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Same size wheel front and back?

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Old Apr 4, 2011 | 05:26 AM
  #1  
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Default Same size wheel front and back?

I'm curious to know if there are any problems what-so-ever with putting 18" wheels on front and back? Will this change anything about the car? If I did put 18" all around would I be able to put the same size tire all around?

I have Magnesuim wheel on my Vert and the front 2 have a couple rash marks. I have a friend who has a couple of 18" he had and would give them to me for free but my fronts are 17" and backs are 18". The backs are in perfect shape. Hence, my question. =)
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Old Apr 4, 2011 | 06:21 AM
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From what I have read, it will cause a problem with the traction control and active handling systems. The system is programmed to expect a difference in rotational speeds from front to back. If it doesn't sense that anymore, it will think that there is a problem and will throw codes and/or stop working.

You can have the same sized wheels but you need to install smaller diameter tires in the front. Also, make sure that the offset is correct for the fronts.
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Old Apr 4, 2011 | 07:09 AM
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not a good idea. do a search .basically rear tires need to be aprox 1/2"+ larger diameter.
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Old Apr 4, 2011 | 07:11 AM
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No problems what so ever. But you must turn AH/TC OFF. Not comp mod but OFF each time you start the car.

actuality the vette handles very well with a same size tire on all four corners.
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Old Apr 4, 2011 | 09:48 AM
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Wheel size has nothing to do with the traction control problem. It's the overall diameter of the tires that do, however. I have the exact setup you're looking for with no issues at all: 18"x9.5" magnesiums at all four corners. Tires are BFG KDW NT - 275/35-18 front and 285/40-18 rear.

As mentioned earlier, you want at least .3" difference in diameter between front and back to avoid T/C problems.
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 01:22 PM
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Any problems with rubbing in the front when turning lock to lock?
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 01:24 PM
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None whatsoever.
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 01:49 PM
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search on this ... bunch of threads. I have a '03 z06 and I dont have problems running 18x10.5" rears with either 295/35 or 305/35 all around.
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 01:50 PM
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I run big arz wheels for the track

Front 18x12 with 18x305/30

Rear 18x13 with 18x335/30
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 02:30 PM
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Originally Posted by AU N EGL
I run big arz wheels for the track

Front 18x12 with 18x305/30

Rear 18x13 with 18x335/30
you carve corners much?
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 02:35 PM
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18's all around here, and I have no issues whatsoever. Just keep the rear tire diameter bigger than the front and A/H will be happy
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted by zebra86
you carve corners much?
front
camber -2.0*
caster Max but equal
toe: 1/16" Out

rear
camber -1.0*
toe: 1/16 IN

all road race course are high speed corners connected by short straights. and occasionally a long straight.

faster one can corner the better.
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 03:50 PM
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oh, i got why you did it.
it's just almost ridiculous thinking about tires that size on our cars - especially on the front!
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 04:15 PM
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Good Thread

I am looking to go all 18 inch on my 98 as well. Here I was thinking I would buy all 4 tires the same. I guess not !!



Dave
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 04:27 PM
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I have 285s front and 315s rear mounted on 18" wheels all the way around . . . no problems here also. BTW, same series being equal, the wider the tire, the taller (more inches in diameter). Use the 1010 tire calculator link if you need more info on tires. http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp . There used to be an Excel corverette tire spreadsheet posted somewhere on the tech forum, but I couldn't find it. It also helps out when choosing tires. The biggest thing is not to exceed 3% difference between front and rear tire diameters. The tire calculator will flag any combo that exceeds 3%. Hope this helps.

Mike C sends
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Old Apr 6, 2011 | 05:24 PM
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I had all 18x9.5s on my 98. Just ran a different tire to keep nearly stock overall difference between front and rear. Never an issue
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 07:38 PM
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I tried my 17X11s with 315s all the way around on my 98 and it didn't like it but they work fine on my 02 without turning anything off. There is a minor rub in full lock but not really an issue.
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