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Depends on which model C7. Only GS and Z06 have the issue. If you are considering GS or Z06, make sure to inspect the wheels very closely before buying. If you find an issue, you can negotiate the wheels into the purchase. If wheels are good now, just be aware that you may be spending $$$ in the future for replacement wheels.
I had to replace mine and was very disappointed that they cracked/bent. I bought forged wheels and don't think about it any more. The C7 is such a nice car that I would still purchase knowing about the issue.
For me I almost never run factory wheels, so its a non factor. If you want to maintain the stock look, someone here sells a forged replica to give you the exact same look with all the strength
FWIW: I love the stock chrome wheels on my GS, would never dream of changing them. Their 5-spoke simplistic glisten showing off the car, the calipers, and performance rotors, is "Tops" to me. All these years later and I still can't understand the attraction of black wheels, and busy wheels on such a car. Back in the day, I struggled with the C5's Z06 10 spoke wheels. It is surely a matter of taste of which I respect. Still I just had to share my taste.
After reading comments and researching wheels I have made the decision to go with forged wheels. Having said that after looking online I am finding making a selection difficult. I am willing to spend around 4k so any recommendations would be appreciated.
Depends on which model C7. Only GS and Z06 have the issue. If you are considering GS or Z06, make sure to inspect the wheels very closely before buying. If you find an issue, you can negotiate the wheels into the purchase. If wheels are good now, just be aware that you may be spending $$$ in the future for replacement wheels.
I had to replace mine and was very disappointed that they cracked/bent. I bought forged wheels and don't think about it any more. The C7 is such a nice car that I would still purchase knowing about the issue.
Only Z06 and GS have the issue is inaccurate to say the very least. Do your homework please. Z51 same issue.
Can confirm. I have the Z51 black rims and at least one of them is bent. Fortunately the dealer I purchased them from as well as Costco were able to balance my tires without repairing.
Corvette-Dan, I watched your video and was horrified to see you captured the tire guy doing terrible things to your new wheel and tire. First off, he inside clamped the wheel which does damage to the wheel barrel ( every tire machine manufacturer states to only outside clamp aluminum wheels ). (Edit for Correction - I watched the video again more carefully and it looks like he did actually use an outside clamp so at least that was done right - most shops get this wrong because inside clamping is faster and easier.) Then he gets the tire in a bind when trying to get the top bead under the rim and improperly uses a tire lever to force the bead down instead of using a helper arm. That results in him slipping off the duck head and banging the lever on the face of your wheel no doubt leaving some gouges on your brand new wheel.
This is the kind of sloppy tire work I have seen at every tire shop which lead to me buy my own tire machine. It seems to be the only way to avoid getting damaged wheels and messed up tires. Of course, you were away from home so even if you had your own tools, you would have been at the mercy of the tire shops in this case.
Last edited by RacerRik; Apr 30, 2025 at 06:43 PM.
After reading comments and researching wheels I have made the decision to go with forged wheels. Having said that after looking online I am finding making a selection difficult. I am willing to spend around 4k so any recommendations would be appreciated.
I did wheels designer replicas a month ago. Dealer had no problems and they look perfect. They paint does seema but soft so far when cleaning is my only poor comment. I like them.
Corvette-Dan, I watched your video and was horrified to see you captured the tire guy doing terrible things to your new wheel and tire. First off, he inside clamped the wheel which does damage to the wheel barrel ( every tire machine manufacturer states to only outside clamp aluminum wheels ). (Edit for Correction - I watched the video again more carefully and it looks like he did actually use an outside clamp so at least that was done right - most shops get this wrong because inside clamping is faster and easier.) Then he gets the tire in a bind when trying to get the top bead under the rim and improperly uses a tire lever to force the bead down instead of using a helper arm. That results in him slipping off the duck head and banging the lever on the face of your wheel no doubt leaving some gouges on your brand new wheel.
This is the kind of sloppy tire work I have seen at every tire shop which lead to me buy my own tire machine. It seems to be the only way to avoid getting damaged wheels and messed up tires. Of course, you were away from home so even if you had your own tools, you would have been at the mercy of the tire shops in this case.
I see that the Hunter Revolution tire machine is one of the best for Corvette run flats. But it cost $39,000.
I see that the Hunter Revolution tire machine is one of the best for Corvette run flats. But it cost $39,000.
My tire changer costs $1500 and with the tools and techniques I use, I can do just as good a job as the Revolution machine on Corvette and other low profile, stiff sidewall tires. Would I take a Revolution machine over mine? Abso-freaking-lutely! As long as someone else was footing the bill.
