Spares for a C5?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2008
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Spares for a C5?
I have a C5 and just ordered non-runflats. I know there are tire repair kits, but I really want a spare 
I think 2004 and up GTO spares will work, but they are pretty hard to come by I am told.
Will aNything else work? Like a Cavalier or Cobalt or Malibu spare?
I think 2004 and up GTO spares will work, but they are pretty hard to come by I am told.
Will aNything else work? Like a Cavalier or Cobalt or Malibu spare?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Mesa AZ
I'd say forget the idea of a spare (plus tools to remove tire). My spare is AAA Motor Club. Sure takes up a lot less room in the trunk.
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Here was some info that was posted on the forum a long time ago. Supposedly this worked for the forum member.
On our last mountain cruise, a Z06 got a flat tire and tried to fix it with the Z06 flat fix kit. It didn't work worth a damn. Luckily we had a few C4s on the cruise and the C4 spare, jack, and lug wrench worked perfectly for the 50-mile ride home.
This incident gave me an idea and I created my own C5 spare tire kit for my Coupe since I plan on going to non-runflats. I bought a 17" C4 space saver spare tire, C4 lug wrench & a C4 jack (all used) for $80. I started with a 4x4 piece of 1/2 inch particle board (plywood would be lighter) and cut it to fit around the glass top holder mounts in the rear hatch area. I covered the wood with dark gray carpet from Home Depot (didn't have black). I drilled 3 holes and mounted the spare with carriage bolts. It fits tight in the back and doesn't move around at all. It takes up very little room and I only plan to use it on trips and cruises. When I don’t use it, I can hang it on the wall in my garage so it's out of the way.
Hope this helps.
On our last mountain cruise, a Z06 got a flat tire and tried to fix it with the Z06 flat fix kit. It didn't work worth a damn. Luckily we had a few C4s on the cruise and the C4 spare, jack, and lug wrench worked perfectly for the 50-mile ride home.
This incident gave me an idea and I created my own C5 spare tire kit for my Coupe since I plan on going to non-runflats. I bought a 17" C4 space saver spare tire, C4 lug wrench & a C4 jack (all used) for $80. I started with a 4x4 piece of 1/2 inch particle board (plywood would be lighter) and cut it to fit around the glass top holder mounts in the rear hatch area. I covered the wood with dark gray carpet from Home Depot (didn't have black). I drilled 3 holes and mounted the spare with carriage bolts. It fits tight in the back and doesn't move around at all. It takes up very little room and I only plan to use it on trips and cruises. When I don’t use it, I can hang it on the wall in my garage so it's out of the way.
Hope this helps.
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Been running non-runflats for the last 100K miles. I have had 2 flats both times while on the highway, TPS warned me of a low tire pulled over and hooked up the pump found the nail or screw pulled & plugged in less than 10 minutes and on my way. I later had the tire patched on the inside.
What I carry
1 C4 jack (just in case it goes flat & I need to raise the car to find the culprit)
2 air pump
3 plug kit (not the one with cheep tools) get a good kit if you have to use it its worth it.
4 A small tool kit.
What I carry
1 C4 jack (just in case it goes flat & I need to raise the car to find the culprit)
2 air pump
3 plug kit (not the one with cheep tools) get a good kit if you have to use it its worth it.
4 A small tool kit.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2008
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Shoot, the differential thing worries me---can anyone confirm its a problem if you drive it for more than just a few miles?
NIce to know a C4 spare rim actually fits it--would be great if it didn't destroy the differential
NIce to know a C4 spare rim actually fits it--would be great if it didn't destroy the differential
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Olathe, Kansas
I don't have a link, but from what I recall the difference in the outside diameter of the GTO spare compared to the standard size wheel causes undue stress on the positraction clutches, causing them to slip excessively. Driving too far or too fast will fry the clutches. It also will likely negatively effect active handling and the ABS system.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,412
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From: Houston/Dayton Texas
GTO and C4 spares are the same size in diameter..or very close and vetteman said he drove 50 miles and didn’t report any issues... that’s real world testing right there...
A better solution would be to make friends with a C4 owner and make sure he goes everywhere you do!!! hahaha
A better solution would be to make friends with a C4 owner and make sure he goes everywhere you do!!! hahaha
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,288
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From: Richmond Virginia
I know that f-bodies have the same lug pattern, in fact my f-body spare has been on a vette before.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: houston tx
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09
I don't have a link, but from what I recall the difference in the outside diameter of the GTO spare compared to the standard size wheel causes undue stress on the positraction clutches, causing them to slip excessively. Driving too far or too fast will fry the clutches. It also will likely negatively effect active handling and the ABS system.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...re-for-c5.html
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 544
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From: SW of Chicago Illinois
From what I understand the real problem with a C4 spare is that nobody makes a spare tire to fit the C4 spare rims anymore.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
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From: Helotes TEXAS
I carry a Z06 flat kit less the sealant. I have a plug kit in there instead of the sealant.
Last edited by Sinister-one; Jan 13, 2010 at 10:29 AM.
