Ive heard many different sizes on wheels to put in the rear with out cutting the fender wells? So is it 19's or 18's, and how wide can I go without cutting the fender wells out?

 

Greetings to you. The C5 Corvette is certainly an exceptional performance vehicle. As with any vehicle, there is always room for modification and improvement upon almost any and every integral system. In regards to tire and wheel upgrades: Follow the practiced guidelines offered in true Plus I and Plus II wheel modification applications, and, you will be very impressed with the perceived improvements in handling, steering and braking that can be achieved. In general, wheel width sizing, bolt circle, and wheel offset are very critical measurements in this regard. Moreover, if you are also considering upgrading your o.e. brake system to a larger "Big Brake" package (i.e., Brembo, AP, Willwood, Baer, etc.), it is imperative that when you are choosing a wheel upgrade that the new wheel is constructed with the proper offset to accomodate the larger brake rotor diameter and brake caliper width. Many enthusiasts fail to diligently research and seek out manufacturers who produce properly fitting (hubcentric) wheels with the correct offset to accomodate such features. And, will then often move to installing wheel spacers, and/or, resort to belt sanding new calipers, or, even cutting and sanding down areas on the back of the wheel or mounting pad. This is not recommended, nor necessary when you can take the time to research the proper fitment desired, applicability and availability. In general, if you stay with an "o.e. offset", you will be able to successfully mount a wheel up to 11 inches wide (on an 17, 18, 19, or 20 diameter wheel) on the rear axle with a 315 tire with no rubbing issues. There can be issues (tire visible beyond fender well edge) if you mount 325's on an 11 inch wheel which is not recommended anyway. However, there are some enthusiasts who do not mind a 1/4 inch or so protruding past the fenderwell edge just for the look. This is the personal choice and risk of the consumer. Moreover, one can notice differences not only in tread pattern depth, but, also in width and height even in the same sizes because of the inherent differences produced in different tire models by different manufacturers. Now, if you wish to install a 12 inch or wider wheel you will have to either "tub" the vehicle, or, add on a wider fender/wide body kit to accomodate a 345 on a 12 inch. And, there are several sources for such wide body kits. Lastly, there are many aftermarket wheel manufacturers who can meet your needs and provide you the correct offset of your choice to accomodate your level of tire and wheel modification plans: HRE, Kinesis, and Mallett are just some of the few that have the ability to provide an hubcentric wheel with the correct offset. The next question you want to ask is: Does the wheel manufacturer of your choice make the wheels to fully accept and fit the remote tire valve system monitors without having to take them apart and worm gear ("strap") them down? I hope this little bit of information helps to guide you towards a more informed choice. Please feel free to PM me for further background info if need be. And, I would be more than happy to offer more feedback. Let us know what you decide to do.

Best Wishes,
Eden

 

wow, thanks alot, im wanting to go with either the maya stm or the piaa sport mesh