Tire Size Concerns
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 531
Likes: 165
From: Central East Florida
Tire Size Concerns
I know this topic has been beat to death, but I need some opinions from members with some experience.
I am considering purchasing the following set-up for a 2002 Z:
Front: 18x9.5" with Bridgestone RE050A 265/40/18 tires
Rear: 19x12" BridgestoneRE050A 305/30/19 tires
I want an aggressive set-up but do not want the tires hanging too far out or rubbing. Will I need to add some sort of flare on the back or front to maintain a finished look?
I am considering purchasing the following set-up for a 2002 Z:
Front: 18x9.5" with Bridgestone RE050A 265/40/18 tires
Rear: 19x12" BridgestoneRE050A 305/30/19 tires
I want an aggressive set-up but do not want the tires hanging too far out or rubbing. Will I need to add some sort of flare on the back or front to maintain a finished look?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Oviedo Florida
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It's the rear that will be the problem. Either flare or tub. You will
also have to make room so you dont lose the rear brake cooling
tube, alot of guys take them off so that there is no tire rubbing.
also have to make room so you dont lose the rear brake cooling
tube, alot of guys take them off so that there is no tire rubbing.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 15
From: Richardson TX
I think most guys put 305 tires on 11" Rims, and I'm pretty sure they'll fit on 10.5" rims, but will "bubble" out a little bit.
My understanding is that a 11" rim with 305 tire is the biggest tire you can fit without minitubbing or using fender flares and the tire will just barely sit flush with the top of the rear fender. I think a 12" wheel will make the tire stick out 1/2" because of the different effective backset.
I also believe 285 tire is the largest you can fit in the front without it rubbing or sticking out, so you're safe there. Z06's came stock with 265 tires in front.
My understanding is that a 11" rim with 305 tire is the biggest tire you can fit without minitubbing or using fender flares and the tire will just barely sit flush with the top of the rear fender. I think a 12" wheel will make the tire stick out 1/2" because of the different effective backset.
I also believe 285 tire is the largest you can fit in the front without it rubbing or sticking out, so you're safe there. Z06's came stock with 265 tires in front.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 531
Likes: 165
From: Central East Florida
The current owner has them on a Z and looks (based on some pics) he has small flares on the bottom of the inside fender wells. I assumed this was to provide a finished look and help protect against chips to the rear panel.
my other concern is AH & TC. Are the sizes OK to ensure those systems continue to function properly.
my other concern is AH & TC. Are the sizes OK to ensure those systems continue to function properly.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
The tire sizes your looking at are going to cause major computer issues, and the 12" will stick out horribly.
See my link below.
forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-general/3079273-how-to-understand-upsizing-wheels-upsizing-tires-wheel-stagger-etc.html
Toque
See my link below.
forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-general/3079273-how-to-understand-upsizing-wheels-upsizing-tires-wheel-stagger-etc.html
Toque
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 764
Likes: 19
From: odessa FL
Play with a tire calculator like this one using the exact tire demensions from the manufactuer or tire rack [ they vary, even on equivilant sizes] , paying close attention to the offset:
www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp
You can even get a 315 to fit on a 10.5" wheel but its VERY close and only practical for a drag radial setup.
That last bit of tire width prob isnt worth the hassle for a daily driver.
www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp
You can even get a 315 to fit on a 10.5" wheel but its VERY close and only practical for a drag radial setup.
That last bit of tire width prob isnt worth the hassle for a daily driver.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 53
From: Warrington Pa.
I'm running 265/35/18 9.5 front and 305/30/19 11.0 rear as suggested by both Toque and Chip at CCA. I have had 0 issues. That 40 tire on the front WILL cause a problem, and you will also have issues with the 12" wheel on the rear. Please listen to Toque he has helped a lot of guys to not make mistakes on tire and wheel selection.
Last edited by Bill Vett; Dec 15, 2012 at 10:24 AM.
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Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
I think most guys put 305 tires on 11" Rims, and I'm pretty sure they'll fit on 10.5" rims, but will "bubble" out a little bit.
My understanding is that a 11" rim with 305 tire is the biggest tire you can fit without minitubbing or using fender flares and the tire will just barely sit flush with the top of the rear fender. I think a 12" wheel will make the tire stick out 1/2" because of the different effective backset.
I also believe 285 tire is the largest you can fit in the front without it rubbing or sticking out, so you're safe there. Z06's came stock with 265 tires in front.
My understanding is that a 11" rim with 305 tire is the biggest tire you can fit without minitubbing or using fender flares and the tire will just barely sit flush with the top of the rear fender. I think a 12" wheel will make the tire stick out 1/2" because of the different effective backset.
I also believe 285 tire is the largest you can fit in the front without it rubbing or sticking out, so you're safe there. Z06's came stock with 265 tires in front.
I feel 305 is not a big enough tire for a 12" rim. I run 335s on my 12s.
