Base 17" wheels for drag radials.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2020
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From: Ogden, Utah
Base 17" wheels for drag radials.
I asked this in the General section, but didn't get any info back so I will try here. I am in the market for new 17x10 or maybe 17x11 rear wheels for my drag radials. I had been using C5Z front rims on the rear, but want to get new wheels. What is everyone using on their base model for 17" drag rims? What fits, what doesn’t? Everything I find is always in widebody sizes. Not having much luck with finding wheels in base sizes. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Dave
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
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From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Weights from the 4 lightest to heaviest OEM 17 x 9.5 wheels are:
C5 Z06 fronts
C4 A-molds
C4 Sawblades
C4 Salad Spinners
While I ran the C5 fronts for awhile, I later changed to the A-molds.
C5 Z06 fronts
C4 A-molds
C4 Sawblades
C4 Salad Spinners
While I ran the C5 fronts for awhile, I later changed to the A-molds.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 176
Likes: 58
From: Long Island, NY
HOXXOH found many helpful posts from you and subfloor about similar topics. Sawblades and salad spinners seem to be the cheapest and easiest rear wheel option in my area. Is there anything I need to know or look for to make sure these will fit my c6 z51 in the rear?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
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From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I looked through some old notes and purchase records and I believe I had tried Sawblades while I still had J55 rotors, but can't confirm it. I had bought salad spinners previously, although found cracks and trashed them without ever mounting tires. Whatever you buy, check closely for cracks, especially near the area where tire changing tools may have caused damage. Aluminum wheels were not as common in the '80's & '90's and they easily got damaged by people who had normally dealt with steel wheels and older equipment. IIRC, some A-molds were forged, but not all.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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I asked this in the General section, but didn't get any info back so I will try here. I am in the market for new 17x10 or maybe 17x11 rear wheels for my drag radials. I had been using C5Z front rims on the rear, but want to get new wheels. What is everyone using on their base model for 17" drag rims? What fits, what doesn’t? Everything I find is always in widebody sizes. Not having much luck with finding wheels in base sizes. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Dave
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I would shoot for a 17×10.5, or 17x11 wheel. This width allows for a 315/35/17 tire, which should provide a very good contact patch. I remember years ago some C5 guys were running 17x11 C4 ZR1 wheels for drag use. Perhaps you could consider those. However, I am not aware of the weight of the C4 ZR1 17x11 wheel........
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Race Director
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Wider tires have the same size (square inch area)contact patch as narrower tires when both are at the same pressure. Narrower tires have a longer (front to rear) contact patch, which is good for drag racing. The weight of narrow tires and their wheels are also less than their wide counterparts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
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From: Southeast TX
I used some Gen 4 F body SS wheels a few years back. Bought them cheap and they had 295/45 17 ET Streets already mounted. They got my no drivin' *** into the 10's rowing gears. They fit fine over base model brakes, but didn't fit over Grand Sport brakes. I don't think the MT 295's are available any more. Wheels were butt ugly, but effective.
Race Director
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From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Race Director
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Anyone know the weight of the 17x11 re-pop C4 ZR-1 wheels, as compared to the GM wheels? I have some re-pop 18x10.5" C5 Thin Spoke's that are several lbs heavier than the GM C5 18X10.5" Z06 Speedlines. So Im trying to stay away from that weight increase...........
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
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From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Your assumption is what's confusing you. Tires flex in relation to weight and and tire pressure. No matter the width or diameter (disregarding sidewall construction) the surface area of the footprint will remain the same for any given weight and tire pressure. The difference is in the shape of the footprint. Wide tires have a wide footprint that favors lateral friction (traction), such as is visually obvious on F1 cars. Narrow tire's footprints are long for forward traction. You can see evidence in the fact that drag racers lower the air pressure to gain traction.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 176
Likes: 58
From: Long Island, NY
Your assumption is what's confusing you. Tires flex in relation to weight and and tire pressure. No matter the width or diameter (disregarding sidewall construction) the surface area of the footprint will remain the same for any given weight and tire pressure. The difference is in the shape of the footprint. Wide tires have a wide footprint that favors lateral friction (traction), such as is visually obvious on F1 cars. Narrow tire's footprints are long for forward traction. You can see evidence in the fact that drag racers lower the air pressure to gain traction.