As a general disclaimer, if this question thread is beating a dead horse: whoops! That said; I've struggled to find relatively consistent information on wheel sizing and the available options for a Z51 wherein.

---> '23 C8 Z51 w/ Z51 Performance Brakes
Perhaps I'm just entirely overthinking this problem, but I want to verify any concerns before dumping a few thousand on wheels. I'm gearing my Z51 towards a track-focused setup, and I'm curious to know what the general consensus towards wheels tends to be. I'm personally leaning towards an 18x19 stagger for the sake of tire availability, among other performance factors. Perhaps 18x10 by 19x11? With wriggle room as necessary. I know this can come down to manufacturer design, but are there any concerns with 18in fronts clearing the Z51 calipers? Again, I could be wildly overthinking this, but I've yet to find straightforward answers in regards to this. Are other people semi-commonly downsizing to 18's for track-focused builds, or does common wisdom infer 19's+? Any/all advice or anecdotal feedback would be more than welcome in this regard.

There's a chance I'm just wildly behind the times, but I recall the C7 being a littttllee touchy when it came to the prospect of 18in up front. I've heard the C8/Z51 brakes have slightly more breathing room? On a slightly different note, I'd love to see other people's Z51 builds and wheel setups, for those that have any input. Are there any particular brands that people find ease of compatibility with? I've heard good things about Apex and BCForged, anything in regards to others? Any common concerns or important notes regarding 18in fronts would also be appreciated. Again, if I'm overthinking this concern, feel free to have a chuckle at my expense.

Thanks!

(tl;dr --> Am I being overly paranoid about 18in wheels fitting over the Z51 calipers up front? What are the specs/allowances there? Thank you for humoring me, lol.)

 

I used both 18"/18" and 18"/19" setups on my Z51. Here's the build thread:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1606753779


Z51 brakes clear 18" fronts and rears as far as I know. I did use AP brakes at 372mm / 355mm, which also cleared.

 

I have @X25's 18x18 rims on my '23 Z51 with stock brakes albeit with Girodisc rotors. 295's on the front on a 10.5 in wide rim and 345s in the back on a 12 in rim. The rims in the back will contact the control arm at full droop. I need to install the rears by lifting from the control arm. I've had no issues on the track or street with this setup. 19's in the back should alleviate that issue. The setup I have now greatly reduced the car's understeer. I have the GM track alignment but zero toe front and back. No issues with abnormal tire wear.

 

I am putting the 372/355 on my new stingray and the rear rotors seem kinda small. Maybe that’s to balance the car braking? Guess I am just used to the much larger Z06 brakes. Lol.

 

Yeah, they're a bit small in diameter, but they're also thicker, so they make up for that somewhat. Especially on the Z06, the rears work harder than they did on the Z51.

 

Oh interesting. Gonna be tracking the Z06 again this Thursday and Friday so am curious to see how the CCB holds up and I have some aftermarket ones to try as soon as they show signs of giving up the ghost on the rotors.

 

Apex 18x10 w 295’s on the Front
Apex 18x12 w 345’s on the Rear
C8Z Front Calipers with Giro Rotors
C8 Z51 Rear Calipers with Giro Rotors

So far this has worked great for me.