Hey. I'm new here. I bought a bone stock 1995 z28 with 65000 original kms. other then a K&N cold air return. Love the way the car handles and responds. I bought a set of C5 Vette rims 17x8.5 and 18x9.5. My first question is what is the best tire sizes and will the back require spacers? I don't want tires that will rub! Also will the cars handling be effected by the staggered tire size? Thanks

 

because it's a 95 and older you'll need to open the hub of those rims by 1/4 inch, no big deal you can do it or a machine shop can do it inexpensively

with respect to staggering, it's tire height(circumpherance) that you should pay attention. You can always get the computer tuned to reflect the rear tires so your speedo isn't off but it can also act like going up or down in gear ratio

most tire web sites have the calculator for going +1 tires

I run 17's and 275x40x17 all around so tirewall height is 40% of 275mm and total height is double the 40% of 275 mm plus 17 inches or 25.66 inches (25.7 rounded up)

So, simply size the 18's so they hit the 25.7 height number

 

Thanks for replying. I was told 245/45/17 for fronts and either 275 or 285/35/18 on the back. I read where I need to open up opening for hub on the rear but front should go right on. Do I require a spacer on the rear? Also how staggered tires effect handling ? Thanks

 

spacer, no

rear opening, correct

if the tire height remains the same then there is no effect other than harsher ride with lower profile tires. With around town driving you won't notice any discernible difference in handling with a 45 series over 40 or 35

 

Thanks. You've been a great help.

 

I just bought c6 wheels with decent tire tread for 200 bucks for all 4, 245 18s front 285 19s on the back, I was told I'll need spacer kit to be able to fit the rear though Thinking I will just resell the wheels for profit :P

 

I heard that for the C6 rims you will need a rear spacer. I'm shopping for tires. 245 45 17 s for the front. 275 35 18 s for rhetoric rear.

 

Wow. I dremmeled out center hole on back rim to fit over hub to dry fit before I buy tires. Real close fit ! Can anyone tell me tires won't rub? 1995 Z28 Thanks.

 

285 mm you should be ok. I believe that 315's would be pushing it

HOLY COW are 18's expensive compared to 17's

 

I think I'll go on the cautious side and go with the 275 35 18 on the rears. With the rims being so close I'm afraid the side walls will rub on the inside .