I am posting this in here because everyone says that wheels/tires are one of the best suspension mods you can do on your Z/28.

After this winter I am going to need some new tires, and I figure well if I am going to get new tires, I might as well upgrade to larger diameter and thicker wheels. I dont have a ton of cash and the cash I do have I want to spend more on getting traction than looking good. I really like the C5 Magnesiums and TT2's, but they are out of my price range. So I have narrowed it down to the tried and true 5 or 10 spoke SS wheels. Now the stock GM ones where 17x9 or 9.5 right? I would like genuine GM SS wheels. So what should a good set of these run? Chrome or Painted. How much difference in traction would I see if I went to 11's out back or all around? I am partial towards the 10 spoke, but the ZR1's are available in 11" genuine GM.

With those wheels I am in need of some great performing tires. I do alot of agressive driving but I never street race I have found that tirerack rates the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's very well. Are they as good as they seem or are there other better choices? I need great cornering, good grip wet or dry, and noise I dont care cause I wont hear it over the GMMG. Again with the 9-9.5" or 11" I have GSC's all the way around and when I added bolt on's my traction disappeared. I hit the track once or twice a year so I dont really want Nitto's or BFG DR. Neither wears well and I need something that will last. The GSC's I got about 30k out of. I am open for suggestions and testimonies. By the way my future plans are a LE1 H/C package and stall/gears later. I hear that wheels/tires are one of the best "suspension" mods to do, so lets hear the input.

-Dustin-

 

PM you

 

Replied, Still up for conversation.

-Dustin-

 

No one has an opinon? At least say, dont buy crappy pep boy stuff or something

-Dustin-

 

They can be, but when you eliminate the relatively sticky tires as you have, then they don't become one of the best suspension mods.

 

Well are the BFG's and Nitto's the best for handling as they are for traction? I mean I thought there were quite a few decent tires without going straight to drag radials. I need something with a bit more realistic wear and hydro traction.

-Dustin-

 

Just go with the SS 5 spoke or 10 spoke rims with F1 GS-D3's. I'll gaurentee that you'll love them. It's what I have(OEM SS 5 spoke with F1 GS-D3's) and couldn't imagine anything better.

Dan

 

Yea part of me says just keep things simple and stick with OEM wheels. Are the OEM 5 and 10 spokes 9 or 9.5in wide? I have heard the F1-GS-D3's are pretty good, pricey but good. Your running 275's right? I am definately leaning in that direction but I was hoping for more input before dropping $200 a tire. Thanks stereomandan.

-Dustin-

 

as far as nitto's go i have the NT 450 Extreme Performance on the front and they reek compared to the bfg euro radials i had before but they dont make them anymore. the niito's are noisier in the corners and less sticky than the bfg's. next time im going with yokohamas or toyos

 

By C5 Magnesium...you mean Vette wheels right? I know you said you like original GM stuff, but I've seen some replica Y2K C5 wheels on Ebay...polished, silver, etc. Don't know if anyone on the board has bought from them...but they're like $450 or so for (4) of them...pretty cheap. Since they're replicas, I don't know the quality, but may be an option over the C5 Magnesiums. Maybe some one has experience with the seller?

 

So far I am really liking some satin Z06 17x9.5's wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's. How do the GS-D3's compare to the Supercar F1's like on the stock Z06's or Michelin Pilot's? Just some other considerations.

-Dustin-

 

Just a suggestion on tires, I really like my Firestone SZ-50 EP's they have insane wet/dry traction, and by insane, I mean insane all around - cornering, braking, you name it wet or dry, not very good off the line though.

 

Off the line is one of the things I am looking for, although its not the only think. Thanks for the input man, even though I am a Goodyear man I'll consider the Firestones.

-Dustin-