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For a high hp supercharged C5 (700whp or so) will it still make a difference in acceleration if each rear wheel is around 12lb heavier (20") than my other wheels (19"). Also what about traction? Will the heavier 20" have better traction due to weight?
The kind of tires you have will make a lot more difference to acceleration than the wheel weight. Traction will be your issue, not wheel weight.
At 700 WHP you are going to have traction issues with anything shy of drag radials or racing slicks. I have an '04 vert with an A&A supercharger making 500WHP. I can say for certain, that if I added another 200WHP, it would be almost undrivable on the street. Also, the best way to increase traction (aside from a stickier tire) is to increase the width of the wheel, not the weight of the wheel.
Will you notice a slight difference? Probably. Will it be significant or a hinderance to everyday performance? Meh, negligible.
As mentioned above, if you want to use that power, you'll need a full drag radial or slick. I wouldn't mount a low profile 20" tire and expect it to hook well at 400whp, let alone 700+. If you want to look good and eat your cake too, get 2 sets of wheels/tire: a street setup for show and a drag pack for go. Once you get that high up in power, there is no happy compromise.
At 700whp you should be looking for smaller diameter wheels. 20" wheels and good traction are seldom bedfellows.
I should have mentioned this earlier but here are the finer details : For rears, I have a choice between Forgestar F14 19x11 or some chrome c6 z06 replicas in 20x11. I like the light-weight of the F14 as I can definately tell a big difference even when I pick them up by hand. The replicas are chrome and look very nice as well. For tires I am wanting to go with Toyo R888R. I was thinking about putting a 325 30 19 on the F14 (R888R).
Last edited by vettefx76; Apr 23, 2021 at 04:06 PM.
It's a matter of opinion, but a lot of us will tell you the gunmetal goes with Mag red better than chrome haha. Stick with the F14s for tire choices that can give you actual traction. The R888R is my preferred tire for a best compromise, but it's not going to hook 700+ from a dig if you care about that. If you want more traction, a 305/30/19 Nitto NT05R will help and you can fit it under a stock fender still (assuming your F14 offsets aren't too aggressive).
It's a matter of opinion, but a lot of us will tell you the gunmetal goes with Mag red better than chrome haha. Stick with the F14s for tire choices that can give you actual traction. The R888R is my preferred tire for a best compromise, but it's not going to hook 700+ from a dig if you care about that. If you want more traction, a 305/30/19 Nitto NT05R will help and you can fit it under a stock fender still (assuming your F14 offsets aren't too aggressive).
Yeah after looking at alot of threads even on other car sites, seems like the 19s are the best bet and the F14s are well known and highly recommended everywhere... well, now I guess its between 305 30 19 or 325 30 19 lol decisions decisions!
Oh btw, the F14s currently have some cheap 305 30 19s on there now and they are about 1/2 inch away from the inner fender...
Last edited by vettefx76; Apr 23, 2021 at 04:11 PM.
I was going to recommend the 325/30/19 MT ET SS first, but figured you were still on a stock rear fender. As long as you don't mind a little poke, they might work. But a 305 NT05R would probably be a better choice for stock fender. You can hook with a 275 DR, so I wouldn't stress too much about width on DRs. Both will be about an inch taller than factory tire sizes, but I've had no major problems with rubbing on 345/30/19s (27") or 305/45/17s (28") at a fairly low ride height.
Well guys, I put the 19/20 combo on the vette and honestly it looks so much nicer to me lol - I know I know, I keep going back and forth but this time I think my mind is made up and I'm gonna just keep the 19/20 setup and put some R888R on them in 315 30 20. I just love the look of them with my Mag Red and I'm sure the R888R will have plenty traction even on a 20"
Thanks! I think the Magnetic Red looks nicer with some chrome or silver wheels. It makes the color pop. Considering this is mostly a weekend warrior and car show cruiser I think the 19/20 chrome fits the bill for me
Here is a pic of my Vette before the engine mods and side door spear removal Those are the rims I'm going to use.
Originally Posted by heggsc5
They'll have enough traction as long you heat them up first and keep it below 70-80% throttle. Enjoy and be careful out there
Last edited by vettefx76; Apr 27, 2021 at 03:51 PM.
Finally got her running and boy does she run What they say about those R888R tires is 100% true. I have never ever seen a tire hook and handle so well. I've built and had other cars before (all over 400hp) and never have I seen a tire with such great traction and control. They are expensive but worth every dollar.
On a different note, I still have access to the 19/19 combo of the F14s and was wondering if I should switch them out back to back and see how bad the acceleration difference is lol. I'm just curious as I have read numerous "debates" more or less that turned into fights on here over this lol...
Thanks! I'm glad you did not call me out on my "Z06 505hp" badges although a while back, I got called out bad about it Funny thing now the car is way more than 505hp so the badges are really a laugh in a good way
Wheel weight vs acceleration vs traction
At 700 WHP you are going to have traction issues with anything shy of drag radials or racing slicks. I have an '04 vert with an A&A supercharger making 500WHP. I can say for certain, that if I added another 200WHP, it would be almost undrivable on the street. Also, the best way to increase traction (aside from a stickier tire) is to increase the width of the wheel, not the weight of the wheel.
although a while back, I got called out bad about it 
Funny thing now the car is way more than 505hp so the badges are really a laugh in a good way 
