Looking for a 17" wheel
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
Looking for a 17" wheel
I have an 05 C^ and the front wheels are 5 spoke polished aluminium... I now have 18" taken off an 04.. they are 18" x9.5" .....
However I just made a big HP increase, & was told I need 17" x 9 1/2" so I could get a larger sidewall....
I have the Z51 option on my car, and want to get a pair of 17" wheels that sort of match the front (No wagon wheels)
Does anyone know of a 17" 5 spoke polished aluminum wheel that will fit on the rear of my car..?? I was told the front wheel from a 2001 - 2004 Zo6 would fit but its a 10 spoke five rows of two spokes ??
The OEM wheel on my car is 7" backspace with a +54 offset.... As you can tell I'm completely lost here.. but I don't want to spend $225 per wheel.. Aftermarket also would be Fine !!
Thanks if anyone who knows more than me can help..
However I just made a big HP increase, & was told I need 17" x 9 1/2" so I could get a larger sidewall....
I have the Z51 option on my car, and want to get a pair of 17" wheels that sort of match the front (No wagon wheels)
Does anyone know of a 17" 5 spoke polished aluminum wheel that will fit on the rear of my car..?? I was told the front wheel from a 2001 - 2004 Zo6 would fit but its a 10 spoke five rows of two spokes ??
The OEM wheel on my car is 7" backspace with a +54 offset.... As you can tell I'm completely lost here.. but I don't want to spend $225 per wheel.. Aftermarket also would be Fine !!
Thanks if anyone who knows more than me can help..
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 35
From: Turlock CA
Not knowing the exact style you're looking for I imagine you'll find a matching wheel here at forum sponsor JW Motoring where they have a selection of 17x9.5" 54 mm offset reproduction wheels.
--Dan
--Dan
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
Not knowing the exact style you're looking for I imagine you'll find a matching wheel here at forum sponsor JW Motoring where they have a selection of 17x9.5" 54 mm offset reproduction wheels.
--Dan
--Dan
Thank You... That site is GREAT & has exactly what I want... I'll calling them tomorrow (Mon) I need 17" wheels to put on the back of my C6 (I drag Race it) and plan on using 275/40x17" with a 5 spoke (thin) to match the fronts...Thanks jpee
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,255
Likes: 137
From: Short Hills, NJ
I think the wheel that jpee is looking for is the OEM/factory C5 Y2k wheels in 17x8.5 if anyone knows of a pair available...along with a set of 275-40-17 drag radials it's a very popular/common set up among base C6 owners. 
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
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From: Somers NY
thanks Marc.... I'll do a little homework tomorrow and see what I can find...right now I'm using 305/35x18" MT (read expensive $325 each) I "Might" get by because I'm only using a 2800 converter.. but Julio told me with the 4" stroke my TQ will go wayyy up...and the 18" may not hold it, & I'll go 17" with a 275/40 tire...
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
http://shop.jwmotoring.com/Set-of-2-...tyleWheels.htm
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,255
Likes: 137
From: Short Hills, NJ
Ideally, yes, 9.5" (or even just 9") is what he should be using.
People don't think that inch or even half inch makes a difference and on a near stock/lightly modded car it doesn't matter at all. But once things get serious, that slightly sucked in sidewall (ie: a 275 on a 8.5" rim) will not hook as needed.
I do think that even with this new engine, jpee will still be able to hook with only an 8.5" wide rim because his converter won't be hitting all that hard (his converter and 3.15 gears will likely make what should be a potentially 10.4 second car run only 10.8s/10.9s unfortunately). Even his 18s might still work.
But if he ever steps up to a hard hitting converter he will need ALL of the advantages that a 9" or 9.5" wide rim will offer.
I had mentioned those to jpee as well but he wants polished, not chrome and aftermarket/replica wheels tend to weigh more than factory ones as well. But if there was a polished 17x9.5 2005-2007 C6 rim in a 54mm to 65mm offset available in pairs for a decent price, that would be a great option. 
People don't think that inch or even half inch makes a difference and on a near stock/lightly modded car it doesn't matter at all. But once things get serious, that slightly sucked in sidewall (ie: a 275 on a 8.5" rim) will not hook as needed.
I do think that even with this new engine, jpee will still be able to hook with only an 8.5" wide rim because his converter won't be hitting all that hard (his converter and 3.15 gears will likely make what should be a potentially 10.4 second car run only 10.8s/10.9s unfortunately). Even his 18s might still work.
But if he ever steps up to a hard hitting converter he will need ALL of the advantages that a 9" or 9.5" wide rim will offer.
I know he said thin spokes, but I think he wants to match his stock fronts, which are classic 5-spoke wheels.
http://shop.jwmotoring.com/Set-of-2-...tyleWheels.htm
http://shop.jwmotoring.com/Set-of-2-...tyleWheels.htm
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Ideally, yes, 9.5" (or even just 9") is what he should be using.
People don't think that inch or even half inch makes a difference and on a near stock/lightly modded car it doesn't matter at all. But once things get serious, that slightly sucked in sidewall (ie: a 275 on a 8.5" rim) will not hook as needed.
I do think that even with this new engine, jpee will still be able to hook with only an 8.5" wide rim because his converter won't be hitting all that hard (his converter and 3.15 gears will likely make what should be a potentially 10.4 second car run only 10.8s/10.9s unfortunately). Even his 18s might still work.
But if he ever steps up to a hard hitting converter he will need ALL of the advantages that a 9" or 9.5" wide rim will offer.
I had mentioned those to jpee as well but he wants polished, not chrome and aftermarket/replica wheels tend to weigh more than factory ones as well. But if there was a polished 17x9.5 2005-2007 C6 rim in a 54mm to 65mm offset available in pairs for a decent price, that would be a great option.
People don't think that inch or even half inch makes a difference and on a near stock/lightly modded car it doesn't matter at all. But once things get serious, that slightly sucked in sidewall (ie: a 275 on a 8.5" rim) will not hook as needed.
I do think that even with this new engine, jpee will still be able to hook with only an 8.5" wide rim because his converter won't be hitting all that hard (his converter and 3.15 gears will likely make what should be a potentially 10.4 second car run only 10.8s/10.9s unfortunately). Even his 18s might still work.
But if he ever steps up to a hard hitting converter he will need ALL of the advantages that a 9" or 9.5" wide rim will offer.
I had mentioned those to jpee as well but he wants polished, not chrome and aftermarket/replica wheels tend to weigh more than factory ones as well. But if there was a polished 17x9.5 2005-2007 C6 rim in a 54mm to 65mm offset available in pairs for a decent price, that would be a great option.
Price and availability of tires.
Price of wheels.
Weight of wheels.
Size and style of front wheels.
Concerns of TC/ABS/AH issues caused by non-conforming front to rear size ratios.
TPS
Possibly changing wheels at the track to avoid wear and other problems.
Remembering that that are no extra benefits on a timeslip for how good it looks.
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,255
Likes: 137
From: Short Hills, NJ
He may want to weigh several options before making a decision, starting with tire size. Some of the other factors are:
Price and availability of tires.
Price of wheels.
Weight of wheels.
Size and style of front wheels.
Concerns of TC/ABS/AH issues caused by non-conforming front to rear size ratios.
TPS
Possibly changing wheels at the track to avoid wear and other problems.
Remembering that that are no extra benefits on a timeslip for how good it looks.
Price and availability of tires.
Price of wheels.
Weight of wheels.
Size and style of front wheels.
Concerns of TC/ABS/AH issues caused by non-conforming front to rear size ratios.
TPS
Possibly changing wheels at the track to avoid wear and other problems.
Remembering that that are no extra benefits on a timeslip for how good it looks.
Especially with that last part LOL. 
I'm sure we both agree that using a front (17x9.5) C5 Z06 rim instead of a base C5 thin spoke for his rear drag wheels would be the better choice here but jpee wants it to look 'close' in appearance to the stock fronts, ya know, for that 'bracket/index race' winner's circle photo LOL.
He won't ever run skinnies up front and he won't ever change tires while at the track (which I don't blame him for, I'd done it a couple of times over the years and hated it, especially on those humid 95+ degree days
). But if he did, he could run the Hoosiers instead of the M/Ts and avoid that 200 mile 'drag radial eating' round trip on his race tires every few weekends.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,549
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From: Southampton NJ
Especially with that last part LOL. I'm sure we both agree that using a front (17x9.5) C5 Z06 rim instead of a base C5 thin spoke for his rear drag wheels would be the better choice here but jpee wants it to look 'close' in appearance to the stock fronts, ya know, for that 'bracket/index race' winner's circle photo LOL.
He won't ever run skinnies up front and he won't ever change tires while at the track (which I don't blame him for, I'd done it a couple of times over the years and hated it, especially on those humid 95+ degree days
). But if he did, he could run the Hoosiers instead of the M/Ts and avoid that 200 mile 'drag radial eating' round trip on his race tires every few weekends.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 266
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
I'd look for a used set of C5 fronts from a 2000-2004, will be cheaper than new repros and lighter too.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,255
Likes: 137
From: Short Hills, NJ
Only downsides are that they might only be available in chrome not polished and also will weigh slightly more, but close enough.
And while jpee will be making more power/torque and often running in cooler temps than you did, he's also a softer hitting automatic whereas you did it with a manual. So I agree that he should be fine even with the 8.5s.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 266
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Thanks Marc!
Jpee don't forget you need to tune for the shorter tires (which will drop ET's a bit on their own).
It'll be fine on the street but redline shifts will be off until you tune for the shorter tires.
Jpee don't forget you need to tune for the shorter tires (which will drop ET's a bit on their own).
It'll be fine on the street but redline shifts will be off until you tune for the shorter tires.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
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From: Somers NY
Thanks for reminding me.. I knew it would have to be reprogrammed if there was too much difference in overall tire diameter..I'm looking at MT, or the new Nitto Not the 555 and will see if I can find a 26.5 " tire or close enough so I wont have reprogramming problems..
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,414
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Another cheaper tire option that shouldn't require retuning and will work with your current wheels while providing almost as much sidewall is a M/T 265/40r18. Not sure it'll be enough with new power, but you guys aren't lacking on prep from when I remember running up there.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
Because the computer (the part the monitors the active handling) checks to see all 4 wheels are turning at the correct rpm.. if I put a smaller or larger rear wheel the computer will think it is either spinning (for a smaller diameter wheel) and activate the "Active handling"
It will either reduce power or apply breaks to try to get the correct rpm of each wheel...
It will either reduce power or apply breaks to try to get the correct rpm of each wheel...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 266
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
The transmission shift points are based on RPM AND speed - when you change tire sizes you must change the speed shift points or it'll hit the rev limiter. At least in the A4 like Jpee has.
And it's not exactly as you would expect - you'd figure if you drop 10% tire size you could drop shift speed 10% and it would work, but it doesn't work that way. With Justasheet he and I must have run 5-6 passes to get it right on his car coming from 18" drag radials to 17". I'd drop it 3 mph and it wasn't enough - we ended up moving it more than I expected to do, and I called Jeremy Preston during the process and he said it wasn't as clear cut as you'd expect to change it, it takes a little trial and error. It was my first time, next time I think i could do it in 2 passes.
Jpee it's not related to the difference in tire size. If you make the rear tires bigger you'll get the "engine drag control
active" message at high rpms when you let off the gas as the car thinks the rear tires are slipping. Changing to 305 or 345 tires will do this if you don't change the fronts to taller tires. In my experience (and I have 7 years of it now) changing to the short 275/40/17 DR's doesn't have any effect on the "engine drag control" or active handling.
And it's not exactly as you would expect - you'd figure if you drop 10% tire size you could drop shift speed 10% and it would work, but it doesn't work that way. With Justasheet he and I must have run 5-6 passes to get it right on his car coming from 18" drag radials to 17". I'd drop it 3 mph and it wasn't enough - we ended up moving it more than I expected to do, and I called Jeremy Preston during the process and he said it wasn't as clear cut as you'd expect to change it, it takes a little trial and error. It was my first time, next time I think i could do it in 2 passes.
Jpee it's not related to the difference in tire size. If you make the rear tires bigger you'll get the "engine drag control
active" message at high rpms when you let off the gas as the car thinks the rear tires are slipping. Changing to 305 or 345 tires will do this if you don't change the fronts to taller tires. In my experience (and I have 7 years of it now) changing to the short 275/40/17 DR's doesn't have any effect on the "engine drag control" or active handling.
Last edited by Joe_G; Dec 31, 2013 at 03:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
The transmission shift points are based on RPM AND speed - when you change tire sizes you must change the speed shift points or it'll hit the rev limiter. At least in the A4 like Jpee has.
And it's not exactly as you would expect - you'd figure if you drop 10% tire size you could drop shift speed 10% and it would work, but it doesn't work that way. With Justasheet he and I must have run 5-6 passes to get it right on his car coming from 18" drag radials to 17". I'd drop it 3 mph and it wasn't enough - we ended up moving it more than I expected to do, and I called Jeremy Preston during the process and he said it wasn't as clear cut as you'd expect to change it, it takes a little trial and error. It was my first time, next time I think i could do it in 2 passes.
Jpee it's not related to the difference in tire size. If you make the rear tires bigger you'll get the "engine drag control
active" message at high rpms when you let off the gas as the car thinks the rear tires are slipping. Changing to 305 or 345 tires will do this if you don't change the fronts to taller tires. In my experience (and I have 7 years of it now) changing to the short 275/40/17 DR's doesn't have any effect on the "engine drag control" or active handling.
And it's not exactly as you would expect - you'd figure if you drop 10% tire size you could drop shift speed 10% and it would work, but it doesn't work that way. With Justasheet he and I must have run 5-6 passes to get it right on his car coming from 18" drag radials to 17". I'd drop it 3 mph and it wasn't enough - we ended up moving it more than I expected to do, and I called Jeremy Preston during the process and he said it wasn't as clear cut as you'd expect to change it, it takes a little trial and error. It was my first time, next time I think i could do it in 2 passes.
Jpee it's not related to the difference in tire size. If you make the rear tires bigger you'll get the "engine drag control
active" message at high rpms when you let off the gas as the car thinks the rear tires are slipping. Changing to 305 or 345 tires will do this if you don't change the fronts to taller tires. In my experience (and I have 7 years of it now) changing to the short 275/40/17 DR's doesn't have any effect on the "engine drag control" or active handling.
I've been using that size since I got the car...& thats whats on it now.. I'm supposed to bring it to Cartek on Fri for some fine tuning and a dyno pull.. but not sure if the weather will cooperate.. if its bad I'll bring it next week..I already have 250 miles on the new motor but have
NOT gone FULL THROTTLE yet.. it just starts to spin the MT .. but I expected that with the COLD roads.. etc...
Last edited by jpee; Dec 31, 2013 at 04:51 PM.