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C6 wheels on a C5

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Old Jun 22, 2021 | 03:14 PM
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Default C6 wheels on a C5

I asked this question a long time ago but can’t remember the answer.

I replaced my C5 18” 17” aftermarket chrome wagon wheels with C6 19”18”
OEM chrome wheels.
The C6 wheels caused a loss in power. The aftermarket Wagon wheels
were possibly heavier than the C6 wheels.

This isn’t just a seat of your pants loss of power it is FOR SURE.
I was given educated answers, not just guess work. Can anybody tell why it resulted in power loss?
Is there something I can do without changing back to the factory size C5 18/17 wheels?








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Old Jun 22, 2021 | 04:44 PM
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I would guess it has something to do with rotational mass.
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Old Jun 22, 2021 | 06:11 PM
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Originally Posted by MWWarlord
I would guess it has something to do with rotational mass.
Yes, that sounds like part of the equation.
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Old Jun 22, 2021 | 06:12 PM
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Yeah.....put some 14's on there and go like hell !!
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Old Jun 22, 2021 | 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Oh 2 Fun
Yeah.....put some 14's on there and go like hell !!
Maybe 13s would be better
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Old Jun 22, 2021 | 09:25 PM
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Weight of the new wheels might be a factor, and what about overall diameter or tire height? If you went to a taller tire, you have effectively gone to a higher ratio (lower differential number) which could decrease your acceleration.
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Old Jun 22, 2021 | 11:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Route99
Weight of the new wheels might be a factor, and what about overall diameter or tire height? If you went to a taller tire, you have effectively gone to a higher ratio (lower differential number) which could decrease your acceleration.
That may be a possibility, makes sense. Maybe that can account for what feels like there is an increase in power as it hits higher RPMS, it sometimes breaks lose (loses traction) as it hits second gear. It feels like it is pulling harder at that point.
I'll measure the tire height and compare it to the height of the stock tires. The car was lowered about 1" or 1.5" on the stock bolts many miles before the new wheels were installed which
only have about 4,000 miles on them. The loss happened right after the new tires and wheels(run flats) were installed. These tires are the stock size to fit the C6 wheels.
I would rather get the max power from a dead start. My runway isn't real long to hit a higher speed.

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Old Jun 23, 2021 | 07:49 AM
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My C5 has 19 in rear and 18 in front, former owner put them on, I noticed the TPMS has no readings, and using a magnet on first wheel does not kick off programming. Maybe there are no TPM in them. Does your TPMS work with the larger wheels?
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Old Jun 23, 2021 | 09:54 AM
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I was told that the C6Z rotors (being much heavier than the C5) would also slow you down - which is why I went with 2pc. Once I have the C5's off the car I will weigh both and post.

I know for sure that the C5 wagon wheels are light! Have them now as track day - but once the C6Z brakes go on they will no longer fit (and I have them for sale as well)...
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Old Jun 23, 2021 | 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by ruttrow
My C5 has 19 in rear and 18 in front, former owner put them on, I noticed the TPMS has no readings, and using a magnet on first wheel does not kick off programming. Maybe there are no TPM in them. Does your TPMS work with the larger wheels?
Yes, it works on all 4 wheels.
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Old Jun 23, 2021 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by jjc508520
I was told that the C6Z rotors (being much heavier than the C5) would also slow you down - which is why I went with 2pc. Once I have the C5's off the car I will weigh both and post.

I know for sure that the C5 wagon wheels are light! Have them now as track day - but once the C6Z brakes go on they will no longer fit (and I have them for sale as well)...
I wonder how much weight the chrome adds to the wagons.

Thanks for the checking the weight after you switch them.

Last edited by StevieB; Jun 23, 2021 at 02:45 PM.
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Old Jun 23, 2021 | 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Route99
Weight of the new wheels might be a factor, and what about overall diameter or tire height? If you went to a taller tire, you have effectively gone to a higher ratio (lower differential number) which could decrease your acceleration.
I have the 315 rear end. I got that info off of the codes on the back of a compartment cover.

Last edited by StevieB; Jun 23, 2021 at 03:15 PM.
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Old Jun 23, 2021 | 02:42 PM
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Can anybody tell me what the height of stock C5 tires are?
These C6 tires are about 25" in the front from the floor to the top of the tire. The rear are about 27"


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Old Jun 23, 2021 | 09:58 PM
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Tire Size Comparison
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Old Jul 3, 2021 | 04:30 PM
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i have installed both c6 and c7 base wheels on c5 without any noticeable performance difference
outside circumference is very close even with 19 /20
just have to install 1 inch hubcentric spacer on rear
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Old Jul 3, 2021 | 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by StevieB
The C6 wheels caused a loss in power.

This isn’t just a seat of your pants loss of power it is FOR SURE.
What did you dyno with the original wheels, and what did you dyno with the new wheels?
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Old Jul 3, 2021 | 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by FYRARMS
What did you dyno with the original wheels, and what did you dyno with the new wheels?
just have to install 1 inch hubcentric spacer on rear

Yep, I too have 1 inch hubcentric spacer on rear.
I never had it on a dyno.
The chromed wagon wheels it came with are sold
All I have now are the C6 wheels on the car.
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Old Jul 3, 2021 | 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by jamieo
Thank you. I havn't used it yet. The car hasn't even been this year at all.
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Old Jul 3, 2021 | 05:09 PM
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Could the computer module be compensating for the difference in rotational speed?
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Old Jul 3, 2021 | 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by FYRARMS
What did you dyno with the original wheels, and what did you dyno with the new wheels?
hey now!
don't you come in here with your fancy empirical measurement trash ideas!
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