wheels/tires question?
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Pittsburgh PA
wheels/tires question?
I am new to owning a corvette so all information is appreciated. I just purchased a 1997 black corvette from my father in-law 12,500 miles for $13,000.00 I am hoping a got a good deal any thoughts on price paid? My question is I want to get new rims and I believe the stock sizes are front - 17 x 8.5 P245/45ZR17 and rear - 18 x 9.5 P275/40ZR18 I still have some good tread on the tires so I am looking to just replace the rims and remount the tires my question is do I need to stay with the same rim size as stock to keep my existing tires? That is what I am thinking and just looking for confirmation.
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I am new to owning a corvette so all information is appreciated. I just purchased a 1997 black corvette from my father in-law 12,500 miles for $13,000.00 I am hoping a got a good deal any thoughts on price paid? My question is I want to get new rims and I believe the stock sizes are front - 17 x 8.5 P245/45ZR17 and rear - 18 x 9.5 P275/40ZR18 I still have some good tread on the tires so I am looking to just replace the rims and remount the tires my question is do I need to stay with the same rim size as stock to keep my existing tires? That is what I am thinking and just looking for confirmation.
I'd leave them alone until the tires get worn out and then get new wheels/tires.
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From: Anchorage AK
What does it do? What do you mean by going crazy? Does this matter if you turn off the TC?
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It sounds like a good deal to me. 
If you want to use the same tires, then I would stay with the same size rims.
You can jump up to Z06 size wheels, 18's all around, or 18/19.
Yes, you do want to have some stagger in the sizes.
For instance, a 265/35/18 F, and a 295/35/18 R will work.
For a 13k dollar car, I can't see spending 3k on wheels, so I would lean towards repros. There are plenty to choose from for around 1K.
Good luck.
If you want to use the same tires, then I would stay with the same size rims.
You can jump up to Z06 size wheels, 18's all around, or 18/19.
Yes, you do want to have some stagger in the sizes.
For instance, a 265/35/18 F, and a 295/35/18 R will work.
For a 13k dollar car, I can't see spending 3k on wheels, so I would lean towards repros. There are plenty to choose from for around 1K.
Good luck.
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From: Granite City Illinois
I am new to owning a corvette so all information is appreciated. I just purchased a 1997 black corvette from my father in-law 12,500 miles for $13,000.00 I am hoping a got a good deal any thoughts on price paid? My question is I want to get new rims and I believe the stock sizes are front - 17 x 8.5 P245/45ZR17 and rear - 18 x 9.5 P275/40ZR18 I still have some good tread on the tires so I am looking to just replace the rims and remount the tires my question is do I need to stay with the same rim size as stock to keep my existing tires? That is what I am thinking and just looking for confirmation.
Don't blame you for wanting to swap the wheels...many owners have replaced those "Wagon Wheels" with the Y2K (2000 - 2004) style wheels.
Your eleven-year-old tires may look good, but are probably very hard and noisy; why not buy a good used set of wheels and new tires? I got a set of non-runflats and the ride improved greatly and can now hear my wife above the reduced tire noise.
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
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I would be concerned that a tire that has been on a car for 12 years would be dried out. It may look okay on the sidewall, but how does it look between the treads? More than likely is it's dried out. 12K miles on a 12 year old car means it's been sitting for a long time.
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From: Pittsburgh PA
Father in-law owned it and he flys between Pittsburgh and Myrtle Beach alot so he would only take it out only about 1 month out of the year during the summer. Drive it to work and that's about it. I will post pictures this weekend let me know what you think.
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Sounds like a great deal you got. But, like others have said, I would be leary of those 12 yr. old tires. Sitting like that is not good for anything, especially rubber. I bet it's dried out and cracked between the treads. Check them out, and check the GP from VQMOTORING, if you're looking for new wheels.
They have some great new wheels and deals on tire/wheel combos.
Less than 1400 I think. Mounted, balanced, shipped to your door. Just have to have your TPMs switched to the new wheels, and you're all set.
I may be selling my C6 chromes with tires, if I order their new R279's.
Can't wait to see the pics.
Remember to wave!
They have some great new wheels and deals on tire/wheel combos.
Less than 1400 I think. Mounted, balanced, shipped to your door. Just have to have your TPMs switched to the new wheels, and you're all set.
I may be selling my C6 chromes with tires, if I order their new R279's.
Can't wait to see the pics.
Remember to wave!
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From: Anchorage AK
Think about what the TC is supposed to do and you will answer your own question. It begins applying the rear brakes at very high brake-release rates to try and slow down the slipping wheels. It also closes the throttle and reduces spark if needed to reduce rear wheel speed. Last question answer is no if the traction control is turned off it doesn't matter. But why would you not want traction control turned on? It's a safety feature designed to help control the car under slippery conditions.
Anyway, I live in Alaska and drive a RWD car in the winter and it has no TC (it's an '87 300ZX Turbo if you're curious
). I can handle no TC, i always drive with it off. Thanks again!
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If you're keeping your tires you should probably get the same size rims or close to the same size. If you go a little larger with the width: 17x9.5 on the fronts, the tire will be a little more "stretched" so the sidewall will be less and the tire won't be as tall and the same goes for the back if you switch to an 18x10.5 wheel.
I'd leave them alone until the tires get worn out and then get new wheels/tires.
I'd leave them alone until the tires get worn out and then get new wheels/tires.
And you got a great deal on the car IMO. Very low mileage for a '97.
