Wheel and Tire question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 958
Likes: 177
From: Newark Delaware
Wheel and Tire question
As the summer slips away, I'll be purchasing a new set of 'shoes and socks' for Eliza, my 2000 baby. I'm unsure whether to keep the stock size wheels and tires or if I should increase the fronts or the rears (or both). There are so many conflicting opinions out there. My car is completely stock and I absolutely do not want to sacrifice any ride quality or have any rubbing issues.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 958
Likes: 177
From: Newark Delaware
As an input to making that decision I suggest that you check out the availability of the STOCK tire sizes for the C5. You might be surprised to find out how few options on brands are available........
Tire size selection for 18" front and 19" rear wheels seems to be a bit better than that for the 17", 18" OEM combination......
Tire size selection for 18" front and 19" rear wheels seems to be a bit better than that for the 17", 18" OEM combination......
Yes I have seen that. I'm not opposed to jumping up in size but I'm concerned with the drivability etc. I may be worrying for nothing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: SW Nuh Hampsha
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
If done properly, you won't have any issues whatsoever. Most of us who've done any modding at all - the first thing to upgrade is the footwear. There are about 8,433 threads here on wheel and tire upgrades. Start searching...
Race Director
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From: Hickory NC
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '17 thru '26
I run 18" and 19" with no issues at all. As c5vetteguy said, wheels and tires are one of the first changes many people make to their Vettes (as well as one of the first changes to Chevelles, Novas, Impalas, Mustangs, Hondas, Nissans, etc, etc).
The most important thing is do what is pleasing (and affordable) to you.
The most important thing is do what is pleasing (and affordable) to you.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 958
Likes: 177
From: Newark Delaware
I run 18" and 19" with no issues at all. As c5vetteguy said, wheels and tires are one of the first changes many people make to their Vettes (as well as one of the first changes to Chevelles, Novas, Impalas, Mustangs, Hondas, Nissans, etc, etc).
The most important thing is do what is pleasing (and affordable) to you.
The most important thing is do what is pleasing (and affordable) to you.
Did you go with the factory widths on the tires and just increase the diameter? Post a picture if it's convenient.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 365
From: SF Bay Area
The major players still have stock C5 sizes and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. I wouldn't really worry about availability of choice.
Given that everything else is equal (same model tire, same tire diameter, etc), going to a taller wheel will result in reduced ride quality due to less sidewall.
Given that everything else is equal (same model tire, same tire diameter, etc), going to a taller wheel will result in reduced ride quality due to less sidewall.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,820
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From: Somewhere in the middle of Kansas
This is a must read in my opinion: http://www.toquez06.com/wheels.html
Based on this I went with 19's all the way around and to the largest size recommended. No rubbing or computer issues since I kept the stagger the same.
Based on this I went with 19's all the way around and to the largest size recommended. No rubbing or computer issues since I kept the stagger the same.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10,247
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From: Hickory NC
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '17 thru '26
Here's a photo. Sorry, but not the best photographer; especially with an iPhone.
If I remember correctly, my wheels are 18x10 and 19x11 (don't remember offset, but wheel manufacturers and many on this site can assist you with this).
Hope this helps a little.
Advanced
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 94
Likes: 12
As the summer slips away, I'll be purchasing a new set of 'shoes and socks' for Eliza, my 2000 baby. I'm unsure whether to keep the stock size wheels and tires or if I should increase the fronts or the rears (or both). There are so many conflicting opinions out there. My car is completely stock and I absolutely do not want to sacrifice any ride quality or have any rubbing issues.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Stay with stock sizes for best ride and balance. Going oversize will reduce the sidewall height, mess with the stability control, and ride like a rock. Plus mess with the neutral feel of the car.
Unless you race the car stay with stock sizes. IMHO.
Advanced
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 94
Likes: 12
The major players still have stock C5 sizes and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. I wouldn't really worry about availability of choice.
Given that everything else is equal (same model tire, same tire diameter, etc), going to a taller wheel will result in reduced ride quality due to less sidewall.
Given that everything else is equal (same model tire, same tire diameter, etc), going to a taller wheel will result in reduced ride quality due to less sidewall.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: SW Nuh Hampsha
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Last edited by c5vetteguy; Sep 5, 2017 at 06:44 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,660
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From: SF Bay Area
Moot point. I doubt the OP is necessarily considering the same tire and model as what he's currently running. They could be the original run flats for all we know. There are many aspects of a tire design that contribute to its overall performance, including ride quality. Things like materials used, construction processes, tread width and contact patch all help dictate a tire's ability to cushion. A shorter sidewall from one brand can be more compliant than a taller sidewall from another. I guarantee my larger diameter, larger width, smaller sidewall tires are more responsive, hence more comfortable, than the stock spec tires; especially when considering upgrading from run flats.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,857
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From: SW Nuh Hampsha
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Yes, but if you're comparing a 275/40/18 Michelin PSS to a 275/35/19 Michelin PSS (same width, negligible difference in overall diameter), the 18 will have a better ride. How much better depends on the suspension setup and driver perception of what a better ride is. That's why I said all things being equal.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 365
From: SF Bay Area
And that's why I said it's a moot point. I'm not disputing what you're saying, but why would you assume the OP would even consider the same model tire he's currently running, when there are plenty of alternatives available? Your statement is, for the most part, correct, but it has no real relevance to what the OP is asking.
Last edited by Tsumi; Sep 5, 2017 at 08:15 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 234
From: SW Nuh Hampsha
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
How do you equate changing wheel diameter to keeping the same tire model? He didn't say he wants the same brand of tire, let alone the same model. Your statement stands true if he did say that, but he didn't.
Moot
Moot
Moot moot
Moot
Moot
Moot moot
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 365
From: SF Bay Area
The main point is the OP is changing tires. The OP may also consider changing wheels. The OP mentioned ride quality as being important. I'm letting him know what the difference between for example 275/40/18 PSS on original wheels and 275/35/19 PSS on new 19" wheels would be. I didn't think I would need to spell this out for you. Is it that complicated to comprehend?