Jimmy WS6

I have seen people running the front C5 ZO6 wheels in the rears with drag radials before and I heard they work pretty well. If I were to want to run a second set of them on the rear of my C5 ZO6, what tire size should I run? Should I use a spacer? Can I run a bigger size sidewall because I will be running a 17" rim in the rear and not the 18" that came on the car?

C5 Pete

Sure can. No spacer needed. Lots run a 275/40/17 drag radial, but there are many sizes of 17" drag tires available. A lot depends on your power level.

Good luck and have fun!

BIGMAC

My recently completed 2012 GS A6 is sitting in the garage awaiting track testing. The car dynoed at 779 RWHP. I fully expect the Nitto NT05R 345/30/19 DR's now on the stock GS wheels to be useless even on a prepped track. I am considering MT 295/45/17 DR's on 17X10 Weld wheels. This combo gets the most sidewall possible on 17 inch wheels and keeps overall diameter at approx. 27 inches to avoid AH/TC nanny intervention. Can this combo hold my power level on a prepped track?

BIGMAC

C5 Pete

Mac, several guys have run way into the 9s with that tire. I'd think it should work well for you.

Jimmy WS6

would the MT 295/45/17 DR's fit on a 17X9.5 wheel? or would I need a wider wheel. I made 440 whp in mine. I can run a 275/40/17 if I have to but would the other tires fit?

C5 Pete

It will certainly fit. It's a taller tire. What rear gear do you have?

Jimmy WS6

stock gear right now. I was thinking about maybe doing 4.10

C5 Pete

At your power level, I'd highly recommend the shorter tire. If you do switch to the 4.10, then I'd still say the shorter tire. RPM is your friend.

Taller tire isn't needed, or helpful, until you get to significantly higher hp numbers than what you're currently at.

Jimmy WS6

so what your saying is that id be perfectly fine running a 275/40/17?

C5 Pete

Yes, that size compliments the gearing in a C5 very nicely.

HardcoreABN

I currently use front C5 thin spokes in the rear.....but I am looking for some 4th gen F-body 16s to use instead.

Dragonvette

What about a Z06 with 3.90 rears at 700 rwhp, which tire would be recommended?

C5 Pete

With that power, that gear, and a stick trans, I'd most definitely recommend the tallest bias ply tire you can fit.

What size rim do you plan on using?

Do you need a DOT tire?

Hoosier and M/T has some good choices in the 27"-28" range too.

Dragonvette

I was going to try the m/t on a 17 inch rim the 295/45r17. But I have read many people recommend staying with a shorter tire. I think that with the amount it spun at my last trip to the track, it would help and I like the look with more sidewall anyway.

C5 Pete

Shorter tires can be a very good thing. Especially if you have stock gearing or spin high rpm.

For most applications, however, with your gearing and power, I'd have to encourage a taller tire. 27-28"

joes68340s

Will after market 16 inch wheels fit on back of C5 ZO6 like CCW or Welds.

C5 Pete

For the most part, yes they will.

You will very likely have to tap the upper ball joint cap with a hammer, perhaps even grind a little off the edge of the upper part of the spindle.

This is pretty common. Lots of guys run a 16" wheel on the back of the C5.

shawnaj7731

what about a 305/35/18 with 4.10 gear and 500 rwhp

C5 Pete

There is no perfect tire, as every combo is different..

The idea, in general, is to get as much sidewall as possible for our suspension limited IRS cars. This is especially true with a manual transmission.

Some have had limited success with an 18" drag radial. I'd guess they use it because a 17" wheel wouldn't fit over their brakes? That's the only reason I can think of.
If you're stuck using an 18" wheel, one more thing you'll need to monitor is the center of the tread not making contact with the track due to tire pressure being too low.

If you're just looking to go to the track and rip off some passes and have a good time, I'm sure the 18" will be fine. But, if you're like most, you'll quickly start looking for a bit better performance. The right tire can make a world of difference.

The bottom line is this; get out to the track and have fun. Be safe. Write down what works for you and what doesn't. Keep practicing. You can chip away at the ET with just little changes.

Good luck.

Jimmy WS6

I think I made my mind up on tires, I didn't have much luck with the 275/40/17 I ran last summer. I want to run the 295/45/17 ET Street II's. Will those wheels fit on my c5z even though it is lowered on stock bolts?