Considering new wheels
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
Stew,
To clarify, "Factory Reproductions" is the name of the China wheel maker, West Coast
Corvettes sells these. I have a set. There are a ton of wheel makers from China,
some good, some not. F.R. is one of the best and the offsets of their wheels look
right on our C5. The wrong offsets make the wheel look too small or the tire is sticking
outside of the fenders too much.
I had a set of 2000 thin spokes on my 99 and now have a set of C6Z06 Motorsports
on my car now which really fill out the wheel wells. I stayed with the orig. size
tires on my car so I picked a wheel design without a lip to give the illusion of a
bigger wheel.
To clarify, "Factory Reproductions" is the name of the China wheel maker, West Coast
Corvettes sells these. I have a set. There are a ton of wheel makers from China,
some good, some not. F.R. is one of the best and the offsets of their wheels look
right on our C5. The wrong offsets make the wheel look too small or the tire is sticking
outside of the fenders too much.
I had a set of 2000 thin spokes on my 99 and now have a set of C6Z06 Motorsports
on my car now which really fill out the wheel wells. I stayed with the orig. size
tires on my car so I picked a wheel design without a lip to give the illusion of a
bigger wheel.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,093
Likes: 267
From: Oklahoma City
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17,'19,'22
I'm not going to get in a argument over which tire won't accept a 9.5 wide tire. It is always advised to check out which tire you have and the ratings. My stock size tires aren't "stretched".
Here is my gallery of wheels from my customers:
http://photos.jwmotoring.com/Gallery...gallery=183144
Here is my gallery of wheels from my customers:
http://photos.jwmotoring.com/Gallery...gallery=183144
Last edited by JW Motorsports; Jul 20, 2009 at 07:34 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
Jhonathan,
I won't argue the point as well. However, I don't recall in your original post, that you
asked what tire was involved. The original poster stated that we wanted to use his
stock tires. Then you posted, "everyone does it." Again, not everyone does it and
not everyone makes just 9.5" wheels.
Jerry
I won't argue the point as well. However, I don't recall in your original post, that you
asked what tire was involved. The original poster stated that we wanted to use his
stock tires. Then you posted, "everyone does it." Again, not everyone does it and
not everyone makes just 9.5" wheels.
Jerry
"AlohaC5" Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 44
From: Madison, AL
I use to have a set of repro wheels - they balanced just fine with no problems and looked great. Yes, repros often weight a little more than OEM but its a non-issue for a daily driver. Jhonathan carries some really nice wheels for a great price - can't beat 'em. I use CCW because I road race my vette and can benefit from the reduced weight, etc. I have a set of repros on my new 2009 Mustang GT - look awesome, balanced with minimal weights and paid less than $525 for the complete set. It's a great option guys.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 275
Likes: 25
From: West Lafayette IN
Shaggyboiler,
I was in the same boat as you are in, new tires on aged looking wheels on my new to me 99 C5.
From personal experience, they are a couple of factors to consider. Are you running
run-flats or not? Aftermarket China made wheels are heavier than Y2K but if you're not
using run flats, it's probably a wash. I bought stock size chrome C6Z06 Motorsport F.R. wheels from WCC and am very happy with the price, quality and service. The sensors
fit perfectly and they balanced fine.
The only regret I have is the look of the front 17" wheel...it hides too much of the front
caliper. The spider wheel is more open looking like the orig. Y2K.
I noticed a lot of wheel makers in FL only have the 9.5"w for the fronts. I checked with
BFG, my tire maker, and I could only go to a max. of 9" w so that's what I did, WCC
and a lot of others have the stock size. I'm not comfortable with Jason's comment about
"everyone" stretching tires to fit 9.5" w front wheels.
Jerry
I was in the same boat as you are in, new tires on aged looking wheels on my new to me 99 C5.
From personal experience, they are a couple of factors to consider. Are you running
run-flats or not? Aftermarket China made wheels are heavier than Y2K but if you're not
using run flats, it's probably a wash. I bought stock size chrome C6Z06 Motorsport F.R. wheels from WCC and am very happy with the price, quality and service. The sensors
fit perfectly and they balanced fine.
The only regret I have is the look of the front 17" wheel...it hides too much of the front
caliper. The spider wheel is more open looking like the orig. Y2K.
I noticed a lot of wheel makers in FL only have the 9.5"w for the fronts. I checked with
BFG, my tire maker, and I could only go to a max. of 9" w so that's what I did, WCC
and a lot of others have the stock size. I'm not comfortable with Jason's comment about
"everyone" stretching tires to fit 9.5" w front wheels.
Jerry
I do not run run-flats. I have BFG KDW's. I got rid of run flats last year. Best thing I did for the ride and driving. I do hae one back sensor this isn't working now though. Just a side note.
I'm really leaning towards the spyder. I'm not sure I want to stretch the tire.
So the look continues.
Shane
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 275
Likes: 25
From: West Lafayette IN
I think I will be buying some Spiders this week or next. I just can't decide color. Grey, Chrome or Black. With the Navy Blue car I'm thinking Chrome will be the ticket. Any opinions?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,107
Likes: 26
From: 4th on the list of top 100 in USA Ga.
I bought 9.5's from JW and my stock tires fit and look fine.
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Deciding on which new wheels to get can be a tough process. Check with some of the other forum vendors here - House of Wheels, Corvette Garage, Corvettes of Houston, TomZWheels, etc. Shop around for your best price.