PM

rayosequis

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From: Cypress Texas

Thanks, I didn't know they made a 285/35 and that will fit the bill.

Apr 15, 2009 | 09:41 PM

VenkmanP

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From: VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayosequis

My car had the stock C5 sizes on it when I got it. I switched to a 275-35. It does look odd to me next to the 45-series front tire, and the ride is harsher (even though the new tires are a more comfort-oriented design than the old ones).

I will switch back to the 275-40 when these wear out. Unfortunately I bought expensive tires that I really love and that have a high treadwear rating so I'm stuck with them for a while...

You get a much larger selection of tires in the 275-40. You get an extremely limited selection in the 285-35, and the incremental cost over the 275-35 or 275-40 is usually pretty large.

There are no abs/asr issues in either case.

If you go with the 35-series in the rear, I'd suggest a 40-series in the front for better visual match.

Apr 15, 2009 | 10:12 PM

mechguy79

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From: San Angelo Texas

I stuck with the original 275/40 rear as well. It will look funny with a shorter sidewall tire in the rear than front. Your front wheel also won't go out as far as the original if the offset is the same as mine. I think I need a .25 or .5 inch spacer to get it right. I cheated and scored a second set of rear wheels to put on the front. I think that will look much better. The 285/40/18 will have a 4% speed error when compared with the 285/40/17.

Apr 16, 2009 | 01:10 PM

rayosequis

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From: Cypress Texas

Thanks for all the input guys, I really appreciate it ! I found a set of the C5 magnesium wheels that need a little refinishing for really cheap locally and can't wait to see what they look like on my '94.