what rim/ tire combo?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
what rim/ tire combo?
i have been researching different size rims and tires for a 2002 c5 and see various setups. I am going to go with some true forged or iforged wheels. they will make the sizes but dont really know what size to go with. i want to get it right since they are being made. I want it to look stout. i was thinking 18x 10 in the front and either a 18x12 if it will fit or 19x11.5 in the rear. i was hoping not to tub but will if i have to. what do you recommend? also what size tires for the back. looking to do this soon.. thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
I went with ccw 505a rims = 18 x 9 front and 19 x 11.5 rear with Nitto INVO tires = 275/35-18 front and 305/30-19 rear. They fit perfect and have the a shorter sidewall than factory but not so short that it gives you a rough ride. IMO its the perfect size rim/tire combo on a c5 (and perfect rim). The tire is very quiet and rides much better than factory run flats and much quieter than my old pole positions. 
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
I went with ccw 505a rims = 18 x 9 front and 19 x 11.5 rear with Nitto INVO tires = 275/35-18 front and 305/30-19 rear. They fit perfect and have the a shorter sidewall than factory but not so short that it gives you a rough ride. IMO its the perfect size rim/tire combo on a c5 (and perfect rim). The tire is very quiet and rides much better than factory run flats and much quieter than my old pole positions.
I have the 18x10 35/275 front and the 19x11 35/295 rear. Looks great on the C5 with bigger rims/tires. I don't get any rubbing in the front. Tire combos are one of those things you just have to do a lot of searches on and there is plenty of information on. Decide for yourself the pros and cons. One thing I can tell you is if you decide to go bigger and wider you can never go back. Stock C5 wheels will never be the same... so beware.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
awesome, thanks for the info- i will be getting the size 18/ 19. I like big i just dont want it to look like rice. I just want the right rims and look where i dont have to change them again---- been there done that!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
I think it's important to point out a couple things. First on the combo above the sidewall is taller in the front then the rear. It's minimal but to **** people like me it's stands out clearly. Second if you go with a 11-11.5 inch rim on the rear you are likley to get a slight buldge. Again, minimal and I have heard of a few that don't have anything but I have probably seen at least 30-40 pictures on the CF where the rear tire does that. It's 75% the rim guard on the tire and may vary from tire to tire.
I have the 18x10 35/275 front and the 19x11 35/295 rear. Looks great on the C5 with bigger rims/tires. I don't get any rubbing in the front. Tire combos are one of those things you just have to do a lot of searches on and there is plenty of information on. Decide for yourself the pros and cons. One thing I can tell you is if you decide to go bigger and wider you can never go back. Stock C5 wheels will never be the same... so beware.
I have the 18x10 35/275 front and the 19x11 35/295 rear. Looks great on the C5 with bigger rims/tires. I don't get any rubbing in the front. Tire combos are one of those things you just have to do a lot of searches on and there is plenty of information on. Decide for yourself the pros and cons. One thing I can tell you is if you decide to go bigger and wider you can never go back. Stock C5 wheels will never be the same... so beware.
This is true but the brand of tires can make a difference on how the sidewall looks (height wise) and the bulge. I was going to go with the Mich PS2 until I saw one in person. The sidewall bulk was more extreme compared to the nittos (mostly the rim protector) and the size difference was more noticeable. Plus the Nittos were half the price. I really don't notice the size difference on my ride and the bulge is minimal (front is even with fender and the back has maybe 1/2 sidewall only bulge). I really liked how the 305 looked when compared to the 295 plus in my case in order for the CCW rims to look right I needed the 11.5 size to get the 3 inch lip on the rim which means the 305 tires. I looked for almost 2 years before I pulled the trigger and I am glad I did my research. Take your time and figure out what you like best.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 314
Likes: 17
From: Palo Alto California
On my 2002,I use 18x10 and 18x12. Tires are 285/35 and 335/30. I have rear minitubs,which are worthwhile because you can run wide rear rubber without problems. 19x12 with 345/30 is popular with the minitubs. It's important to get wheels from someone with experience fitting C5s. My wheels are from Fikse.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
