NOTE: This is an in progress document. We wanted to get some base information for folks consulting our Ultimate C5 Corvette Track Tire Guide, so we put the wheel information in here... but we intend to update this article a lot more with information on backspacing, clearing calipers, along with linking up some popular wheel choices for folks.
The C5 Corvette shipped with two different wheel sizes (Non-z06 vs Z06) that were staggered (smaller front wheel height and width than rear). The C5 corvette are also two popular square (identical wheel size all 4 corners) options folks go with. While some folks do go staggered for their aftermarket setup... it's not that common for track use. Having 4 identically sized tires means you can rotate tires to chase wear a bit better, and with asymetric non directional tires you can rotate side to side to balance out wear if you find yourself at track days mostly running a particular direction (clockwise causing left side tire wear, etc etc).
Factory Staggered Wheel Sizes:
- C5 staggered base wheels
- 245/45ZR-17 tires on 17x8 wheels
- 275/40ZR-18 tires on 18x9.5 wheels
- C5 Z06 wheels
- 265/40ZR17 front tires on 17x9.5 wheels
- 295/35ZR18 rear tires on 18x10.5 wheels
Common Aftermarket Square Setups:
4x C5 Base Model Rear 18x9.5 wheels
- Fits 285/35R18 without issue
- Pros
- Cheap and tons of wheel availability. Most folks can't give these wheels away
- Cheaper tire costs over far wider tires.
- Reduced rotational mass can deliver some improved handling and deliver performance better than you may expect.
- Doesn't look that bad powder coated black.
- Cons
- Wider tires would grip more.
- No cool points for these tires.
- Some people think they are ugly.
4x C5 Z06 rear 18x10.5 wheels
Fits 295/35R18 without issue. 315/30R18 can and frequently are fit on wheels but is considered a bit pinched.
- Pros
- Can sometimes be found fairly cheap, though availability is going down as years go on.
- Can fit the widest tire size you want to jam on an unmodified Corvette.
- 295 tires are slightly cheaper, and in the higher profile size are a bit more aesthetically pleasing on the Corvette.
- Cons
- When running max width 315 tires there is a bit of pinch to them and the sidewalls aren't perpendicular to the wheel face.
- Can be hard to source as folks generally want to sell a full set of Z06 wheels WITH TIRES and get the value of the wheels and tires... and you're going to just chuck the fronts out and the tires likely as well. While some square sets are out there, generally it's more convenient and not much more expensive to go aftermarket 18x11".
4x 18x11 ET57 Wheels
315/30R18 are perfectly happy on this wheel size, though 295/35 is closer to manufacturer rim width recommendations.
- Pros
- Maximum grip.
- Aftermarket larger wheels generally are designed to easily fit big brake kits.
- Looks good!
- Cons
- Generally pretty expensive and rarely found used.
- Additional rotational mass/weight. If you don't upgrade brakes with this setup prepare for reduced stopping distance and/or additional brake heat.