Opinions on C6 wheels
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1
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Opinions on C6 wheels
Is there anyone else who does not particulary like the 18 and 19 inch wheels on the new corvette? I have the opinion that the bigger wheels were used for the style/bling-bling factor, not performance oriented at all. I personally do not think the huge wheels look that good, it makes the brake rotors looks disporportionally small and new tires must cost a fortune. As far as performance, the wheels have considerably more mass, but more importantly higher rotating inertia, requiring more brake and engine power just to get the damn things to change speeds. I would be personally happier with 17 or 18 inch wheels, even though I don't look like the millionare rap star next door. One of my gripes with the new vette witch I overall like.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,284
Likes: 3
From: Southwest Florida
Originally Posted by tbw2
As far as performance, the wheels have considerably more mass, but more importantly higher rotating inertia, requiring more brake and engine power just to get the damn things to change speeds.
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,269
Likes: 1
From: Richmond Ca
Originally Posted by mikeyc6
This is more than offset by the fact that larger tire circumference means less rolling resistance due to the fact that the tire doesn't have to rotate as fast to go the same speed.
Mike
Mike
The diameter (and therefore circumference) of the C5 and C6 tires are about the same.
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad CA
I'm taking the factory wheels off my C6 and replacing them with chrome and gold 22" spinners... 
OK...
I think the wheels look great, and can't think of any other ones I'd rather see on the C6. I was never a big fan of the pie-pans on the early C5s, nor the ZO6 wheels. Being able to see the Corvette calipers and the drilled Z51 rotors is a definite plus, IMO.
The unsprung weight issue may have been offset by the new choice in EMTs. The super-thick, taller sidewalls of the C5 EMTs made them really heavy. The lower-profile new EMTs are supposed to have more flexible sidewalls, and probably don't weight nearly as much.
Then again, I hope to not have the opportunity to handle my C6's tires, at least not within the first 15K miles...
OK...
I think the wheels look great, and can't think of any other ones I'd rather see on the C6. I was never a big fan of the pie-pans on the early C5s, nor the ZO6 wheels. Being able to see the Corvette calipers and the drilled Z51 rotors is a definite plus, IMO.
The unsprung weight issue may have been offset by the new choice in EMTs. The super-thick, taller sidewalls of the C5 EMTs made them really heavy. The lower-profile new EMTs are supposed to have more flexible sidewalls, and probably don't weight nearly as much.
Then again, I hope to not have the opportunity to handle my C6's tires, at least not within the first 15K miles...
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From: Winchester VA
Originally Posted by tbw2
Is there anyone else who does not particulary like the 18 and 19 inch wheels on the new corvette? I have the opinion that the bigger wheels were used for the style/bling-bling factor, not performance oriented at all. I personally do not think the huge wheels look that good, it makes the brake rotors looks disporportionally small and new tires must cost a fortune. As far as performance, the wheels have considerably more mass, but more importantly higher rotating inertia, requiring more brake and engine power just to get the damn things to change speeds. I would be personally happier with 17 or 18 inch wheels, even though I don't look like the millionare rap star next door. One of my gripes with the new vette witch I overall like.
Dude, we're talking one inch here. I don't understand how raising tire size 1" makes it a "bling-bling" rap mobile? Sounds like you have issues that have nothing to do with cars! Do your research more before making unvalidated comments! You did say it was your opinion...but an opinion with ZERO valid points kind of uncovers what your real issue and point is. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,710
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
Big wheels are a style that probably won't go away any time soon. I remember marvelling at the 20" wheels when they appeared on concept cars and thinking, "Looks cool, but that will NEVER happen for a production car." Never say never.
My '94 Camaro Z28 OEM wheels are 16", which back then, was considered large. Now, you can get 17" wheels on the Scion tC, an entry-level car.
My '94 Camaro Z28 OEM wheels are 16", which back then, was considered large. Now, you can get 17" wheels on the Scion tC, an entry-level car.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Originally Posted by C64BC
Dude, we're talking one inch here. I don't understand how raising tire size 1" makes it a "bling-bling" rap mobile? Sounds like you have issues that have nothing to do with cars! Do your research more before making unvalidated comments! You did say it was your opinion...but an opinion with ZERO valid points kind of uncovers what your real issue and point is. From a pure performance point of view less mass on the wheels is always better. you only want enough wheel to clear the breaks anything more than that is for show.
If you spend some time at the track, you'll see that most of the C5 guys with stock calipers use 17" wheels and only go to 18" wheels if they are using a big brake kit that won't fit under a 17" wheel. It's unfortunate that chevy scamed you with their new 14" drilled rotors. I'm willing to bet that a lot of guys are going to find out the hard way that drilled rotors are not a performance upgrade and the racers are going to have to spend big $$ for 18" race tires
On the style side, I think the 18/19 wheels look
as long as you keep them on the street and 90% of people will not be able to feel the difference.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
Originally Posted by C64BC
Dude, we're talking one inch here. I don't understand how raising tire size 1" makes it a "bling-bling" rap mobile?
