C5z rear wheels on front
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
C5z rear wheels on front
Hello everyone.
I just got a good deal on a set of factory zo6 wheels with the intention of using the rears up front on my z. I plan to run a square 295 set up. Here are my questions. First since the rear wheel offset is slightly higher than the stock front wheel am I increasing the front track width over the rear? Is this a problem? Maybe a 5mm spacer in the rear to combat this? I'd like to avoid the use of spacers if possible.
Second question is, what will this do to the handling of the car and how to combat that? Obviously the front end grip will increase and I am assuming so will the rear end wanting to rotate. Will running a thicker sway bar help with this or?
Finally what big brakes fit behind the factory 18 up front? I don't believe the c6z brakes will make it. Anyone running this setup have a willwood kit or similar that fits?
Anyone have experience with this? Appreciate the help.
I just got a good deal on a set of factory zo6 wheels with the intention of using the rears up front on my z. I plan to run a square 295 set up. Here are my questions. First since the rear wheel offset is slightly higher than the stock front wheel am I increasing the front track width over the rear? Is this a problem? Maybe a 5mm spacer in the rear to combat this? I'd like to avoid the use of spacers if possible.
Second question is, what will this do to the handling of the car and how to combat that? Obviously the front end grip will increase and I am assuming so will the rear end wanting to rotate. Will running a thicker sway bar help with this or?
Finally what big brakes fit behind the factory 18 up front? I don't believe the c6z brakes will make it. Anyone running this setup have a willwood kit or similar that fits?
Anyone have experience with this? Appreciate the help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,700
Likes: 3,469
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
What are your goals with the car? Track days? Street driving?
The extra tire will help turn in but not enough to make the rear end loose. The factory front bar is too small regardless and if youre tracking it you can get a bigger one like the Van Steel 35mm bar.
I believe C6Z brakes will clear with a 5mm spacer up front. The Wilwood Aero 6 should clear the C5Z wheel though.
The extra tire will help turn in but not enough to make the rear end loose. The factory front bar is too small regardless and if youre tracking it you can get a bigger one like the Van Steel 35mm bar.
I believe C6Z brakes will clear with a 5mm spacer up front. The Wilwood Aero 6 should clear the C5Z wheel though.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
What are your goals with the car? Track days? Street driving?
The extra tire will help turn in but not enough to make the rear end loose. The factory front bar is too small regardless and if youre tracking it you can get a bigger one like the Van Steel 35mm bar.
I believe C6Z brakes will clear with a 5mm spacer up front. The Wilwood Aero 6 should clear the C5Z wheel though.
The extra tire will help turn in but not enough to make the rear end loose. The factory front bar is too small regardless and if youre tracking it you can get a bigger one like the Van Steel 35mm bar.
I believe C6Z brakes will clear with a 5mm spacer up front. The Wilwood Aero 6 should clear the C5Z wheel though.
So really my goals are to add sharpness to the handling and from my driving experience so far I think I would enjoy the brake upgrade. The C5z wheels up front may not be the ideal choice I admit, but it's a cheap way try the square setup out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,700
Likes: 3,469
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Sounds like the things you are worried about will not matter then. Youre not going to notice a difference in a spirited drive, so if you can get the wheels at a good price then do it.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 162
Likes: 80
From: Central NJ
If you don't already have stainless steel brake lines, a DOT4 or racing brake fluid, and a good set of hybrid duty brake pads...I would recommend to do those first before jumping to a big brake kit. I don't think spirited street driving or even autocross would get to the limits of the stock brakes with those 3 items.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,700
Likes: 3,469
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
I brake on track at about 1.3-1.4g with the stock brakes 200TW street tires, and Hawk DTC-60 track pads. I know full race cars with aero and race tires braking at 1.7g with stock brakes and track pads. Aftermarket kits dont offer better stopping power, its better reliability and consistency on track and better value from the consumables.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
If you don't already have stainless steel brake lines, a DOT4 or racing brake fluid, and a good set of hybrid duty brake pads...I would recommend to do those first before jumping to a big brake kit. I don't think spirited street driving or even autocross would get to the limits of the stock brakes with those 3 items.
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