I now have a brand new set of F.R. chrome 9.5's and 11's in my garage. And, I'm going to use my stock tires for the time being. I know that they are just in "the range" for the new wheel sizes, however, they'll have to do, until I take care of a few more things in life.
My question is subjective, I'm sure. On my stock Z51, when I do go to the larger tires, I don't want them sticking outside of the fenders. Fine for those who do, but for me, I don't think I would like it as much. Could be wrong. They're one inch wider than the stocks, of course, so will the tirewall stick out that much further? I know that I can use 265's and 275's (front) and 295's, 305's, and even 315's (rears), but will they stick out? I know that the wider the tires, the more susceptible to debris they'll be. I do have splashguards and may do the modified Z06's later. And, I don't quite understand the spacer term yet, sorry to say. Also, they're going to have higher and lower profiles, depending on the size I choose.
Could really use your suggestions and pics as well.
Well I'll get ya started with a question. What style and size are your Factory replica wheels, you only list the width? How the tire fits in relationship to the wheel opening is a function of the offset of the wheel, size of the tire and also the make of the tire. Offset will determine where the wheel sits inse the wheel opening inside to out. Size of the tire, specifically the width measurement will also be a factor. One thing to keep in mine is that there is no industry standard for how to measure width so the manufactures published measurement may be different from one brand to the next. Lastly the make of tire could be a factor because some have wheel gaurds built in, extra rubber material on the side of the tire to help protect the tire from curbing and others don't.
I have 305/30-19 on the rear of my coupe on 11X19 wheels and looking straight down on the tire I can see the sidewall but no tread, maybe 1/3 of an inch out. I have Michelin PS2 tires which have the built in wheel gaurd and that is what I can see. To my eye this is clean looking plus the tire id about 1 1/2 wider than my stock one measured, I can send pics if ya like.
Well that should get ya started, might want to post this question in general or tech for some more info if ya haven't already.
Well I'll get ya started with a question. What style and size are your Factory replica wheels, you only list the width? How the tire fits in relationship to the wheel opening is a function of the offset of the wheel, size of the tire and also the make of the tire. Offset will determine where the wheel sits inse the wheel opening inside to out. Size of the tire, specifically the width measurement will also be a factor. One thing to keep in mine is that there is no industry standard for how to measure width so the manufactures published measurement may be different from one brand to the next. Lastly the make of tire could be a factor because some have wheel gaurds built in, extra rubber material on the side of the tire to help protect the tire from curbing and others don't.
I have 305/30-19 on the rear of my coupe on 11X19 wheels and looking straight down on the tire I can see the sidewall but no tread, maybe 1/3 of an inch out. I have Michelin PS2 tires which have the built in wheel gaurd and that is what I can see. To my eye this is clean looking plus the tire id about 1 1/2 wider than my stock one measured, I can send pics if ya like.
Well that should get ya started, might want to post this question in general or tech for some more info if ya haven't already.
Darion
Thanks Darion.
Sorry for my not being more precise. Figured everyone assumes that the F.R. are the Z06 style wheel. My car is a '07 Z51 coupe, MZ6 and my new wheels are the chrome Z06 style, 18 x 9.5's (+57 mm) and 19 x 11's (+65 mm) wheels. Could have gone with the stock sizes, but this was a chance to go up in both wheel and tire size for more of an aggressive look, obviously.
Read Corvette Garage's (for one) suggestion that 275/35/18's and 295/35/19's for taller profile or 265/35/18's and 305/30/19's for a low profile. However, the offsets they quote are 53mm and 73mm, respectfully. Different brand, I suppose. The F.R.'s come with the +57 and +65 offsets for those sizes.
Todd at East Coast Corvette (where I bought) suggest the same and that everyone likes them. However, he added, it is subjective. I would really prefer the tires not to stick out obscenely from the fenders, if possible. Again, fine for those that do.
And yes, the different tire brands do make a difference in appearance. I am looking at BFG, Michelins, or Firestone's probably. Not sure about runflats again though. And, the particular mfg. will determine the size for my wheels, I quess. Just trying to get a "best" look for performance and size with my criteria. And yes, please pm me with the pictures of your car. It will help me alot.
Thanks, and your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
So I just re-read your post and realized you are talking about a C6 and all my experiance is with C5's, just thought you should no. As for the offset of your wheels compared to the ones you saw with the 73mm offset yours will be 8mm farther out so tire selection may be tight to stay flush I dont know, here is the calculator I used; http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp
Also, I thought that this tire plus size calculator might help you decide on a size to go with; http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp
Just put in the size you want to compare to and the options you want to compare with and you can see the difference in all dimensions.
So, I'm not sure how much room you have but I can say that the PS2's are big in the 305 size and with the rim gaurd built in the way it is to the tire I' not so sure they will look good to you. Ps2's are also avalible in 295's which might work out, just throwing around some options. Check out Bridgestone RE050's and Pirelli P-zero, a popular choice in the 305/30-19 size.
Good luck and if ya have any other questions just post up or pm. Also, I'll get some pics off to ya in a few days.
I just put the Factory Repo's on my C6. 18x9.5 on the front & 19x11 on the rear. The offsets are 57 front & 65 rear. I used 265/35/18 on the front & 295/30/19 on the rear (PS2's). The rears stick out ever so slightly. I think it looks great. Any larger on the rear & would not look right. Stock sizes will tuck under the fender better, but I don't think you would be dissapointed with the 295's in the rear. When I look straight down the side of the car, I can see a little sidewall & very little tread if any. Keep in mind that the 65mm rear is originally intended for the C5 & that is why they stick out a little. Hope this helps.
I just put the Factory Repo's on my C6. 18x9.5 on the front & 19x11 on the rear. The offsets are 57 front & 65 rear. I used 265/35/18 on the front & 295/30/19 on the rear (PS2's). The rears stick out ever so slightly. I think it looks great. Any larger on the rear & would not look right. Stock sizes will tuck under the fender better, but I don't think you would be dissapointed with the 295's in the rear. When I look straight down the side of the car, I can see a little sidewall & very little tread if any. Keep in mind that the 65mm rear is originally intended for the C5 & that is why they stick out a little. Hope this helps.
Thanks David and those are my wheels. It sure does help. I appreciate your first hand description. Also, I'd like to see pics of your car if you have any.
Does your new set of tires, 265's and 295's, look substantially better and more aggressive (wider) than our stock OEM's. In other words, do you feel like you gave up anything by not going with 275's and 305's? You said IYHO, they would be too much. But are the 295's enough? I never did want the tires sticking out further than the fenders or at least by much.
Could you please pm me, I'd like to find out more details. Thanks much.
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Help Please With Tire Sizes
