[Z06] What tire size?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Arkansas
What tire size?
Okay, I am a little confused on the difference between rim width and tire width. For instance, I have 295's on stock ZO6 rims. Could I put 305's on them. I don't know how to tell. I am thinking of putting 18's on the front and 19's on the back. What size tire (width) can I put on a 19 by 10.5 or 11. What is the best fit. I love the wide look in the back. Can someone explain to me how it works. Because the width of the wheel doesn't seem to always go with a width of the tire. Example 335's on a 11 inch wheel instead of 305's. 
I am even confusing myself about the whole thing. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help 
I am even confusing myself about the whole thing. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help
Dogface
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 25,974
Likes: 120
From: At the Beach, FL
St. Jude Donor '15, '17
Lot's of post on this. You can searc a lot of examples. You can go up to a 315/30/18 for the rear on stock wheels. You can go to 275/40/17 up front easy 285's will rub in the corner's. Not sure on the 19/18 Combo's but have see threads on it. Hope this gets you started.
Also you can read this:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...25&forum_id=49
Also you can read this:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...25&forum_id=49
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Arkansas
Thanks for the input and link. I know there are a lot of threads, but not too sure if there are any actually telling me what the 295, 305, 315 etc and how they relate to 9.5, 10, 10.5 etc.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 24,317
Likes: 0
From: Roll 20's...
When in doubt, call the manufacturer. They have a "preferred" size, which is the one that everyone cites. The truth though is that the tires can frequently be installed on any tire within .5-1" of the "preferred" size. In my case, I called Michelin, they said it would work fine and they were correct.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
Hercdriver - this does not answer your question directly, but it will save you money: the best performance tire available for the Z06 will mount directly on your stock wheels: it is the Nitto R2. The sizes are 275/40-17 front and 305/35-18 rear. Nitto / Toyo produced the rear size specifically for the Z06. This tire will deliver levels of straightline and cornering grip that are superior to any tire out there right now, regardless of size, and that includes the 345/30-19 Michelin Pilot that the Viper wears.
Also, bear in mind that you negatively affect brake torque and acceleration when you increase total wheel diameter via larger rims (unless you counteract with lower profile tire). The reduced braking performance can be very noticeable with high-speed stops.
Also, bear in mind that you negatively affect brake torque and acceleration when you increase total wheel diameter via larger rims (unless you counteract with lower profile tire). The reduced braking performance can be very noticeable with high-speed stops.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Arkansas
Thanks again to all. I have been looking into the Nitto's. I don't mind the wheel size on the stock rims, I was just thinking on getting the black motorsports. I think they would look good on my red Z. So then, I though why not just go up in size. I didn't know that doing that would affect acceleration and braking. Thanks for the info. I might just keep the same size but just put black motorsports with Nitto's. Thaks!
