I have a 96 Z28 with and annihilator ignition ,k&n filter, custom 3" flowmaster exhaust without cats, and 4.11 gears in the back. Obviously i have a 6spd and i have traction problems. i need new front tires so while im there im going to buy new wheels and tires all around and want advice on wheel and tire width. Im looking at american racing torque thrust II wheels that are 17" dia and was wondering about either a 10 or 11 in. wheel width in back. also should i use the same size all around or diff widths in back. i know that means i cant rotate and i know the consequences but does it look and handle better with a 9 or 9.5 up front or any size for that matter. Also if you have suggestions on other wheel styles im open for opinions.

Thanks
Drew

 

Well, I don't have much advice on wheel sizes as I have stock wheels w/upgraded tires. But regarding your traction, I was curious if you have upgraded rear suspension or not? This is another key component of good traction along with tires. An upgraded torque arm and lower control arms will help a lot with traction. I also have 4.11's in my new Moser (along with a vibration problem that I won't even start on.....), and fully upgraded BMR rear suspension & torque arm. I think my traction is suprisingly good for 4.11's and stock wheel size. Just another area to think about....

As for wheels, I like like looks/price of a lot of ROH's wheels, and the ZR1-style 17" wheel. I may go with an 18" for the looks though.

 

The only upgrade to the supension is adjustable shocks. i do plan on upgrading the suspension later but i have to get the immediate necessities out of the way. On the suspension though what is your opinion on the automatic raising and lowering suspension like the corvettes have? is that something to consider or not? And just out of curiosity what are your best and avg. track times and mph? I logged on your web site and was wondering where you got the hood and what you paid for it? is it a steel or fiberglass hood and how well does it fit?

Thanks Drew

 

I don't know much about the corvette suspension that you're describing, but I've never seen it avaliable for F-bodys. Sounds expensive though.

Haven't been able to get to the track, as I'm in central CA and the racetracks are 4-5 hours north or south. I'm moving to Phoenix in a couple of weeks, hopefully I can get some passes in then.

The hood is fiberglass, and was on the car when I bought it. Not sure exacty who makes it, but a lot of compaines make similar SS-style hoods like American Sports Car Design, Harwood, RKsport, ect. Mine fits decent, rubs a bit on one small spot on driver's side but I think it's just adjusted wrong, not a bad fitting hood.

 

TT2s are REALLY nice....

only thing is...if u REALLY want decent traction out of a new set of tires 17s are not the best choice....theres not much sidewall to give and hook the tire up on launch....

personally i have nitto extreme drags on my 17s and i hook VERY well but 16s would still be a bit better......

for show and go, go with 17s like TT2s or chrome ZR1s ( a personal favorite of mine) with some 275/40/ZR17 all around (nitto drag radials on the back)....

for maximum "go", go with 16 inc TT2s or maybe some 16s from AFS or PWO (they have most style GM wheels available in 16) and put 245/50/ZR16 nittos on the rear and 225/50/ZR16 fronts on to decrease rolling reistance a hair.....

also as was said, some lower control arms will make a world of difference too....good luck

 

Thanks for the help. the 17s are what i want because i want the looks from them but i do want to be able to hook. later i plan on some racing wheels with mt et streets for the track. Should i go with the 10 or 11 inch with wheel in back and 9 in front maybe?

THanks
Drew