[Z06] Changing Wheel sizes on Z06
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 333
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From: Cedar Rapids IA
Changing Wheel sizes on Z06
This may seem strange, but I am thinking of putting a set of 17" wheels on the rear of my Z06. The reason is that I want to put a set of 17" Goodrich KDWS All Season tires on for the winter and drive it as much as possible throughout the Iowa winter. The only tire size that comes close to the rear OEM GY SC tire is 285/40ZR17 g-force T/A KDWS.
What problems might I have in going from and 18 to a 17 on the rear? Caliper clearance?
A possiblity for the front is a 235/45ZR17 g-force T/A KDWS. The Revs/Mile match the OEM, but they are nearly 1-1/2 inches narrower.
Another possiblity for the front is a 275/40ZR17 KDWS. It is only slightly wider than OEM, but the Revs/Mile do not quite match: OEM=824 vs. Goodrich=810.
What problems might the 275/40s cause? ABS/Active Handling errors?
Thanks,
Tim
What problems might I have in going from and 18 to a 17 on the rear? Caliper clearance?
A possiblity for the front is a 235/45ZR17 g-force T/A KDWS. The Revs/Mile match the OEM, but they are nearly 1-1/2 inches narrower.
Another possiblity for the front is a 275/40ZR17 KDWS. It is only slightly wider than OEM, but the Revs/Mile do not quite match: OEM=824 vs. Goodrich=810.
What problems might the 275/40s cause? ABS/Active Handling errors?
Thanks,
Tim
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids IA
Originally Posted by ztheusa
It seems to me, that if you want a true winter tire, you'd like to have a narrow tire. Better traction!
Now for putting 17" wheels on the rear, I guess I could try switching the stock wheels temporarily just to see if they would fit.
I did not make it clear that I would have two sets. One for summer and racing
and the other for winter and "normal" driving. 
Thanks for your input. I'd appreciate any more advice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Winchester TN
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Hi tjfees -
You are going to catch some flack for driving it in the snow - but not from me.
I do drive my Z in the winter (Central Illinois - similar conditions as yours).
However, I do not drive when there is snow on the roads - they must be clear and dry.
I used to have an 89 Firebird Formula 350 with the Z rated 50 series tires on it, and due to necessity, I had to drive it all winter.
I bought a set of steel rims - with the correct offset for the rear discs, and put on P215/15 ASR tires. It was actually very fun to drive the bird with that setup.
Keep in mind, the F'bird did not have all the computer gizmos that your Z has, so it was much less effected by the different wheel/tire combo.
I do believe that there is an actual winter tire for the standard size vette wheels - that might be worth looking into if you are truly going to drive it on the sloppy stuff - try tire rack.
Good luck and Best Regards -
mqqn
You are going to catch some flack for driving it in the snow - but not from me.
I do drive my Z in the winter (Central Illinois - similar conditions as yours).
However, I do not drive when there is snow on the roads - they must be clear and dry.
I used to have an 89 Firebird Formula 350 with the Z rated 50 series tires on it, and due to necessity, I had to drive it all winter.
I bought a set of steel rims - with the correct offset for the rear discs, and put on P215/15 ASR tires. It was actually very fun to drive the bird with that setup.
Keep in mind, the F'bird did not have all the computer gizmos that your Z has, so it was much less effected by the different wheel/tire combo.
I do believe that there is an actual winter tire for the standard size vette wheels - that might be worth looking into if you are truly going to drive it on the sloppy stuff - try tire rack.
Good luck and Best Regards -
mqqn
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids IA
Originally Posted by mqqn
Hi tjfees -
. . .
I do drive my Z in the winter (Central Illinois - similar conditions as yours).
However, I do not drive when there is snow on the roads - they must be clear and dry.
I used to have an 89 Firebird Formula 350 with the Z rated 50 series tires on it, and due to necessity, I had to drive it all winter.
. . .
Keep in mind, the F'bird did not have all the computer gizmos that your Z has, so it was much less effected by the different wheel/tire combo.
I do believe that there is an actual winter tire for the standard size vette wheels - that might be worth looking into if you are truly going to drive it on the sloppy stuff - try tire rack.
Good luck and Best Regards -
mqqn
. . .
I do drive my Z in the winter (Central Illinois - similar conditions as yours).
However, I do not drive when there is snow on the roads - they must be clear and dry.
I used to have an 89 Firebird Formula 350 with the Z rated 50 series tires on it, and due to necessity, I had to drive it all winter.
. . .
Keep in mind, the F'bird did not have all the computer gizmos that your Z has, so it was much less effected by the different wheel/tire combo.
I do believe that there is an actual winter tire for the standard size vette wheels - that might be worth looking into if you are truly going to drive it on the sloppy stuff - try tire rack.
Good luck and Best Regards -
mqqn
I did have a 98' Z28 before the Z06. It was not much use on snow either.
I did find a set of Michelin Pilot A/S that come in the standard sizes for my Z06. I just need to get a second set of rims, now.
Thanks, Tim
