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Hey, everyone. Well, after months of reading, learning everything I could about the C5 generation, I finally took the plunge this weekend. Purchased a 2000 Convertible with 100K miles. Took the checklist along, went over everything, and all I could find wrong was the front right speaker wasn't working (owner said it may be unplugged?), and the tires are needing to be replaced (7 years old). Got him to come down a bit on the price to allow room for tire purchase. So, did the deal, and have been enjoying the ride! It's interesting that the CAGS has not been defeated on it - hard to believe it's made it 25 years without that being done. Have it on order! It's really in amazing condition, and I'm super happy with my purchase.
If I may pose a question about tires - it has these rims on it: A Google search tells me these are C7 replicas. The tires that are on it are 295-35r18 and 265-40r17, which apparently are an odd size; I can only find one match on Tire Rack for $2K for the set. I was hoping I could go back to the OE size of 245/45 R17 and 275/40 R18, which are much less expensive. Trouble is, the rims appear to be 11" and 12", respectively, which it seems that the smallest tire I can put on that width rim is 265 and 295. I'm just wondering if anyone has these rims and can confirm what I'm seeing. If so, I think I'd be better off looking for a factory set of rims to return to the OE size.
Thanks in advance for the help, and see you on the road!
Welcome to Corvette ownership Post some more pics of her when you can....
I agree, if you can go back to the OEM rim and tire size, that is what I would do.....I'm sure members of this forum have some C5 OEM wheels for sale at a good price.
Search the C5 parts for sale / wanted section on here.....
Welcome and congrats on the new car! Those tire sizes are what the C5 Z06 has and they are difficult to find as a set. I would not run a factory size tire for a C5 on those wheels. You should be able to find a set of used wheels on facebook if you decide to go in another direction.
OK, thanks for the suggestions - I'll begin searching for some factory wheels.
Here's another question... fuel gauge dropped from 1/2 to empty yesterday, so went to gas station, only got about 3 gallons in her. Figured I must have the dirty sender issue, so will start the Techron treatment as recommended.
Here's the weird thing - while the analog fuel gauge shows empty, the HUD shows full, and there is no low fuel warning, or the "check gauges" light, as I've seen mentioned. Is this a different problem?
Congrats on the Vert purchase. As for your wheel and tire question, I seriously doubt those wheels are 11" and 12" wide but being replicas, are probably 9.5"-10.5" wide rears and either 8.5"-9.5" fronts. If so, there would be no problem going back with the oem 245/45/17 front and 275/40/18 rear sizes. Lots of excellent tires are available in those sizes and no, Michelins are not necessary unless you just have to have them.
Congrats on the Vert purchase. As for your wheel and tire question, I seriously doubt those wheels are 11" and 12" wide but being replicas, are probably 9.5"-10.5" wide rears and either 8.5"-9.5" fronts. If so, there would be no problem going back with the oem 245/45/17 front and 275/40/18 rear sizes. Lots of excellent tires are available in those sizes and no, Michelins are not necessary unless you just have to have them.
You're 100% right, sir, thankfully. I realize my "through the wheel" measurement was to the outside of the rim, which adds at least a 1/2" on each side. I'm going to order the stock sizes, as I feel confident they will fit on these rims. Thanks for the input!
Welcome! I think I have her sister…. 2000 convertible NBMetallic.
Beautiful! I thought I wanted magnetic red, but this navy blue metallic is super sharp, especially with the tan top! Of course, topless is my favorite... 😉
Curious about your orange side markers... Is that something you added?
I love my 04 Vert especially from May through November with the top down. Only use the AC to lube the fittings.
Got my first Vette!
Post some more pics of her when you can....
Enjoy your new ride!
