[Z06] 18/18 or 18/19??
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
You're assuming they have the same overall diameter; I was assuming they have the same sidewall height. An argument can be made for both sides. I was imagining the motivation for stepping up to 19's out back is so that the tires better fill the wheel wells, while keeping a similar sidewall height so the handling characteristics don't change much. 
I was assuming that the tires would be the same diameter. Most people try to keep the same overall diameter on the front and rear when upsizing their rims. I know that you have to at least maintain a larger rear tire diameter of 0.5" for active handling/TC issues.
I have never heard anyone say if there is an upper limit on how much larger your rear tire diameter can be compared to the front. Their may not be an upper level spec for this. I would think that if you can get the 18" sidewall, and the 19" sidewall to be equal then you should have the same grip I would think. I'm no expert on traction though.
Toque
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 27
From: Bay Area CA
Ding, ding, ding! I think this is the way for me. Let me know if you think any of my "logic" is off after reading this...
For starters, I'm not going to hold onto my 18" CCW's (and ultimately have two sets - cosmetic street and more functional track/drag), nor am I going to go to a 19 rear and then try to figure out how to fit a huge-*** 345 19" drag on my car. Roadrace/track tires are also harder to come by in 19's is my guess.
I want a single set of rims that will;
- not degrade the ride any further (going from 18's to 19's WILL undoubtedly degrade the ride a bit)
- be able to double as street and as the most functional (albeit very occasional) track/drag rims
- be the most versatile/cost effective in terms of tire choices
- have the same sidewall height (I don't want a shorter rear sidewall)
An 18/18 setup seems to be the best choice with that criteria.
Then again, If I found a package similar to Toque's rims for a swinging deal on the board...I'd buy 'em!
For starters, I'm not going to hold onto my 18" CCW's (and ultimately have two sets - cosmetic street and more functional track/drag), nor am I going to go to a 19 rear and then try to figure out how to fit a huge-*** 345 19" drag on my car. Roadrace/track tires are also harder to come by in 19's is my guess.
I want a single set of rims that will;
- not degrade the ride any further (going from 18's to 19's WILL undoubtedly degrade the ride a bit)
- be able to double as street and as the most functional (albeit very occasional) track/drag rims
- be the most versatile/cost effective in terms of tire choices
- have the same sidewall height (I don't want a shorter rear sidewall)
An 18/18 setup seems to be the best choice with that criteria.
Then again, If I found a package similar to Toque's rims for a swinging deal on the board...I'd buy 'em!
Why not keep the CCW classics that you run on the street, and get another pair of rears with drag radials for track/drag use? That's what I did. Oh by the way - the drag set us for sale
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 332
From: USA
If I really want to, I can afford to keep the CCW's to be used for drag/track.
At this point I want a new set just to change the looks of my car. I did the same with my last BMW. Had 2-3 sets over the life I owned it. It's just what I do!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 27
From: Bay Area CA
Hey, what's up TLove...thanks, I have thought about all of these options...my decision is purely cosmetic (wanting a change).
If I really want to, I can afford to keep the CCW's to be used for drag/track.
At this point I want a new set just to change the looks of my car. I did the same with my last BMW. Had 2-3 sets over the life I owned it. It's just what I do!
If I really want to, I can afford to keep the CCW's to be used for drag/track.
At this point I want a new set just to change the looks of my car. I did the same with my last BMW. Had 2-3 sets over the life I owned it. It's just what I do!
I totally understand. Whatever you decide - DO NOT get the sp500's.....because that's what I'm running now
We can't be twins....again
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Colonial Beach VA
Im wondering the same thing... My car is lowered a pretty good amount and im wondering if the 18,19 combo will fit on my car with the correct tire size. I wish there was a way to know for sure.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 27
From: Bay Area CA
Wheel size does not matter - it's the overall diameter that matters. As long as you keep the overall diameter the same as what you have now - they'll fit
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
Most people with C5's (coupe/vert/ or Z06) get the following tire sizes:
18/19 = Front 275/35/18 (or 265/35/18), Rear 305/30/19
19/19 = Front 275/30/19, Rear 305/30/19
I have seen a bunch of 18/19 combo's around Dallas the seems most run the above sizes with no issues.
See my web site to help understand how to properly size your tires for upsizing your rims.
www.ToqueZ06.com
Toque
Last edited by Toque; Oct 12, 2012 at 11:01 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 332
From: USA
