I have 17x9.5 ZR1 wheels now and like them, but I want a change. I'm really interested in 18" Z06 wheels.

How will these wheels affect my traction, gas mileage, and overall performance. Thanks.

 

If you want performance, keep a 17" rim with factory height tire
the heavier the wheels, the slower the acceleration
the taller the tires, the slower the acceleration

 

18's will hurt your aacceleratiion a bit maainly due to the fact that theyre heavier, and if you keep the same overall height, there wiill be less sidewall. it sshouldnt make too much of a difference in gas mileage, maybe a sslight drop but nothing major as long as you keep the same overall height. the ride might be slightly harsher too, due to having less sidewall.

 

What is the difference in aggressive cornering with the less sidewall?

 

17s are probably the best. 18s are just good for PIMP factor. Yep, pimpin'

Tony

 

Another question is what are the advantages of a wider wheel. Say a 10.5" or 11" over a 9.5". One obvious one is better traction for launching and I'm assuming better breaking.

But how does that effect cornering? I notice that most put wider tires on back for the reasons I mentioned above, but leave narrower tires on the front. But I thought more traction would mean a tighter turn radius? Or is it an issue of what will fit in the front? Or is it that it doesn't help much for the cost and hassle of fitting a wider wheel up front.

 

Well I was running my 18's when I went to the track (still haven't run with the 16's). But the day was humid and cars with drag radials were having problems. I ran with my eibach sportlines (Have relocation brakets to help with traction and PHR to center the axle). My performance mods include SLP LM, lid, 3200 Vig converter, Tuning, and I have 2.73gears. So far my best is 13.1... but I know the car has much more too it, I just need to find a nice day with a good track and run smaller rims (+ they won't weight as much as the chrome Z06's). Should be a mid 12sec car.

 

Better traction on dry land...but if it rains be careful.

 

So I'd be better off with my ZR1s?

 

for performance, yes. for pimpin, no

 

For straight line performance 17's will do better than 18's due to more sidewall, but that is also related to the type of tire.

For the curves, 18's will out perform a 17 any day.

Looks 18 -

I love my 18's. For how often I go to the track the lost straightline hook up is no biggie.