I've searched I don't know how many threads on wheels, and can't seem to find the answer. I did see that there are some folks that are running 18" wheels in front and rear, but I'm not clear if there are any problems with it.

I heard that the active handling requires the 1" difference in wheel size from front to rear. Any truth to it? Ideally I'd like a set of 19" rears, but until Nitto makes a set of DRs in 19" I'm kind of stuck trying to get the 515RWHP to the pavement. Right now, the car has the 17" fronts via Y2K thin spoke, but CCW doesn't make a 17" unless you get the 'classic'.

So, if 18x10 in front, and 18x11 in the rear isn't going to pose much of a problem, I think I'll do this. Quick help appreciated as I want to order the CCWs tomorrow.

-Keith

 

I have 19s all the way no problems at all.

 

18's all around here. 9.5 and 10.5 rims with 265x35 and 295x35 Kumho MX's. No problems at all. Looks great and feels great. Much harder to spin the rears with the 295's.

 

 

..same issue here...
I wanted Nitto tires...
...so 18's were purchased...

I have 18X9.5 front and 18X10.5 rear....
with
285 35 18 front and 305 35 18....

...and with 550rwhp...your still going to have and issue of sticking...

 

You do not need a 1 inch difference. Some people run same size tire all around for the track with no problems. You will have AH/TC problem though if your fronts are taller than rears. I ran 315-25-18 rear and 285/25/18 front and worked real nice. Good luck.

By the way there is a tire calculator at discount tire that you can calculate the tire height before you buy. With the wheels you list I would think 295's front and 315's rear would work nice. Good luck.

 

I was wondering about this because I would also like to go 18's all around. Good info.

 

 

Hi Keith,

Greetings to you. Welcome to the awesome and very amazing world of tire and wheel upgrades. Keith, you may certainly install the same diameter wheel at all corners. But, what you need to always keep in mind are some of the supportive pointers that many of our informed fellow CF members (including "Shurite") has mentioned above.

Moreover, in general, it is prudent to maintain a true staggered set up from front to back for balanced performance and handling characteristics. However, there truthfully exist numerous other wheel application options, as well. And, here are just a few examples of the staggered application method for stock, "untubbed" C5's to further illuminate this issue: 1). For an 18 inch diameter wheel application at all four corners, you may install 18X9.5 Fronts paired with 18X11 Rears. 2). For an 19 inch diameter wheel application at all four corners, you may install 19X9.5 Fronts paired with 19X11 Rears. Honestly, the two above diameter ranges offer most adequate tire sizing options and availability. And, with the correct offset will fit beautifully within your fenderwells 3). There are many of us who also race and install the same size wheel and tire at all four corners such as 17, or, 18X11 inch wheels coupled with 315mm tires. This is also an adequate option. 4). Tire sizes for a possibly "adequate" twenty inch application do exist. However, you are far more limited in this realm. Manufacturers (in regards to the latest 20 inch diameter tire sizing) are sometimes slow to follow new trends. This seriously affects the availability of proper tire sizes needed to accommodate the still very new 20+ inch tire size applications. Therefore, the consumer market is forced to wait (and wait) for Manufacturers to release product.

Now, if you modify your C5 by "tubbing", or, by adding on a wide body kit, you WILL have more opportunity to install even wider wheels and tires. Keith, as food for thought, you may wish to access a special thread dated 7-24-05, and, titled by fellow CF member "Niphilli2", as "What wider tires are available in 19". Scroll down this page and you will find my solutionary responses to this thread that may prove most informative for you. Also, there is a great pic of a nude C5 chassis with the wider 13 inch wheels and tire application, here is the link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...601&forum_id=1. Again, if the link does not work, just access the above thread and date. Congratulations to you. Please post some pics of your amazing car.

Best Wishes,
Eden

 

Same here except Toyo T1S's.
Fred

 

I am running 18" CCW Track Wheels all the way around with Nitto 55RII
(285-F & 305-R). My tuner recommended maintaining a 0.5-1" front/rear difference to avoid Active Handling issues.

 

18's and no problems here

 

Actually...I copied Sully :o

 

Stu...that's because you got to see the tires at Mike Norris' shop before I did! I remember you posting on the Forum how great the Nittos looked on Betty's car. Just about every mod of the cars here on the CF is a copy of what someone else did. How we combine all our mods is where we become unique!

 

..yep I enjoyed the surprise before you did

And unique is what we are!

 

What really matters is the overall diameter of wheel/tire; I've always felt the C5 looks the best with a 27" diameter in back and about 26" in front - some think the 19" wheel in back just looks better. (I do also). You can always adjust the tire size to accomodate the overall diameter you want. But, do you really think Nitto's are so important that you can't consider a 19" wheel? I also have a high horsepower tuner, and have always used BFGoodrich TA/KD's or KDW's. which I thought experts said are the best dry traction summer tires on the market. And they do come in the 295/35/19 size.

 

Thank you for all your replies. Eden, I saw that post last night, but I was still looking for the answer to the active handling question. (which I think I have now).

I did end up ordering a set of CCW wheels this morning. I picked up the SP20s.

18x10 fronts with 285x35x18 Nitto R2s
18x11 rears with 305x35x18 Nitto DRs

However, now I'm waffeling on calling them back and changing it to the SP16s, but I can't make up my mind. I had got the SP20s as I also have a pair of MT ET Streets mountied on the CCW 16x10 Classics for the track. I felt the SP20s would kind of 'match' the Classics. But, I have a left over set of 17" Classics from my Camaro I could just run on the front and have a full set of Classics for the strip.

Thanks -
Keith