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So I'm looking for a set of track wheels for my '01 C5Z. I've read a bunch of threads on here with people suggesting the OEM alcoa 18x10.5s. What's the difference between those and the speedlines. Is it only weight? I've also seen suggestions of 17x11s, but what manufacturer would you suggest? I'm not really too knowledgeable on wheels and stuff. I'm thinking of using V710s or something.
The Alcoa's are forged while the Speedlines are spun cast. The Alcoa's are very slightly heavier, have sharper edges on the spokes, and are a slightly different shade. The Alcoa's are supposed to be stronger, but I haven't heard of people having issues with the Speedlines being too weak.
Either version of the stock Z06 wheels work great for the track. I'm currently running the stock Speedlines that came on my 03Z with V710s . The 17x11 wheel that is commonly run is the C4 ZR-1 style wheel in the GS offset. I ran a set of those on my previous '00 FRC and was happy with them. If you'll be running a lot, the lower cost of 17" tires is nice.
In terms of tires, I'm looking at 315/35 for both, right? I just looked up on summit racing. The 315/35/17 are about 70 dollars cheaper than the 315/35/18
In the future the 18 inch tires are probably going to be less costly. I ran 4 11x17 wheels on my car for the last couple of years. The best deal was to get used T1 takeoffs which would last me for most of a season. Last year the supply of those tires started drying up as the T1 guys seemed to be switching to 18 inch tires. I have been searching for another set of Z 18x10.5 wheels so I can run 18 inch tires.
As with most of the things on this forum there are differing opinions about what is a good rim/tire combo.
A lot depends on what's important to you and how your car is set-up.
Some people like running square set-ups, which means same size rims and tires all the way around. Can be 17s or 18s. Others run the same size diameter tires but with smaller widths up-front. For example, 275s front and 305 or 315s rear.
There are lots of choices. You might find it useful to make a post over in the roadrace section describing what goals you are trying to achive and ask people for their suggestions.
The 01's are forged and made by Alcoa. The spokes are also thinner. If you built a custom brake package around the 01 Z rims and had very close tolerance from spoke to caliper of 4-6mm, you would be probably be rubbing the spokes on an 02-04 Z rim. We put some custom brakes from Movit on 2 Z06's, one an 01 and the other an 03, there is a difference in spoke sizes equating to the use of spacers for the 03 Z rims.
Ciao,
Californiakid
The Autobahn and Hockenheim are my playgrounds, do you want to come out and play?