Hello all. I'm new to the forum and looking for info regarding changing out the stock 17" and 18" wheels on my Z-06. Would like to go to 18" and 19" with run-flats and keep the same profile. The Z-06 style chrome is what I had in mind. Don't want to have to modify anything if possible.
Seems the selection of rims is quite extensive. Anyone with a nice upgrade I sure would like the info. I am partial to Mich and GoodYear as far as tires go but there are size limitations on their runflats?????

Thanks for any assistance.

 

While it is tempting to try to economize on wheels I would reocmmend against it. The stock wheels are strong and light, much better wheels than inexpensive aftermarket wheels. I would go only with forged wheels on a powerful car like a vette.

Second, larger diameter wheels will not necessarily help the handling of your car much, if at all. They might even hurt it unless they are very lightweight (and that means expensive). If you like and want the look of bigger diamter, fine, but do not expect noticeably improved cornering speends.

I would reocmmend a place like Tirerack.com, etc. They sell wheel-wire combination and have folks you can talk to on the phone who really know their stuff. I bought a set of upgraded +2 wheels for the Camaro years ago (18s instead of 16s, one inch wider width, SSRs, with some extreme summer Priellis on them, that ran about $3200 the set. The wheels were great, the tires okay, except at 22,000 miles the belts of all four tires started coming loose!! No more Pirellis for me.

Width is what really costs you in a wheel (and a tire, for that matter). I upgraded my 'vette a couple of years ago to polished aluminum 13" wide wheels at the rear (same diameter, 18") running 345 width tires, and 18" at the front, 1" wider, running 265 width tires, and went with Fikse billet machined three-piece wheels (the 5S model, at about $900-$1300 a piece) bought through Lingenfelter --expensive but also very strong but very light. I am a big believer in BFG tires -- G-Force and Drag Radials, which I run exclusively now on all my cars.
I won't use Firestone, or Pirelli anymore, think the Continentals and Dunlops are okay, and had a set of Hankocks on an Audi that were act6ually superb. I think Michelins are okay but not great, as are Goodyears, but I have had really good luck on all three cars with BFG as a high performance dry-weather tire.

By the way, drag radials make a huge difference in traction but go only about 5000 miles before they wear out.

 

Welcome jackcaptjr
I couldn't agree more with Lee. If there is nothing wrong with your rims and tires, keep them and start investing in some other performance upgrades. You said your car is bone stock, how bout a cat back exhaust to start, then maybe a C.A.I. Check into a nice set of shocks, and how bout some Hotchkis Swaybars, front and back. I would suggest starting with these upgrades as you will notice the most as far as performance and hadling from them.
And Lee I couldn't agree more with you regarding those Pirellis. I had a set many years ago, and had the same problems with the belts coming off, and I will never own another set. I like BFG also, and have actually had good luck with some of the so called NO names.

I know how it feels jackcaptjr, but think it through and invest your money wisely and it will pay off for you in the end. These performance parts and accessories are not cheap, so try and get the best bang for you buck
Good Luck!

 

Thanks guys. The info from folks who have been there done that is the most valuable.

One of the parts houses is offering to exchange my wheels for chrome ones for $700. Have you guys had any experience with that?
Thought the Z-06 exaust was supposed to be pretty good?????????
Hoe about a cold air package?????

 

Thats not too bad of a price. They offer that exchange because they will mosy likely have your old ones chromed and then re sold.
As for the C.A.I. I went ahead and went with the Callaway Honker, pricey at around $500.00, but it's a very nice and well designed piece. I needed one that was smog legal of course, and I liked the fact the the Honker re-positioned the MAF sensor next to the throttle body.
My second choice would have been the stinger.

Your right about the stock exhausts, I mean they are pretty much free flowing from the factory, however the main reason I changed mine and went to Borla stingers was the sound. My stock exhaust just did not sound "mean" enough for me.

As for extra HP from the mods so far, It's definately made a difference from stock, How much of difference I really can't say. After I'm done with all my mods, i plan on taking it in, having it dyno'ed and tuned, and get some real numbers.
My biggest mod was going to be headers, but long tube headers are not legal, or I should say not smog legal here in Ca. so if I go the shorty's i will not get as much Hp gain from them, But hey they will look good, .