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Wheel offset, really needed?

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Old Apr 15, 2016 | 04:34 AM
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Default Wheel offset, really needed?

The wheel packages from the factory are either 18 front - 19 rear, or 19 front - 20 rear. Is there a reason for the offsets? Can I go 19 front - 19 rear?
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Old Apr 15, 2016 | 06:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Mister Big
Is there a reason for the offsets? Can I go 19" F/R?
yes to both
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Old Apr 15, 2016 | 09:10 AM
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Off set is different from wheel diameter. If you go to 19's in the front, the wheel off set needs to be the same as the factory off set for the front wheels. If not, the tire will extend beyond the fender lip.
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Old Apr 15, 2016 | 10:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Mister Big
The wheel packages from the factory are either 18 front - 19 rear, or 19 front - 20 rear. Is there a reason for the offsets? Can I go 19 front - 19 rear?
The reason is to achieve different overall diameters. The cars computers calculate the difference in wheel speeds for things like traction control and active handling. If both wheels (tires) are the same diameter or if the rear is a smaller diameter the computers will think your going faster or slower than you really are. TC may never activate or it will active much too soon.

There's a recommended difference in diameter...not sure what it is but I'm sure someone does!!


So the answer is 'yes', you can run 19" on all 4 corners but the tires must be different diameters.

Last edited by jim2527; Apr 15, 2016 at 10:41 AM.
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Old Apr 15, 2016 | 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Mister Big
The wheel packages from the factory are either 18 front - 19 rear, or 19 front - 20 rear. Is there a reason for the offsets? Can I go 19 front - 19 rear?
You mean, "staggered" not "offset".

Offset is an actual part of wheel measurement, I wouldn't use that term to describe a staggered wheel fittment as you are just going to confuse people.

Like the third poster.

There is not an exact technical reason for the staggered diameter on the C7 that I know of (aside from good looks) but the last poster is correct in that the overall diameter stagger is important to maintain the required ratio for the applicable systems, since the stagger exists from the factory regardless of why it is there in the first place.
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Old Apr 15, 2016 | 05:05 PM
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Originally Posted by \Boost Monkey/
You mean, "staggered" not "offset".

Offset is an actual part of wheel measurement, I wouldn't use that term to describe a staggered wheel fittment as you are just going to confuse people.

Like the third poster.

There is not an exact technical reason for the staggered diameter on the C7 that I know of (aside from good looks) but the last poster is correct in that the overall diameter stagger is important to maintain the required ratio for the applicable systems, since the stagger exists from the factory regardless of why it is there in the first place.

IIRC, the staggered fitment was more aesthetic than anything technical, but I'm referencing the C5. At this point, it might very well be designed specifically for staggered fitment.

In any case, it would require reprogramming to put the same size wheels on all four corners. Not sure why anyone would want to change the staggered fitment on a C7.
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Old Apr 15, 2016 | 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by \Boost Monkey/
There is not an exact technical reason for the staggered diameter on the C7 that I know of (aside from good looks) but the last poster is correct in that the overall diameter stagger is important to maintain the required ratio for the applicable systems, since the stagger exists from the factory regardless of why it is there in the first place.
If probably has to do with sidewall height. Front 19's would need very low profile tires, so low that ride quality and durability would be come into play.
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Old Apr 15, 2016 | 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by jim2527
If probably has to do with sidewall height. Front 19's would need very low profile tires, so low that ride quality and durability would be come into play.
What you mean? The Z51 fronts are 19"...?
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Old Apr 15, 2016 | 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by \Boost Monkey/
What you mean? The Z51 fronts are 19"...?
My base has 19" fronts also. ZF1 package.
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Old Apr 15, 2016 | 07:57 PM
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Mister Big The wheel packages from the factory are either 18 front - 19 rear, or 19 front - 20 rear. Is there a reason for the offsets? Can I go 19 front - 19 rear?


Mister Big:

I think this is the info you might be looking for. These offsets are for the Corvette C7 Base model in the 19 x 20" wheels. I also have the ZF1 package on my 2015.

19x8.5 Front +56 offset
20x10 Rear +79 offset
Attached Images   

Last edited by nmvettec7; Apr 15, 2016 at 07:59 PM.
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