Wheel size Question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 25
From: Pittsburgh PA
Wheel size Question
I have a 03AE with stock wheel size 17" on front and 18" on rear. I would like to upgrade the current rims keeping the same wheel size since the tires only have 800 miles on them. As I read the forum, everyone seems to get larger size rims when they upgrade. What am I missing??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 2
From: New York NY
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Larger wheels = much cooler looking car and better traction for off the line acceleration. I am running 19x10 fronts and 19x11 rears. The largest anyone goes on the C5 would be 19 inch fronts and 20 inch rears. Larger wheels are very 
. Also, many people upgrade to non-runflat tires for a less bumpy ride.
. Also, many people upgrade to non-runflat tires for a less bumpy ride.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
You could sell your wheels and tires if you decide to upgrade to a different size wheel. Or if you go one inch wider than stock, Z06 size wheels you could still run your stock tires until you wear them out then buy wider tires. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 789
Likes: 0
From: BF Egypt Tx
Actually, while wider tires/rims help your traction, they also increase unsprung weight.
Going to a taller wheel (19 or 20 vs. 18) can hurt your performance, in the same way going from a 3:15 say, to a 2:73 would take away torque.
Going to a taller wheel (19 or 20 vs. 18) can hurt your performance, in the same way going from a 3:15 say, to a 2:73 would take away torque.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
Originally Posted by NIGHTMARE...2001
Actually, while wider tires/rims help your traction, they also increase unsprung weight.
Going to a taller wheel (19 or 20 vs. 18) can hurt your performance, in the same way going from a 3:15 say, to a 2:73 would take away torque.
Going to a taller wheel (19 or 20 vs. 18) can hurt your performance, in the same way going from a 3:15 say, to a 2:73 would take away torque.
And besides the look way
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
Originally Posted by NIGHTMARE...2001
Actually, while wider tires/rims help your traction, they also increase unsprung weight.
Going to a taller wheel (19 or 20 vs. 18) can hurt your performance, in the same way going from a 3:15 say, to a 2:73 would take away torque.
Going to a taller wheel (19 or 20 vs. 18) can hurt your performance, in the same way going from a 3:15 say, to a 2:73 would take away torque.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 25
From: Pittsburgh PA
Now I understand. Thanks, but having just retired money is kind of an issue and the prices I see for new tires and wheels just will not cut it for me until Jan of 06. Since I don't put a lot of miles on my car (my other 78 Pace Car has only 32K my 03 AE has 800) the tires I currently have will probably outlast me. The wheels I am looking at is the full chrome lz from ronalusa. Any thoughts?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 101,562
Likes: 41
From: Ca
Consider the CCWheel 505A's, mine are due to arrive this week
http://www.ccwheel.com/street/files/main.htm
http://www.ccwheel.com/street/files/main.htm
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