97Z06

Hello all. I am new to the forum, and Have been searching and calling different tire stores in my area, and I can't get a decent answer on what size replacement tires to use. Yes I have a 97 c5 but I do have z06 rims. from searching the forums I was able to find out the right sizes for my rims: 265/40/17 - 295/35/18. (Only bridgestones and f1's in that size)

I want to run Hankook tires. Size: 275/40ZR17 vetus v12 Front/ or vetus v12 Size: 255/40ZR17. for the rear vetus v12 Size: 295/30ZR18

My car is not stock, I don't have the f45 shocks, and I had a tech II to remove this feature from my car. So I don't use the **** on the center console. I have bilstein shocks, z06 sway bars, metal end links, tie rods, basically a z06 setup. I do have traction control, but always turn it off. Do I still have to worry about the stagger? I am open to suggestions, because the tires stores around me can't seem to tell me what tires to use.
They recommend I use the stock c5 rims sizes for new tires: 245-45-zr17/275-40-zr18 which I can tell the front is too small for the rim. I just want to know specific tire sizes you guys are running with, and have no problems. I don't want full out drag tires in the rear, otherwise I would get the nitto t05 or t01 (not sure what they were called)

Thanks in advance everyone!

Lothar34

You do still have to worry about the ratio of front to rear diameter. Even with the traction control off, it will cause problems with the ABS.

You should have plenty of options in the 265/40 and 295/35 sizes. Where are you looking that you're only finding Bridgestones and F1s?

97Z06

I have tried tirerack,discount,ntb,goodyear,firestone , and then just searching the internet. I know the 295/35/18 tire seems fairly easy to find, I just cant find a front tire to match. He said the 275/40/17 is more common than the 265/40/17. but If I want to run 275/40/17 I have to run a 305,or a 315 rear tire. They have the vetus v12 in the sizes I listed in my first post, but don't know if I can use either one of those vetus front sizes with the matching 295/35/18 rear. I have searched the forums and can't really get size information, just that the rear has to be within .5" of the front or something like that. Than I wondered if I could just compensate the difference just by adjusting tire pressure.

tlove32

You can run 275/40/17 & 295/35/18 - you won't have any issues

f6john

I was having a similar issue last year when I bought some Speedline Z06 wheels. I know there are some good, money is no object choices in the stock sizes but I needed something a little cheaper at the time. I scored a set of Nokian 295-35-18's for the rear for $300.00 and then I decided on trying a non-standard size for the front the 255-40-17 Han kook V12. I have been satisified with both tires for about 5k of use. I would have perfered a larger front tire, and a larger rear tire for that matter but they just aren't available. Here is what the fronts look like



and the rear



and both. I'm well aware of the gap between tires and body but I am holding off any changes until I can install coilovers.

97Z06

hey guys, thanks for the help. So after trying to find tires due to availability, I ended up getting the only tires I could get within a week. Nitto Invo 295/35/r18 and then a 275/40/17 nitto 555 for the front. I wanted the hankooks, but I guess they don't come in z06 size. I thought in the threads I saw them on z06 rims. I just wasn't sure if the front tire would look "bigger" than the rear. So I will let you guys know how they R. Anything has to be better than GY RF. Also I figured at least the rear tire is the exact size as a stock for a z06 rims. The irony of the whole mess is how many "tire" places don't know the difference between stock c5 rims, and z06 rims. Than I told them I have a 97 with TPMS and they look at me like I'm crazy. They said that feature wasn't available until 2001. So I guess I can't get my TPMS fixed. lol

swoodsr

I have a 99 C5, I have been running Michelin Pilot Sport Fr:255/40-17 and Rr:335/30-18. Car has been that way since 01. I have encountered no problems thus far. Car is not stock. It has an 04 LS6 with different can, lifters, valves and spring's. Heads have been ported and polished. 90mm throttle body, ZO6 maf, blackwing air filter system. Dyno and tuned. Haven't had a issue yet. I'll try to post some pics.

SG Lou

Continental Extreme Contact DWS, 275/40/17 up front, 295/35/18 in the rear on C5 Z06 sized C6 replica's

vettenuts

I am in the same boat. I have been looking at the 255 for the front as I was concerned that the 275 up front wouldn't provide a large enough front to rear differential. Not sure what I have on the car right now as it is still in winter storage so I can't look at them.