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What are the NARROWEST tires and wheels available for drifting in a C5?

EHS

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
175
Location
Sleepy Hollow, Westchester, NY
Corvette
'00 Triple Black Convertible
Looking for any advice on a wheel/tire size setup, as well as suspension modifications, for drifting.

I've done some quick research on available tires, and without going to a ridiculous 55+ aspect ratio (which I understand will cause too much sidewall flex), and trying to stay within the stock diameters front to back, I've only been able to find 245/45/18 for the rear, and 215/50/17 for the fronts. I'm worried these may still be too wide to be safe.

Here are some combinations I've tried:

Rear: 275/40/18 (stock) vs. --245/45/18-- vs. 205/55/18

or even 215/40/20

Front: 245/45/17 (stock) vs. --215/50/17-- vs. 195/55/17

or 185/45/19


Does anyone know of any available narrower, harder compound tires? Also, would such narrow tires be available as run flats (the stiffer sidewall and harder compound of the EMT could only help, I guess).

Or any thoughts on a setup you've tried on the C5?

Thanks in advance.


Oh, BTW, for what this is all about, see this video link for more information:
http://auto.joins.com/upboard/pds/pdst/drift-ER34.WMV

Also, in doing a Dogpile search, I've only found this piece of advice specifically related to drifting a Z06, and the reviews seem to be mixed:
http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic152051.htm

Again, appreciate any advice, help, or thoughts. Thank you.
cheers.gif
 
looks like autox to me!
 
Trippy vids. Just pick up a rwd rental to practice with. I drift my vette around moderately in 1-2 gears with the old skins on...
 
I think the vette would be a very bad choice as a drifter. It is was to heavy and not angile enough to do what the people in the vid were doing.

If you still want to drift you have to put into consideration that the suspension is tuned just to drift, as the ideal road set up is not ideal for good control while sideways. Most have a negative camber with extremely still springs and little body roll.

I dont have any knowledge about which tires are better but

whatever you do BE careful!!! it only takes one misjudgement to ruin a lot of days.
 
After more research and thought, I've pretty much decided against using the Corvette.

For the same price as a set of narrow CCW wheels and tires fro the Corvette, I can probably pick up an $800 Corolla, get the correct day-glo $249 Earl Scheib paint job, and throw on a high performance faux carbon fiber spoiler and lots of decals. The tires will probably already be bald anyway, and the shocks shot, so I can just eyeball the negative camber alignment myself and do it in my driveway.

Thanks for the input, though.
 
I don't know what you budget is for your drifting but the best drifter avaible in the US(without importing a car from Japan) is the 240SX. they can range from anwhere from 500.-11g on ebay. Not to mention that they have a HUGE aftermarket parts selection.

I'm interested in your whole seek to drift, keep us/me posted.
 

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