C5 wheels vs. Z06 wheels

[Vette Virgin]

What are the benefits of changing out my C5 wheels and tires to Z06 wheels and tires. What are the benefits? Should I do this or should I consider a different type/size?

The C5 size just looks skinny to me and getting better traction is always a plus.

Just wondering. Suggestions?

 

[VAmagred01]

Car and Driver did a comparison test (Sept. issue) of all the Corvette suspension choices including the Z06. To make things fair, they also swapped out the C5 stock tires with the Z06 stock tires. I don't know if this link reads the entire story but in the actual issue, they have a chart that lays out how much better the stock C5 did on the skidpad with Z06 tires. I don't have the issue here with me at work but I will give you the actual numbers next time I log-on. If I recall correctly, the Z06 tires gave the stock C5 about an extra 0.02g on the skidpad [in all susp. setups]. Pretty significant.

Hope this helps,
Kenny

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=7004&page_number=1

 

[Vette Virgin]

Just the tires or the wheels too?

 

[VAmagred01]

Rim and tire.

 

[b_pappy]

and if you upgrade I just might be interested in your old rims. For some unknown reason my 2000 has 1999 rims. Hopefully this is not considered a "wanted to buy" ad.
Bruce

 

[Vette Virgin]

My thinking is this, as my Vette now has a whopping 240 miles on it, I was going to make the change to wider rims when my tires wore out.

Since my tires are now brand new, stock Goodyear, and you were interested in both, we might be able to do some business. I just don't want to waste brand new tires.

Your thoughts?

 

[corvettecrazy]

my thoughts...

get about 5 good friends with 5 different video cameras and do a REALLY BIG burn out!!!!

lol...

 

[b_pappy]

my tires are also fairly new, and I'm not overwhelmed by the EMT's. I was just thinking of the rims. E-mail me if you have any ideas. Thanks.
Bruce

 

[maddadd69]

I would take into consideration how much and how far you drive the car. I take mine to work several times a week (weather permitting) plus various places with the Vette club, plus sometimes just to run errands because I like to drive her. Because she gets used I really wouldn't want to switch to non-runflat tires. If you get a flat and don't have runflats your stuck on the side of the road untill who knows who comes to pick you up. Just a thought.

 

[ediconu]

I'm just curious,

Do the Z06 rims have wider rear-wheels than front, or are they all the same?

Mike

 

[DRTH VTR]

The rear wheels are wider and have a larger diameter.

 

[Vette Virgin]

Off the top of your head, do you know the exact size of the Z06 wheels, all four, as I plan on getting some in the future?

 

[VAmagred01]

Z06:

Front: 17" x 9.5"

Rear: 18" x 10.5"

The Z06's rims are 1" wider (F&R) than the standard C5's. Therefore, the tires are 20mm wider (F&R) [265 vs. 245 front, 295 vs. 275 rear].

-Kenny

 

[Glennm27]

I changed my 2002 coupe from stock 5 spoke wheels and EMT's to Z06 wheels and F1 Supercar tires after owning the car for 1000 miles. It was a vast improvement in handling, traction and quietness inside the car.

It is a tremendouns upgrade. Downside, you lose the runflat security. I packed a plug kit, air compressor and for extreme emergency situations a can of fix-a-flat. I did put sensors inside the Z06 wheels so the fix-a-flat would only be used if all else fails.

I saved my OEM wheels and runflats. If I ever take a long trip in the Corvette away from home, I put them on.

For the record, here are wheel & tire sizes:
Coupe wheels: 17x8.5" & 18x9.5"
Coupe tires: 245/45x17 & 275/40x18

Z06 wheels: 17x9.5" & 18x10.5"
Z06 tires: 265/40x17 & 295/35x18

 

[JBsC5]

Great mod to put z06 rims/tires on a coupe as stated by Car and Driver article.

I have a Z06 and no sensors or runflat capability..and I travel where ever I want without fear.


Just get the plug kit from any autoparts store as well as a small air pump...and a can of sealant..

Carry cell phone and you're good to go.

JMO

JB

 

[ZEDohSIX]

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/2004/suspcomp.html