______________Does Size Matter ?___________
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
______________Does Size Matter ?___________
I need help and any input from you guys. I'm looking to get new tires and some chrome wheels for my C5 coupe. (Can't decide on the look of the wheels C6, Z06, or C6Z06 chromies). But my question is does size matter in wheels? What size shall I go with in the FRONT: 17's or 18's ?
Choices: 17X9.5__or__18X9.5? Would it make ANY difference one way or the other in terms of performance ? Tires: 265/35 should do it for me.
(I do wanna keep 18's in the back for sure, probably 10.5 or 11 inch width).
I'm in a lil rush to make a decision, so really need your help
. Thanks in advance... 
Choices: 17X9.5__or__18X9.5? Would it make ANY difference one way or the other in terms of performance ? Tires: 265/35 should do it for me.
(I do wanna keep 18's in the back for sure, probably 10.5 or 11 inch width).
I'm in a lil rush to make a decision, so really need your help
. Thanks in advance...
Scientific Negotiator
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,727
Likes: 2,031
From: USA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'10, '14
Originally Posted by IdriveC5
If you intend on upgrading the brakes in the future, now is the time to upsize the wheels.
If you were one of those all out performance/physics purists you could argue the whole rotational inertia thing, which would cause you to question the 18s, which wouldn't allow for big brake kits, which would make you go back to the 18s, which would look better, which will make you happier.....
Moral... Go with the 18s.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,626
Likes: 1
From: Fremont California
Raj,
I went with the a 18X10 rim and the tires are 275/35/18 in the fronts and
18X11 rim and the tires are 305/35/18 in the rears.
I will let you know how it handles today in the twisties
Mike
I went with the a 18X10 rim and the tires are 275/35/18 in the fronts and
18X11 rim and the tires are 305/35/18 in the rears.
I will let you know how it handles today in the twisties
Mike
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
Thanks for all your replies guys... Yeah, I'm looking at this from a point of physics...well, its more like trying to keep the original "rake". I've been told by many guys to keep the rake of 1.0" to 0.5" inch rake in front compared to rear - specially by ppl who've lowerd their cars. Even while lowering you should maintain the rake_______At least thats what I was told... 
Mike, what kinda tire did you go with, I mean what brand. I wanted the GS D3's, they dont come in anything wider than 285. PS2's don't have a 305. Thats another issue though....
Mike, what kinda tire did you go with, I mean what brand. I wanted the GS D3's, they dont come in anything wider than 285. PS2's don't have a 305. Thats another issue though....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
the size of the wheel won't have any affect on the rake, the size of the tire could, but it doesn't matter too much since it is adjustable
if you want to run 17s, you could get a 265/40-17 (stock Z06) or 275/40-17, if you bump up to 18s, you would could get something like a 265/35-18 or 275/35-18 so the tire would be almost the same diameter, but would just have a smaller sidewall.
The 18s will give you a slightly better turn in response because of the smaller sidewall, but the 17s will be cheaper and slightly softer. The difference on a street car should be minimal...if you notice it at all.
the other advantage of the 18s is that you will ahve room for a 14" rotors later on.
I run 18x9.5/18x10.5 z06 repo wheels with 265/35-18/295/35-18 tires. Next time I'm going to bump up to a 275/35-18 because of slight understeer at track, but the 265/295 combo is great for a street car.
if you want to run 17s, you could get a 265/40-17 (stock Z06) or 275/40-17, if you bump up to 18s, you would could get something like a 265/35-18 or 275/35-18 so the tire would be almost the same diameter, but would just have a smaller sidewall.
The 18s will give you a slightly better turn in response because of the smaller sidewall, but the 17s will be cheaper and slightly softer. The difference on a street car should be minimal...if you notice it at all.
the other advantage of the 18s is that you will ahve room for a 14" rotors later on.
I run 18x9.5/18x10.5 z06 repo wheels with 265/35-18/295/35-18 tires. Next time I'm going to bump up to a 275/35-18 because of slight understeer at track, but the 265/295 combo is great for a street car.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 12,952
Likes: 0
From: Greer SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
The critical factor for handling is the tire compound along with the amount of rubber you can put on the road. Since everything is a compromise, determine what is critical for you and make your selection accordingly.
We went with Nitto 555 RII's (285/35 ZR18 & 305/35 ZR18) which kept the front-rear diameter ratio. The R compound and wider tires provided me with a significant improvement at the track...the trade off is the longevity of the tire and reduced performance on wet surfaces.
We went with Nitto 555 RII's (285/35 ZR18 & 305/35 ZR18) which kept the front-rear diameter ratio. The R compound and wider tires provided me with a significant improvement at the track...the trade off is the longevity of the tire and reduced performance on wet surfaces.
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