Rim Width
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Indianapois Indiana
Rim Width
I have some stock thin spokes,17/8.5 front and 18/9.5 on rear,wanting to go with the zo6 sizes 17/9.5 and 18/10.5.I have the firestone Firehawk tires 245/45 zr17 front and 275/40zr18 rear,it looks like the rears will fit fine on the wider rims but what about the front.It looks like it is half an inch from the specs of fitting.any help. THanks
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 1,818
I've read of guys running the stock non-Z06 tires on the Z06 rims until they needed to replace tires. The .5 inch difference stretches the specs but unless you plan on a lot of road racing you should be OK. The effect on the tire is to pull center of the tire in more and hence wear the outer edge.
One alternative is to spring for the Z06 tire sizes and sell the tires you now have. By the way you may not find the Z06 sizes in run flats if that is a concern to you.
Another alternative is to find some Z06 rims in the stock C5 widths. I believe there are some knock off Z06 rims available in C5 widths. At least there used to be.
One alternative is to spring for the Z06 tire sizes and sell the tires you now have. By the way you may not find the Z06 sizes in run flats if that is a concern to you.
Another alternative is to find some Z06 rims in the stock C5 widths. I believe there are some knock off Z06 rims available in C5 widths. At least there used to be.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
It could also have a negative effect on the speed rating of the tire, if it's stretched beyond the recommended limits on a wider rim.
Don't do it.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 672
Likes: 3
From: S. Elgin IL
I would be more concerned about compromising safety. Stretching the tire beyond a recommended rim width, will affect how the car handles.
It could also have a negative effect on the speed rating of the tire, if it's stretched beyond the recommended limits on a wider rim.
Don't do it.
It could also have a negative effect on the speed rating of the tire, if it's stretched beyond the recommended limits on a wider rim.
Don't do it.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,291
Likes: 24,572
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Personally, I would go with the regular Z06 size tires on those rims. I'm not a fan of stretching tires beyond what is recommended for a wheel width.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,196
Likes: 386
From: Texas Where God intended me to be.
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '11,'22 thru '26
I have the same issue just got my C5 Z06 wheels and have decided to just buy new tires all the way around. I'll just keep the old set with 10,000 miles on them for when I take the car out to the track and tear them up. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
