Ok, I have several questions about a wheel swap...
I have a 1990 Coupe, L98/auto
1) I like the Z06 style wheels, and I'd like to go with 18x9.5s all around. What would be a good tire size for these rims?
I'm no expert but I think a 285/35/18 tire would be a good size. I think Phil-tha-Rush has 18x9.5 Mallett rims on his 93 and runs tires around this size.
2) What offset rim would I need, and/or what spacers would I need to make this setup work?
I'd think the 9.5 OEM offset would fit without spacers on a 88+ car. (I hope so, I'd like to get some ZO6 rims for my car if I could get a set at a reasonable price...)
3) Do my OEM wheels have a tire pressure sensor, and if so, what issues would I have in keeping that system on the new rims?
Dunno about the sensors but I doubt the old sensor setup from your 90 would be compatible with the setup in the 01+ cars - or any C5 for that matter. You could probably adapt the 90 sensors to the new rims by using a larger diameter clamp if necessary to fit your 90 sensors to the ZO6 rims. You should be able to tell from the option codes in your centre storage compartment on the underside of the lid - the low tire pressure warning system option code for 1990 is UJ6. If you do have the sensors, they should be located inside the rim on the opposite side (180 degrees from)to the valve stem anyone removing a tire from a LTPWS equipped car should be mindful of this and insert any tire removal tools near the valve stem to minimise the risk of damaging the sensor.
If you do the swap, post or send me some pics please :). I probably won't be doing the swap for a while....
[Modified by Red 90 L98 Coupe, 5:42 AM 11/16/2001]
Z-06 wheels are 17x9.5" front and 18x10.5" rear. A forum member (Arisa??) has 17's all around on his white C4. I think he said that they fit pretty well.
I'm pretty sure the aftermarket wheels use the same offset as OEM.
The 18X9.5" rims that Phil and I have are Malletts they have the same offset as a C4 17X9.5. The stock Z06 rear 18X10.5 has a different offset that sets it inboard further on a C4. The front Z06 17X9.5 wheel is exactly the same offset as a stock C4 17X9.5 wheel.
A good size for 18X9.5's would be either 265/35-18's or 275/35-18's. Not too many brands carry the 275's though.
I'm looking at doing this probably March/April, when I pull the vette out of winter storage. My Goodyears are shot, so I'll have to replace them anyway. Might as well do a good set of wheels while I'm at it, right?.. :yesnod:
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