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[Z06] factory 18's in front?

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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 10:33 AM
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Default factory 18's in front?

I have an 02z running chrome factory speedlines now 17/18 and my front wheels are really chewed up around the outside rims. I am thinking of ordering the 18x12's from house of wheels. Can I move my factory 18" to the front? If so are there any problems?

I have read some guys on this forum that have moved the factory 18x10.5 to the front and I have heard mixed reviews. Does anyone have any experience with a daily driver (not a track car).

My rear tires are 275/35/18 now (how I bought it) I don't know if that will change anything. I really just want non chewed up wheels and a mean street look. Any suggestions?

Thanks.


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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 10:46 AM
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I have the experience you are looking for. I have the rear's on the front with the stock 295's and 18x12's on the rear with 335's and I drive it daily rain or shine. Absolutely no issues with driving or AH issues. If you have crappy highways with ruts then you will have it wander around even more. I know where those spots are along my route and know the line to take.
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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 11:24 AM
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Yes, you can move the 18's to the front. However,your not going to be able to get a 18x12 C/5 Z style wheel from HOW's? (not available?)
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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 11:31 AM
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Called Bob last week, he said he had them.

Do the 18" stick out up front? Any pictures of this set-up?
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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 11:39 AM
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You better do a double check on that size Z C/5 wheel. As regards to sticking out, I would just lift one side of your car up and slide the rears up front and take a "look see"? Good luck.
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Old Mar 20, 2010 | 09:36 AM
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They do stick out just about 1/8" in the front. Send me your email and I will send you some pics later today.
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Old Mar 20, 2010 | 04:42 PM
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The 275's you have will actually be perfect to run on the front. I ran 4 rears on my car for a long time and loved em
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Old Mar 20, 2010 | 06:31 PM
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I put the 18x10.5 in the front of my car with 275/35's They look great...they stick out a hair, but the tread is fully under the car since they are a tad streched on the wheel. Does not rub full lock to lock, and doesn't seem to throw up dirt or rocks onto the body.
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Old Mar 20, 2010 | 09:30 PM
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here is mine oem 18x10.5 on the front
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Old Mar 20, 2010 | 11:39 PM
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Originally Posted by BoostRetard
I put the 18x10.5 in the front of my car with 275/35's They look great...they stick out a hair, but the tread is fully under the car since they are a tad streched on the wheel. Does not rub full lock to lock, and doesn't seem to throw up dirt or rocks onto the body.
This is correct. I have the same set up and this is truth.

Wheel seems to stick out about 1/4" maybe more. I measured 1/2" protrusion and I have pics with a 6" steel rule and use a long straight edge to reference the wheel.

In my case I have BFG KDW2's and the "curb saver", or what ever you call the extra rubber built in to help minimize curb rash, and that totals to 1/2" on my car. I'll attach a few pics.

Also running factory Alcoa's widened by weldcraft wheels to 12" and 335's in the rear.



You can see the wheel end and tire lip extend from there in this pic.









Last edited by speedyhawk101; Mar 20, 2010 at 11:45 PM.
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Old Mar 21, 2010 | 10:47 AM
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Looks awesome Speedy! Dorn, did you get the pics I sent you yesterday?
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Old Mar 21, 2010 | 07:56 PM
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Eric, I got the pics, thanks a ton!

Speedy, you car looks sick and that it the look I am going for (in chrome) thanks for posting your pics

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Old Mar 25, 2010 | 11:13 PM
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ordered wheels from bob @house of wheels & BFG 335/30's... maybe get them tomorrow!
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Old Mar 26, 2010 | 12:41 AM
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Let me know what you think of the BFG's after a some miles of all weather driving. I am considering them next. The Pilot Sports are not my favorite for grip. The SC's were better.
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Old Mar 26, 2010 | 09:18 AM
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Now by moving the 18x10.5 to the front will they go over C6Z brakes?
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Old Mar 26, 2010 | 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave concrete
Now by moving the 18x10.5 to the front will they go over C6Z brakes?
BARELY

You should add a 1/8" spacer to be on the safe side
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Old Mar 28, 2010 | 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave concrete
Now by moving the 18x10.5 to the front will they go over C6Z brakes?
If you add a spacer it will look worse IMO. the wheel would stick out entirely too far. I'm doing the C6Z swap as well. I've test fit and it clears. It is close though. I'm thinking about doing a little clearance work on the Calipers. Just knock that outside radius down a little. My calipers still have to go to Powdercoat so I'm not worried about the finish.

I would not run a spacer though.

Oh and I wish I would have said a little more on the BFG's. I have the KDW2's and I probably will not buy them again. I have about 8-9K on them and the road noise is unbearable at lower speeds, and it's retarded when applying the brakes. They perform fine, and I have no complaints with the street performance. The wet performance is AWESOME, and they do not hydroplane easily.

I would not recommend them for Drag strip duty as I think they get a little greasy when heated too much. IE burn outs.

If they were quieter I would have 0 complaints since I have a spare set of C5Z rear stockers with BFG DR's for the strip.
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Old Mar 28, 2010 | 02:47 PM
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Oh BTW here is a TEST fit shot of the C6Z brakes and C5Z wheels. Still need PC'd.

I know this doesn't show the clearance, but it looks cool.

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