Best bang for the buck.
Suspension or Wheels
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Killarny MB
Suspension or Wheels
2000 Corvette Z51. 70,000 miles. Tires are worn out. So, the question is...
I don't mind the look of the thin spokes but would like to update the look and put larger wheels on the car BUT, I don't want to add heavy wheels to my car as I like the performance and how light the factory ones are. I also like the chrome 5 spoke look. Would love to do 19/19 sized wheels. The only ones I've found that are light enough and fit the look are the CCW SP500's. But even they are about a solid grand more than I can can really afford.
So, as I like performance and don't mind the look of the thin spokes, I've been throwing around the idea of just purchasing tires for the stock rims and using some of the extra money for upgrading the suspension with a Johnny Oconnell Stage 1 kit.
The reason for all of this? My wife has a Roush Mustang and although the Vette is quicker on a straight. Her car is FLAT in the corners and I would like something that corners as well if not better. Larger wheels mean less sidewall roll over, tighter steering response, etc, but better suspension would keep the car more planted and flatter. So I am a bit torn as to what I would enjoy more.
So your thoughts. Larger wheels or stock wheels and upgrade the suspension. I have about a $3000 budget in Canada (shipping costs are a killer!).
I don't mind the look of the thin spokes but would like to update the look and put larger wheels on the car BUT, I don't want to add heavy wheels to my car as I like the performance and how light the factory ones are. I also like the chrome 5 spoke look. Would love to do 19/19 sized wheels. The only ones I've found that are light enough and fit the look are the CCW SP500's. But even they are about a solid grand more than I can can really afford.
So, as I like performance and don't mind the look of the thin spokes, I've been throwing around the idea of just purchasing tires for the stock rims and using some of the extra money for upgrading the suspension with a Johnny Oconnell Stage 1 kit.
The reason for all of this? My wife has a Roush Mustang and although the Vette is quicker on a straight. Her car is FLAT in the corners and I would like something that corners as well if not better. Larger wheels mean less sidewall roll over, tighter steering response, etc, but better suspension would keep the car more planted and flatter. So I am a bit torn as to what I would enjoy more.
So your thoughts. Larger wheels or stock wheels and upgrade the suspension. I have about a $3000 budget in Canada (shipping costs are a killer!).
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And with the money you save on C6Z shocks and sways, you can pick up a set of used C5Z wheels and new wider, stickier tires that will finish the deal. Then you can sell the thin spokes and buy a C5Z ti exhaust. You might even save enough bucks for some headers and a tune.
I sold my CCWs---they were a royal PITA to keep clean and shiny.
I sold my CCWs---they were a royal PITA to keep clean and shiny.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 605
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From: Killarny MB
Thanks for the replies guys!!! That is one of my biggest apprehensions on the CCW's. I like low maintenance stuff. That doesn't mean I don't like taking care of my stuff, I just don't want to be a slave to it. If the C5Z's were larger diameter, I would jump on them and for some reason, I've never been a huge fan of the look of those wheels. Don't know why. I have Borla's on the car right now otherwise Ti's would be on the list. Would love headers but that is a upgrade for a future time.
So far it seems the suspension is the weak link.
So far it seems the suspension is the weak link.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Rockland County NY
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Check out the TSW Nurburgrings. Light weight and one of the best looking wheels on a C5 IMHO
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Fairview Hts. Illinois
I have a 2003 Z51 6 spd. Vert. that I kept the thin spokes shod with 245/40/17 frt. and 285/35/18 rear Michelin PSS tires, C6 Z51 sway bars, Bilstien sport shocks, lowered on stock bolts that handles quite well. I too like the look and weight of the thin spokes .
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From: Fresno California
Tires, shocks and any other suspension upgrades. A lower profile tire and wheel probably won't out corner your stock size. The tire design has more to do with that than profile. If your Vette isn't out cornering the Mustang with both cars in equal condition there is something wrong. I'm not a pro but I do have experience in Solo II with both cars and I will take the Vette any day.
Last edited by onlyavette; Nov 5, 2013 at 03:24 PM. Reason: spelling
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Do the suspension upgrades and keep the stock wheels. You'll notice the difference and when funds allow, make the change to new wheels.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Odessa FL
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My suggestions: pick up a pair of thin spoke rear wheels (18X9.5) and then run 18 at all four corners. I did so with 275X35X18 in front and 295X35X18 in the rear. Then add your suspension upgrades (C6 Z51 sways, C6 Z06 shocks, and metal end links). Get a new alignment and chase that 'stang down in the corners and blow by her in the straights.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Bedford MA
I upgraded to C6 Z51 sways with metal end links earlier this year and kept the F45 Selective Ride. The difference was night and day, I just didn't want to get rid of that feature.
You might be able to save a few $$ and check the C6 Parts F/S section for the Sways and shocks. Either C6 Z51 or C6 Z06... TSW's make nice, more affordable lightweight forged wheels. Either the Nurburgring's or Interlagos. Not sure if they have 5 spoke option though.
You might be able to save a few $$ and check the C6 Parts F/S section for the Sways and shocks. Either C6 Z51 or C6 Z06... TSW's make nice, more affordable lightweight forged wheels. Either the Nurburgring's or Interlagos. Not sure if they have 5 spoke option though.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Killarny MB
Tires, shocks and any other suspension upgrades. A lower profile tire and wheel probably won't out corner your stock size. The tire design has more to do with that than profile. If your Vette isn't out cornering the Mustang with both cars in equal condition there is something wrong. I'm not a pro but I do have experience in Solo II with both cars and I will take the Vette any day.
I have frame protectors for my car and am looking to take maybe 3/4 to an inch out of the height to close up the gap in the fenders a bit.My suggestions: pick up a pair of thin spoke rear wheels (18X9.5) and then run 18 at all four corners. I did so with 275X35X18 in front and 295X35X18 in the rear. Then add your suspension upgrades (C6 Z51 sways, C6 Z06 shocks, and metal end links). Get a new alignment and chase that 'stang down in the corners and blow by her in the straights.
Thanks everyone for the replies!
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