Wheel Size
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Wichita KS
Wheel Size
OK, anyone out there care to waste a little time educating a newbie? I see several different combinations of wheel sizes out there, usually one inch larger in the back but sometimes both the same or both 1 inch larger than stock or...
Can someone explain to me the reasoning behind the various combinations? I assume that there are performance issues rather than just aesthetics.
Can someone explain to me the reasoning behind the various combinations? I assume that there are performance issues rather than just aesthetics.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Tustin CA
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Kannapolis NC
In a nutshell, the rear tire diameter has to be more than the front tire diameter in order to keep active handling/traction control from sensing a problem that doesn't exist and shut you down. You can use different size wheels and tires, but the total diameter has to be around 1/2 inch to 1 inch greater in the rear. I won't even try to discuss the torque or speedometer variation part of changing. I'll leave that to the guys who have changed sizes from stock.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
Stock Z06 rear tire diameter is 0.7" larger then the front tire.
Stock C5 rear tire diameter is 1.0" larger then the front tire.
Notice that I'm talking about "TIRES" above and not RIMS.
You can go with any size "rims" you want. Just be sure to try to keep the rear tire larger by the above values (as best you can).
Try not to venture too far away from the stock diameter in general.
- If you go with a smaller diameter tire (compared to stock) they will look small in the wheel well.
- If you go with a larger diameter tire (compared to stock) they will really fill out the wheel well but you run the risk of the tire hitting the fender liner.
Toque
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I am currently running 19/19 on my car and have adjusted the tire size to ensure I keep the 1" stagger in overall diameter front to rear. On my '00, I ran a 19/20 setup and again bought tires that gave me the proper stagger.
