I'm thinking about increasing the width of my rear tires. Any suggestions?

 

I wasnt aware you could get wider tires without changing the rims. I guess you learn something new everyday.

 

I have been told that the tread width should be no more than 2" wider than the rim width. example: 8" rims/ 10" tread width.
I have 8x8 in front and 8x9 in rear.

 

Personally, I wouldn't go any wider than 285/35s on the rear wheels.

Best street tires: Goodyear GSD3s.

 

Well, I have 345s on 18 x 13 inch wide Fikse rims on the rear of my car, but it has tubbed wheel wells and modified suspension to accomodate that size. But my son mounted the stock wheels from my ZO6 on our Camaro, with 315s on the rear, so 315s will fit on the stock ZO6 rear rims with no problem. Not sure if that size would fit under the wheel wells on a stock vette though (they won't fit on a Camaro -- I know, he modified the body). I have heard 305s will fit on the rear of a C5 vette though, with just a trace of rubbing.

I run 275s on the front of my vette now, on 18 x 9.5 inch rims. They fit fine, even with the front lowered about 3/4 inch. I all cases I have selected tires sizes with a different aspect ratio so that, even thought they are wider, they have the same rolling radius as stock, just being wider.

 

By the way, my response assumes the stock (non-Z06) wheels are being used. 305s may work on Z06 wheels. Their stock tire size is a 295.

Dave

 

Thanks everyone.....I'm thinking about making the change to 285/35s. I just feel that stock tires don't look aggressive enough from the rear......is that just me?

 

I agree and it depends upon the tires used. The OEMs are wider than any other similarly-sized tires. Unfortunately, they are also the worst-handling. I believe you can combine the 285/35/18s with the 255/40YR17s in the front.