WVws6

iTrader: (1)

ok so i read the sticky about wheels and tires. i am getting the corvette z06 replicas from tire rack (18x8.5). i read that you should use 275/35 tires. but why should i use that size instead of the recommended 245/40s?

i have a 2000 pontiac trans am ws6 by the way. thanks guys!

02nwZ28

I suggest you check oewheels website before buying the replicas from tirerack. I think you will be happier with their selection and sizing options and great pricing as well

Reaperchild

Is your original rim size 18 " ? Then ask your self is your original rim width 8.5" ?? Then ask your self is your original rim/width combo (18"x8.5") ??

275 is the width of the tire which would match your new rim 8.5" width while 245 is meant to match your stock rim width !!
Same thing for the 35/45 height specs !!
Remember this when purchasing tires ... Increase in width will increase tire height also !!

Xsta Z 28

iTrader: (2)

275 required a 9" wide wheel minimum . . .

And why would you buy 8.5" replicas? . .. the norm is 9.5" . . .

cookba

iTrader: (10)

why would you buy corvette z06 replicas from tire rack (18x8.5) instead of 18x9.5 from OE Wheels?

WVws6

iTrader: (1)

i have picked the replicas because i can get all 4 in the same size. it seems like every site i find them on you can only buy them in a set of 4 which include 18's up front and 19's in the rear. i want 18's all around

EDIT:
i just checked out oewheels.com and found their pricing for the z06 wheels. holy crap that is cheap! and they are 18x9.5 but they say replica. anywayss, if i go with these. what is a good tire size?

cookba

iTrader: (10)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/wheels-ti...must-read.html

02nwZ28

275/35's will work just fine if you're going to be running 18x9.5's all around. You won't have to worry about clearance issues front or rear that way. Those wheels can support a little bit wider tire as well but you may run into some clearance issues up front if you go wider. Aren't you glad you checked OEwheels...

BTW many members on here are already running oewheels and rave about their quality, especially at the price. Good luck with your new wheels and tires.

WVws6

iTrader: (1)

i read the link about wheels and tires. that is where i found the majority of my information. i am glad i heard about oewheels! i have one final question. if i wanted to run a wider rear tire than what i have on the fronts, what sizes would allow me adequate clearance in the front and rear?

my friend has 18x9.5 wheels, he said he is running 245/40's in the front and 275/35's in the rear. figured i would see if that would work for me.

02nwZ28

the sizes your friend is running would work but imho you're losing some of your handling advantages by running narrower tires than optimal on the front you'd be stretching the 245's to make them fit that 9.5" wheels . You should really consider just running 275/35's all around. remember the stock 17x9's have 275's mounted on them from the factory for a reason, it seems kinda silly to mount a narrower tire on a wider wheel like that. Now if you are only going to do it for looks well it's your car so do what you want.

Personally I'd look into running 18x9.5 front and 18x10.5 in the rear and then you can run 275's up front with 315's out back...best of both worlds.

Good luck

WVws6

iTrader: (1)

not sure why he is running narrow tires on the front. i definitely do not want to sacrifice traction/handling. i thought you couldn't run 315 tires on 9.5" wide wheels?

02nwZ28

you shouldn't run 315's on 9.5" wheels that's why I suggested maybe going with an 18x10.5 wheel in the rear which would allow you to run the 315's out back. Oewheels does offer them, I double checked before posting this so I wouldn't be sending you on a wild goose chase.

Again good luck

WVws6

iTrader: (1)

oh ok i see. sorry i misread. will check into that. thanks man

Xsta Z 28

iTrader: (2)

Four 18" x 9.5" with 275/35R18 tires will be perfect on all four corners.