Black 03 Z06

I have searched and read so much my eyes are bleeding! I have narrowed down my search for new wheels to two brands CCW SP 16 and Forgestar F14 for my 2003 Z06. The decision on tires is made, I want to use Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

I get conflicting advice on both rim and tire sizing. So the question(s).

I want to go with 19" x 9.5" front rims with 275/35/19 MPSS. Does it work without hitting anything? Does it look right? Is the 9.5" rim too wide? Would 9" work better with a 265/35?

For the rear I want to use 19" x 11" with 305/30/19 MPSS. Any issues with the traction control system with this combination or tire rub? By the way everyone says these tires are out of stock until the end of March/14.

Some people say that the Michelin Pilot Super Sports are wider than other brands of the same tire size. If that is correct will I have tires hanging outside the body work? That is not something I would not want. I realize that getting the correct offset on the wheels is critical. So based on that have I picked the right tire sizes or do I need to drop down to 295 rears?

I really like the look of the CCW wheels but I am concerned about maintenance of the polished aluminum. That might be the deal breaker, I live on a half mile long dirt/gravel road. Keeping them clean would could be tough.

I know the answers to these questions are probably in some other thread but after a while they become a big blur.

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me on the selection of tires and wheels sizes.

rjwz28

Your selections are absolutely fine for all systems that's exactly what I would run in those sizes with stock wheelwells

Whether or not those tires stick out of the bodywork will depend entirely on the offset of the wheels and no other factors

Those wheels in 19x11 only come up to a 55mm offset, so they will either be perfectly flush with the edge of the wheelwell or VERY slightly outside; whether you run a 295 or a 315 is inconsequential and would not be noticeable solely by how much they protrude from the bodywork unless comparing side by side

Also, in the interests of maintaining clarity and solid communication: the tires you are looking at are the Michelin Pilot Super Sports

Michelin also makes a Pilot Sport and a Pilot Sport 2, so you need to be thorough with the name

JChastain

I am in the same boat as you. Most of the 11" ccws I have seen stick out a hair in the rear. From my own assessment, the OEM C5Z widths and offsets are more aggressive than the c6's which are good enough for me. I worry about looks and rubbing to an ocd point. Therefore I went with a set of bogarts street wheel in OEM widths and offsets but in all 18's. I should have them in a week or two.

rjwz28

You're in a more unique situation with how low you are

I'm lowered on taller tires and have never rubbed even a little bit, no matter what I do

tlove32

The tire size you need is 275/30/19 for the front. The 35 aspect ratio is too high. As for the rear, your choice is fine

FYRARMS

540Z28

I ordered a set of SP500s from CCW. I have 18x 9.5 with 275s for the front coming. I have one 19x11.5 with a 3" lip coming with a 305/30. Gonna put it on and see what it looks like. If it sticks out too far, I eat the freight out and back and replace with 11s with a 2" lip. From pics and their info, I think the 11.5s might be a smidgen out but, I have concerns that the others might be in to far.
As far as the Super Sport 305s. They said they have a large bead protector that really sticks out past the bead.

JChastain

Ive seen some of their 11's stick out just a little on a c5. I guess its all in the offset and tire combo...

540Z28

Yea, I think they might be limited on their offset options. My car is lowered. They explained that might tuck it in...??? We will see!
As far as keeping them clean, I had another gent tell me "Rejex" metal treatment works well.

zeevette

IMO, you'd be happier with a staggered 18/19 setup. It looks more balanced, and you could happily use those tire sizes, only 18 on the front. On a related note; I have 11" iForge wheels, and I believe the offset is 65mm. They mount easily inside the fender edges, and I fit 325 wide tires on my Z.

JChastain

Depending how low your car is and if it still retains the rear factory leaf, It can get very close to the inner wheel lip. Keep an eye on that fyi

540Z28

Running coil overs, but I will definitely check that out. Thanks!!

Black 03 Z06

Thank you all for your suggestions and corrections. The information is appreciated.

Big decision comes Monday to order the wheels. I will let you know what I get.

Any additional thoughts gladly accepted.

540Z28

As luck would have it I run across a C5Z running CCWs. He had 11s on the back with the 3" lip. Had 305s. Car was lowered. It is just about a 1/4" out if the lip if that. To me they are positioned just right.
However, if you want it totally inside, you better go with 2" lip is you stay with CCWs

Toque

I noticed that too.... needs to be 275/30/19.

Toque

dklowrider

I agree. With the high rear quarters in the rear sloping to the low nose I think 18/19 or 19/20 flows better with the profile of the car.

Black 03 Z06

Agreed that having the same tire aspect would look better on the car.

If I was to go down to the 18" on the front it does not appear that there is a Michelin Pilot Super Sport in the 275/30/18 just a 35 series tire. How would that look?

JChastain

The proper size for an 18" is the 275/35/18. 30 series is for 19. Comes out to similiar overall diameters.

Toque

Its not about how it looks... (mostly).
Its about the diameter of the tire and making sure that you maintain the correct diameter between the front and rear.

If you go 19x19 then..... 275/30/19, and 305/30/19.
If you go 18x19 then.... 275/35/18 (or 265/35/18), and 305/30/19.

The above sizes have proven time and time again to work on C5's and not cause any issues with active handling or Traction control.

JETZ

I run a 19X10.5 wheel on the front with a 285/30 tire.. no issues at all.

One thing that has not been mentioned when ordering NEW wheels is that in the future if you want to upgrade to Big Brakes you need to order with that in mind now.