Wheels upgrade on C5
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 523
Likes: 6
From: Nazareth PA
Wheels upgrade on C5
Hi,
I want to do the C6Z06 brake (calipers, rotors, etc) upgrade on my 2001 C5 but I believe I wont be able to so with the current setup wheels 17 (fr) and 18 (rr). So i guess i need first to upgrade the wheels to 18 (fr) and 19 (rr) correct?. Do i need anything else. Will the C5 accommodate that without any other modifications
Thanks
I want to do the C6Z06 brake (calipers, rotors, etc) upgrade on my 2001 C5 but I believe I wont be able to so with the current setup wheels 17 (fr) and 18 (rr). So i guess i need first to upgrade the wheels to 18 (fr) and 19 (rr) correct?. Do i need anything else. Will the C5 accommodate that without any other modifications
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 3,467
From: Oswego IL
There is more to it than just wheel diameter. The C6Z calipers are very thick (tall). Many wheels do not have enough spoke clearance and will interfere with the calipers. You need to choose a wheel with the correct offset and spoke design to provide adequate caliper clearance. Due to the gazillion wheel brands, wheel models, and offsets available, it is virtually impossible to tell you which wheels will work. We can only tell you which wheels will work that we all have already tried. Hope that makes sense.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,356
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From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
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From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
I can’t answer about the brakes, but regretfully I could have done that mod with my car for a stupidly cheap price. From what I’ve seen on this forum since 2011, the only ‘concern’ is the use of spacers for the rears to improve the offset. I’m very conservative when it comes to wheels and tires and I would do it in a heartbeat, that’s how frequent it’s done.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
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From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,356
Likes: 3,381
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
edit: A budget option would be running a full set of 18x10.5 C5Z rear wheels on all four corners. That will allow you to fit C6Z brakes.
Last edited by USAZR1; Mar 25, 2020 at 08:12 PM.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 523
Likes: 6
From: Nazareth PA
So i stumbled on this. So they did the upgrade on their C5 and C5Z06
and
So it seems I need to figure out the wheels. Definitely 18 for front and 19 for rear with the right offset which is the key. I already have "TPS Brake Line Set Stainless Steel" installed on my current setup which i did in 2011
- TPS C5 C6 C5Z06 Corvette Slotted Rotor Set with Hawk HPS Brake Pad Set
- C6Z06 Black Wheel Set - 17x8.5 (+49 Offset) and 18x9.5 (+56 Offset)
Editing: So these are the wheel size that will definitely work. I need to find ones that will fit my C5. My goal also is not to use any spacers if I can avoid it
Wheel Size Wheel Location Offset
- 18"x9.5" Front 40
- 19"x12" Rear 59
and
So it seems I need to figure out the wheels. Definitely 18 for front and 19 for rear with the right offset which is the key. I already have "TPS Brake Line Set Stainless Steel" installed on my current setup which i did in 2011
- TPS C5 C6 C5Z06 Corvette Slotted Rotor Set with Hawk HPS Brake Pad Set
- C6Z06 Black Wheel Set - 17x8.5 (+49 Offset) and 18x9.5 (+56 Offset)
Editing: So these are the wheel size that will definitely work. I need to find ones that will fit my C5. My goal also is not to use any spacers if I can avoid it
Wheel Size Wheel Location Offset
- 18"x9.5" Front 40
- 19"x12" Rear 59
Last edited by ramez75; Mar 26, 2020 at 12:36 PM. Reason: editing
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Ramez, go here: and play around with the various calculator/visualizers. It will be tremendous help. Sorry I have no input on the brakes.
https://tiresize.com/wheel-offset-calculator/
https://tiresize.com/wheel-offset-calculator/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 460
From: East Windsor NJ
A lot of info here - but not sure if all 19rear/18front combos will clear C6Z rotors
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-35-tires.html
One time I was at the dealer and it was Corvette Day and they had 2 C6's on the lift (a base and a Z) and you could see the difference in the size of the C6Z rotors and I thought "Man I NEED that!"
Bur I later learned they are HEAVY
and I was told "in a relatively stock C5 you will feel the difference" - and if you track at all having that extra unsprung weight won't be pleasant.
For me to realistically entertain an upgrade - I'd have to be able to spring for 2- piece rotors. I was told that a C6Z 2-piece rotor weighs the same as a 1-piece C5.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-35-tires.html
One time I was at the dealer and it was Corvette Day and they had 2 C6's on the lift (a base and a Z) and you could see the difference in the size of the C6Z rotors and I thought "Man I NEED that!"
Bur I later learned they are HEAVY
and I was told "in a relatively stock C5 you will feel the difference" - and if you track at all having that extra unsprung weight won't be pleasant.For me to realistically entertain an upgrade - I'd have to be able to spring for 2- piece rotors. I was told that a C6Z 2-piece rotor weighs the same as a 1-piece C5.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,356
Likes: 3,381
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
So i stumbled on this. So they did the upgrade on their C5 and C5Z06
So it seems I need to figure out the wheels. Definitely 18 for front and 19 for rear with the right offset which is the key. I already have "TPS Brake Line Set Stainless Steel" installed on my current setup which i did in 2011
- TPS C5 C6 C5Z06 Corvette Slotted Rotor Set with Hawk HPS Brake Pad Set
- C6Z06 Black Wheel Set - 17x8.5 (+49 Offset) and 18x9.5 (+56 Offset)
Editing: So these are the wheel size that will definitely work. I need to find ones that will fit my C5. My goal also is not to use any spacers if I can avoid it
So it seems I need to figure out the wheels. Definitely 18 for front and 19 for rear with the right offset which is the key. I already have "TPS Brake Line Set Stainless Steel" installed on my current setup which i did in 2011
- TPS C5 C6 C5Z06 Corvette Slotted Rotor Set with Hawk HPS Brake Pad Set
- C6Z06 Black Wheel Set - 17x8.5 (+49 Offset) and 18x9.5 (+56 Offset)
Editing: So these are the wheel size that will definitely work. I need to find ones that will fit my C5. My goal also is not to use any spacers if I can avoid it
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 747
A lot of info here - but not sure if all 19rear/18front combos will clear C6Z rotors
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-35-tires.html
One time I was at the dealer and it was Corvette Day and they had 2 C6's on the lift (a base and a Z) and you could see the difference in the size of the C6Z rotors and I thought "Man I NEED that!"
Bur I later learned they are HEAVY and I was told "in a relatively stock C5 you will feel the difference" - and if you track at all having that extra unsprung weight won't be pleasant.
For me to realistically entertain an upgrade - I'd have to be able to spring for 2- piece rotors. I was told that a C6Z 2-piece rotor weighs the same as a 1-piece C5.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-35-tires.html
One time I was at the dealer and it was Corvette Day and they had 2 C6's on the lift (a base and a Z) and you could see the difference in the size of the C6Z rotors and I thought "Man I NEED that!"
Bur I later learned they are HEAVY
and I was told "in a relatively stock C5 you will feel the difference" - and if you track at all having that extra unsprung weight won't be pleasant.For me to realistically entertain an upgrade - I'd have to be able to spring for 2- piece rotors. I was told that a C6Z 2-piece rotor weighs the same as a 1-piece C5.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 523
Likes: 6
From: Nazareth PA
going with the full set
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 523
Likes: 6
From: Nazareth PA
That's exactly what's kept me from springing for C6Z brakes even though they look great. Just not worth the extra weight for a street car that I'll never use the full potential of the stock C5 brakes on as it is haha. Between the larger calipers AND rotors, that's a lot of added weight that will adversely affect 90% of your experience driving even a decently modified C5.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 747
I agree, they look killer, I just can't personally justify the added weight and difficulty swapping wheels ( I have 3 sets now that I just want to be able to swap back and forth whenever I want to lol, that's not the norm). There are at least a couple aftermarket companies that make direct fit options, and I'm not sure about their weight, but the C6 Z06 brakes are usually a fraction of the cost of those and still look better IMO haha.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 3,467
From: Oswego IL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,318
Likes: 243
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
Fyrarms - just curious... have you decided on or purchased your new wheels yet? Interested in seeing what you have in mind or purchased.
Last edited by I’m Z one; Mar 26, 2020 at 06:39 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
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From: Oswego IL
Just finished up this sexy little Shorty McFireball last month...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,185
Likes: 641
From: Garland TX
Hi,
I want to do the C6Z06 brake (calipers, rotors, etc) upgrade on my 2001 C5 but I believe I wont be able to so with the current setup wheels 17 (fr) and 18 (rr). So i guess i need first to upgrade the wheels to 18 (fr) and 19 (rr) correct?. Do i need anything else. Will the C5 accommodate that without any other modifications
Thanks
I want to do the C6Z06 brake (calipers, rotors, etc) upgrade on my 2001 C5 but I believe I wont be able to so with the current setup wheels 17 (fr) and 18 (rr). So i guess i need first to upgrade the wheels to 18 (fr) and 19 (rr) correct?. Do i need anything else. Will the C5 accommodate that without any other modifications
Thanks
Some other options that will clear:
OEM C6 Grand Sport Wheels
OEM C6Z wheels
TSW Nurburgring
Forgester F14
Forgester CF5
XO Verona
CorWheels
C6Z brakes was one of the best mods I have done to my Z aside from the suspension. The car stops on a dime and is a night and day difference over factory brakes. Some pictures for inspiration.
