[Z06] Is Wider Better?

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Jan 30, 2015 | 01:10 PM

RomanNYC

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Racer

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 405

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From: Forest Hills, New York

Is Wider Better?

im trying to upgrade my tires to wider, the internet is giving me mixed signals, some say they are better some say no, what is the deal with wider tires....? i have a 2003 z06.

Stock is 265F / 295R

Want to upgrade to 275F / 305R

what is the ups an downs of the upgrade im considering?

Jan 30, 2015 | 01:47 PM

grantv

Le Mans Master

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From: Kelowna BC

Very little difference.

In theory it will be minutely slower off the line (heavier tires, larger OD, although potentially offset by more traction), and higher top speed with better highway mileage, but both probably not measurable. At least not seat of the pants. Unlikely you'll have rub issues as many run as big or bigger.

Last edited by grantv; Jan 30, 2015 at 01:51 PM.

Jan 30, 2015 | 01:53 PM

WannaC5Z

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 1,279

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From: Oklahoma

Only 10mm wider isn't anything to concern yourself with. Over that be sure your aspect ratio remains close to OEM or your speedo will be off and the TC may malfunction.

Jan 30, 2015 | 02:16 PM

RomanNYC

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Racer

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 405

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From: Forest Hills, New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by grantv

alright thanks, im not sure if my calculations are correct, but this is what i came up with.

275 / 40 /18

305 / 30 / 19

is there any performance increase in going with staggered sizes, i dont mind getting 18's all around but than again since gm kept it staggered i figured they ran the tests.

Jan 30, 2015 | 03:26 PM

grantv

Le Mans Master

Joined: Sep 2014

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From: Kelowna BC

The computer wants about 3/4" larger overall diameter in the rear.
Anyway, I didn't see you wanted to go +1 on wheel size...

Factory:
265-40-17 = 25.3" OD front
295-35-18 = 26.1" OD rear

Front:
275-40-18 will be 26.7", not right.
265-35-18 = 25.3", 275-35-18 = 25.6", both OK

Rear:
295-30-19 = 26.0"
305-30-19 = 26.2", both OK

Jan 30, 2015 | 04:07 PM

RomanNYC

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 405

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From: Forest Hills, New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by grantv

awesome, thanks alot!

Jan 31, 2015 | 08:48 PM

rjwz28

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2007

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From: Sunniest city on Earth

Compound matters a lot more than width. For example, a Hankook R-S3 in 255F|285R is much more grippy than the factory Goodyears in 265F|295R. If you're going +1, 265/35-18F|295/35-19R or 275/35-18F/305/35-19R are both great. Many people (including me right now) run the 265/35 up front with the 305/30 out back with nothing but good results. If you're looking for a solid three-season performance tire, I recommend the Pilot Super Sport. For fair-weather use only and a bit more bite in the canyons and the occasional autocross or track day, the Hankook R-S3 is excellent. Both are in the same price range for a set ($1200 or so, maybe less)