C5 with C6 wheels

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Apr 10, 2014 | 07:12 AM

C5Hammer

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6th Gear

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C5 with C6 wheels

I bought a '98 Corvette that has C6 wheels and tires. I'm going to be replacing the tires and was wondering if I should go back to the stock size wheels and tires or not. How do the larger wheels affect handling? Do runflats make a difference or am I over thinking this ? What are the best tires to buy?

Thank you

Apr 10, 2014 | 08:03 AM

Lucario6613

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 144

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From: Clarkston Michigan

Being one size bigger the cost is quite a bit more on the C6 wheels. the run-flats are there in case of a tire going flat and having the ability to still move at a slower speed and not damage the wheels. Obviously there is no spare so if you do not have the run-flats then you may be stuck. The downside is they have a harder sidewall making them not "wrinkle" during hard acceleration. The hardness also causes a bit more road noise. So its really up to you, cost and noise will be the 2 biggest factors. I have a C6 set up and love it.

Apr 10, 2014 | 08:03 AM

andrec10

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2012

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From: Hyde Park New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by C5Hammer

The C6 wheels are fine. You either need a 1/4" spacer in the rear (NO MORE than this, or its dangerous!), or a wheel adapter. Search Tirerack for the best reviews on tires for the C6 sizes.

For reference....

Apr 10, 2014 | 08:04 AM

Lucario6613

Instructor

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From: Clarkston Michigan

I purchased my car with the C6 wheels. Probably should check for that spacer.. is the backspacing that much different?

Apr 10, 2014 | 08:29 AM

andrec10

Burning Brakes

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From: Hyde Park New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucario6613

I purchased my car with the C6 wheels. Probably should check for that spacer.. is the backspacing that much different?

Without at least 7/32, on some cornering, the rear wheels WILL rub on the inner fender. Ask me how I know!

Apr 10, 2014 | 08:35 AM

Lucario6613

Instructor

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From: Clarkston Michigan

fair enough. i appreciate the info!

Apr 10, 2014 | 08:49 AM

Dagget427

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Joined: Feb 2012

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From: Afton NY

I have 1 1/4" adapters on my rear. To the OP, the cost of tires for the 18"/19" C6 setup will be higher than the 17"/18" setup, but personally, I think it's worth it.

Apr 10, 2014 | 09:44 AM

StayinStock

Le Mans Master

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From: Charles Town WV

2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified

2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified

2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified

not to thread jack but why the spacer? Im running c6 wheels on mine (granted there replicas) with no spacer... should i be?

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Apr 10, 2014 | 10:24 AM

Lucario6613

Instructor

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From: Clarkston Michigan

Are both your wheels 18s though Max? BTW we almost have twins!

Apr 10, 2014 | 11:35 AM

#10

StayinStock

Le Mans Master

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From: Charles Town WV

2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified

2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified

2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified

ah good deal, I was affraid i was gonna have to spend money i didnt have

and yep, 18 all the way around, nice AWC5 lucario, love what youve done with it!

Apr 10, 2014 | 05:54 PM

#11

OneMoreVet

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From: The other New York

St. Jude Donor '25-'26

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrec10

Without at least 7/32, on some cornering, the rear wheels WILL rub on the inner fender. Ask me how I know!

My car came with C6 wheels without spacers and it rubbed pretty good. Previous owner didn't have a clue.

Apr 10, 2014 | 08:13 PM

#12

C5Hammer

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Oct 2013

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Quote:

Originally Posted by andrec10

The C6 wheels are fine. You either need a 1/4" spacer in the rear (NO MORE than this, or its dangerous!), or a wheel adapter. Search Tirerack for the best reviews on tires for the C6 sizes.

For reference....

Thanks. I'm glad to hear it's not a problem because I really like the way the wheels look. By the way mine looks an awful lot like yours. It's yours pewter?

Apr 10, 2014 | 08:22 PM

#13

andrec10

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2012

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From: Hyde Park New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by C5Hammer

Thanks. I'm glad to hear it's not a problem because I really like the way the wheels look. By the way mine looks an awful lot like yours. It's yours pewter?

Yep, Pewter.

Apr 12, 2014 | 08:01 AM

#14

jackthelad

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2013

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From: West Virginia

Rear off set is approx. 3/4" different on C6 vs. C5. As others have said you will rub the inner fender without them. They should really use a longer stud/spacer kit to make them fit.

Apr 12, 2014 | 04:21 PM

#15

Narco944

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2013

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From: Atlanta GA

Here's mine. I added spacers to the rear and cut 1/4" of the rear studs off.

Attached Images

Apr 12, 2014 | 08:06 PM

#16

Daytona Bob

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From: Happiness is Busch in Victory Lane!

St. Jude Donor '09 & '12, '14

I'd go back to stock.

the c6 offset is a deal breaker for me..

Don't care for spacers and messing around with the car.

Apr 12, 2014 | 08:13 PM

#17

Tyteflows

Racer

Joined: Oct 2010

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From: Miami Florida

Just curious, why does having more than 1/4 inch spacer become dangerous?

What is the biggest ADAPTER one could use?

Apr 12, 2014 | 08:15 PM

#18

Tyteflows

Racer

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 394

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From: Miami Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Narco944

Here's mine. I added spacers to the rear and cut 1/4" of the rear studs off.

Did you use spacers or adapters? And what size? thanks!

Apr 12, 2014 | 08:18 PM

#19

andrec10

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2012

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From: Hyde Park New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyteflows

Just curious, why does having more than 1/4 inch spacer become dangerous?

What is the biggest ADAPTER one could use?

Spacers do not have their own studs. More than a 1/4 inch and you just don't have enough threads to be safe. Adapters have their own studs, but make sure you get a quality one!

Last edited by andrec10; Apr 12, 2014 at 08:24 PM.