Oops, JD is correct about the 265 on the 9.5" rim; but recognize that the 295 on the same 9.5" rim is probably not optimal, but will work.
Tires and Wheels
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 108
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From: Utah
Tires and Wheels
I met a guy in Salt Lake City who has several sets of new wheels and also one set of Kuhmo tires for them. The set I bought from him was the only chrome set of Z-06 reproduction wheels he had. All 4 rims are 18" x 9.5" and all 4 tires he had are 295 35 18's. So I have followed the threads and I understand the same size tire at all 4 corners causes the traction control to malfunction. But I couldn't stop myself from buying it all. Bottom line is I got the 4 chrome 18 x 9.5 and 4 295 35 18's for $1,700.00 I figure even if I have purchased 4 rear tires and have to get some other tire for the front that I still got a good deal. So does anyone have a recomendation as to what size for the front 18 x 9.5 wheels I should get? And what is the best way to deal with the valve stems? I don't think the silver painted ones from my stock rims will be allowed on the shiny wheels but I would like the air pressure readings on the in dash computer to still work. Any suggestions? 
I'm all ears. Oh and also any help on the lugnuts I'll need to buy would be great.
I'm all ears. Oh and also any help on the lugnuts I'll need to buy would be great.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
Don't mean to burst your bubble but IMHO you didn't get any amazing deal, but anyway.... I don't know how much smaller a width tire you will be able to put on the 9.5" rim to make enough of a difference. I wouldn't go less than a 275 tire (which is only 20 millimeters less than the 295) before you're looking at a problem with putting too narrow a tire on the rim. Whether that will give you enough of a difference in the respective tire circumferences is 
You may be better off trading a pair of wheels and tires and either go up to a 10.5" rim or down to a 8.5" rim, which will give you more flexibility insofar as your tire size are concerned.
As for valve stems, I think WCC has some nice chrome valve stem nuts (for use with the TPS) to match your chrome wheels, and either Gorilla or McGard has decent lug nuts if you don't want to use GM's finest.
Good luck.
You may be better off trading a pair of wheels and tires and either go up to a 10.5" rim or down to a 8.5" rim, which will give you more flexibility insofar as your tire size are concerned.As for valve stems, I think WCC has some nice chrome valve stem nuts (for use with the TPS) to match your chrome wheels, and either Gorilla or McGard has decent lug nuts if you don't want to use GM's finest.
Good luck.
Last edited by wamara; Aug 3, 2004 at 05:41 PM.
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I'd go with a 265 size tire on the front. That would be the stock Z06 size at least in terms of width. I think you may be able to get some chrome pieces for the valve stem from West Coast Corvettes. Give them a call and see what they say.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Aliso Viejo CA
Originally Posted by Apollo's Chariot
I didn't say it in my first post but this guy had several sets of high polished Alum wheels Z-06 all of them 18x9.5 As well as several sets of ZR-1 wheels All new in the box.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Utah
Appreciate the input.
I just had Falkens put on the stock wheels, would the 275 40 18 that is currently on the rear work for the front tires? The guy told me wrong the tires were not 295 they are 275 35 18. So would the difference be enogh for the traction control if the only difference in tire size was having the 40's on front and the 35's on the rear?
Thanks,
John
Thanks,
John
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Utah
Originally Posted by wamara
Don't mean to burst your bubble but IMHO you didn't get any amazing deal, but anyway.... Good luck.
I think that my bubble is still burst-proof. I don't know how long it will last, but its been a helluva good ride so far.
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Le Mans Master
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From: ABQ NM
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John, 
Congrats on your new ownership - the fun has only begun!! Now to try and answer your last question....If I understand you correctly, you say you have 275/40-18 tires for the front and 275/35-18 tires for the rear. If this is correct, then unfortunately you have the opposite of what you need, as the circumference of your rear tires is smaller than the front. As it comes from the factory, the REAR tires have a larger rolling diameter than the front tires, and supposedly the AH and TC algorithms would be based on the size ratio of the fronts to rears. So...you could very well get some codes or other problems with the tire sizes you have. I will see if I can find a link for a tire calculator for you - it is very handy to calculate circumferences if you're trying to maintain a certain rolling diameter. Good luck.
Here are two calculators for you:http://www.discounttire.com/dtc/broc...o/tireMath.jsp
and
www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
Congrats on your new ownership - the fun has only begun!! Now to try and answer your last question....If I understand you correctly, you say you have 275/40-18 tires for the front and 275/35-18 tires for the rear. If this is correct, then unfortunately you have the opposite of what you need, as the circumference of your rear tires is smaller than the front. As it comes from the factory, the REAR tires have a larger rolling diameter than the front tires, and supposedly the AH and TC algorithms would be based on the size ratio of the fronts to rears. So...you could very well get some codes or other problems with the tire sizes you have. I will see if I can find a link for a tire calculator for you - it is very handy to calculate circumferences if you're trying to maintain a certain rolling diameter. Good luck.Here are two calculators for you:http://www.discounttire.com/dtc/broc...o/tireMath.jsp
and
www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
Last edited by wamara; Aug 4, 2004 at 10:15 AM.