Hi All
Looking to put a set of new wheels on the 03. Not sure exactly what style but definitely 18"s and 19"s. Don't like the look of 19 20 combo. I have heard numerous suggestions from tire shops for tire sizes. They range from stock front and rear to 275/35-18 front 305/30-19 rear. I really don't want rubbing and fitment issues. It is not lowered, absolutely stock at this time. I will probably look at the TireRack to purchase unless others have suggestions. I really need help in getting a proper fit and no computer/brake problems. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Glen

 

I'm getting this: 245/40ZR18 & 285/35ZR19, haven't decided on wheels yet.

 

Same for me... but I chose to mount them on CCW SP500's. Now I am trying to be patient as I wait for them!!!

 

I have this: F= 265/18 R= 295/18. I know, they're both 18", but I also didn't have any fitment/rubbing/wheelspeed issues either. Just some food for thought for you.

Robert

 

Glen,
the 275/35-18 and 305/30 -19 sounds like the sizes you would get if you ordered one of CCW's packages (maybe 265/35-18 - not 100% sure). They would work fine, assuming of course that you had the appropriate width wheels. In any event, just keep the back tire's circumference greater than the front's, and you'll be OK.

 

Can I get some opinions on this combo? Wheels are SSR GT3 in 18x9.5 and 19x11. Tires would be BFG KDW 2 275/35-18 and 295/35-19. Seems overall diameters are fairly close to stock. Would I be better off going to the 265 in front? Need as many thoughts as possible, gotta do this soon before the funding gets revoked!!!!!

 

Either will work up front; 275's circumference is closer to stock 245/45-17 than the 265, but the difference is very slight and a 265 wouldn't have any detrimental effect. But to err on the side of caution, since your rear would be bigger than the OEM rear (circumference-wise), I'd go with the 275 as it would reduce the front/rear difference a hair.
Either size goes well with a 9.5" wide rim per TireRack specs for this tire:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...irePageLocQty=

 

For what reason are you telling him to keep different diameter tires. So long as the difference between the front and rear tire diameter (and thereby the circumference also) is within a 3% margin he won't have any problem with AH/TC or ABS.

Do you disagree?

 

Cutlass,
If your question is directed to me, Glen is the one who wants differing diameter wheels (and then of course tires). Diameter, while a factor for measurement purposes, is in itself irrelevant to the omnipresent AH concern. Circumference, as you mentioned, is the issue. I've also heard the 3% figure as being the magic parameter number to watch.
I guess it is not clear to me what you're asking....

 

From what I have read on the forum and learned from various tire dealers and vette owners, wheel diameter is of no real concern. It IS the overall diameter of both front and rear that is the important factor. I have seen vettes with same diameter wheels both front and rear and it appears that the sidewall height is what visually, to me at least, looks different. I am trying to keep similar height sidewalls to keep a more symetrical look. Going by manufacturers dimensions, the 275 front diameter is 25.6" and the 295 rear is 27". Doing the math gives a 3.8" front sidewall and a 4" rear. That is just about as close as I can get. If I went with a 19" front, the sidewall would be very thin compared to the rear. Does anyone have thoughts on the KDW-2? I don't need the highest performing or most exotic tire, just something decent with good looks. The KDW-2 definitely has a different look. I happen to like it, but then I also like the looks of GS-D3 style tread patterns. My main focus is the wheels, which I really like. Thanks to all for helping out. I am still looking for as much input as possible.
Have one on me! and a snack
Glen

 

I have first hand experience with both. You cannot go wrong either. These are generally regarded as the overall best choice for street driven Vettes here, and for good reason. They are very price competitive, give good wear, have very good traction both dry and (very important) in the rain. I currently have the KDW2s, primarily because at the time of my need for replacement tires, the GS-D3 was not offered in the size I was looking for for the rear.
HTH,
Robert

 

Glen, to answer or actually I guess give my opinion on a few of your questions.
The KDW2 tires are decent tires and from all I've read, heard and seen, you get alot of tire for the money. I persoanlly have never used them but do know a few guys that do. They ALL like them and are happy they got them. I have Goodyear GS-D3 tires and swear by these things for performance and wet weather handling. You DID mention that performance was not a real high priority for you so I think you'd be happy with the KDW2 tire. They are less expensive...

NOW, on to overall diameter of tires. YOu can make what you want from this info.
The C5 was designed to have an approximate 1" stagger from front to rear with the rear obviously standing approx 1" taller.
Below are the OEM diamters of C5 tires
Coupe & Convertible, Fronts 25.7", Rears 26.7"
Z06, Fronts 25.3", Rears 26.1"

Coupe and Convertible tires 245/45x17 & 275/40x18
Z06 tires 265/40x17 & 295/35x18

I personally like the 18" wheels at all four corners and I run the GS-D3's in 265/35x18 and 295/35x18 keeping that approx 1" stagger....

I think a nice size for 18 fronts and 19 rears would be
265/35x18 OD 25.3" sidewall height 93mm
305/30x19 OD 26.2" sidewall height 92mm

This is all just info for you to use. I am not saying what is right or wrong. I know I like to keep that approx 1" front to rear stagger for my car..

Good Luck iwth your purchase.

Glenn

 

Thanks to all for the time spent responding. I appreciate all the data and real world advise on what would be good choices. If there are any more thoughts, please post. I try to research as much as possible for any major purchase that I make. This forum seems to be the best resource for information on any aspect of the Corvette. I am definitely glad I am here! Thanks again to all. I just want to be confident in my purchase.

 

Im using 305 rears. 275 up front. And im Lovvvving it!

 

I'm in the same position searching for the right size tires. My 02 has 18"x10" rims all around and the previous owner put 275/35 18 tires on all around. Well, you know the problems with Traction Control. I'm a little stumped, I though the first number in the size was the width (275) and the second number was the sidewall height. How does the first number translate into a larger diameter tire. That being asked, can someone tell me exactally what size tires to put on my rims to clear up my problem.

 

Guys..use this to determine what you need
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

275 front 295 rear soon to be 305 but on 19s and 20s

 

Interesting, your post seems to confirm that for people with same size wheels and tires at all four corners, some seem to have problems, while others claim they do not.

Tom, you need a good tire tutorial. Here's a good primer for you:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tiretech.jsp

The second number in the tire size is not the sidewall height, it is the ratio between the sidewall height and the tire's width.

Finally, as to size recommendations for your situation (and this would need to be confirmed with the tire mfr's data specs), the cheapest solution would be to just change out the rear tires to something like a 275/40-18, 285/40-18, or 295/35-18. Since you didn't mention what brand and model of tire you have, it's hard to be more specific. Most mfrs of those sizes will say they will fit a 10" wide wheel. This would return your front/rear tire circumference ratio to something close to OEM (it needn't be exact). Good luck.

 

You thought right....the first number in the tire size IS in fact the width. The second number (as mentioned) is the aspect ratio, or percentage of the width.......in other words, size of the Profile. The greater the first number, the wider the tire is. The greater the second number, the taller the Profile......which WILL result in a taller overall diameter.

 

Just talked to a guy at Tire Rack and he recommends 255/40 18 front and 275/40 18 back. this only gives me a, according to that nifty calculator, diameter difference back to front of .7" Is this enought? Also he's recommending, for traction, noise and size avaiablity, the Bridgestone 050 tires. Any comments?