Hello,
I have a 96 Z28 Automatic, and I am looking to replace my wheels and tires. I am in california so I am not too concerned about the all weather tires. Looking at high performance summer tires.

Any recommendations for tires and wheels for $1,000 or should I plan on spending more?

Thanks

 

Might want to add a little more info on the type of wheels you are looking for..... 16", 17", 18" or larger? How do you use your car - straight line racing, high speed cornering, general cruising? The answer is going to be a bit different for each application.

 

Its my daily driver, so alot of stop and go, general cruising, and high speed cornering

No straight line racing yet, probably not for another 6 months until I can start putting a little more money into the car :P

No preference on size.

 

In my opinion, the best "all round" low cost wheel for the 4th Gen is a 17x9.5". Throw a sticky 275/40-17 on those, and you have a setup that will corner well, give you decent straight line traction, look good and not be subject to the issues of larger diameter wheels - high tire cost, narrow sidewall exposes the rim to damage, harsh ride, etc. But there are others who will tell you 18's (or larger) are the only way to go.

You can find WS6 and SS stock "takeoff" or replica 17x9" wheels, with tires at SLP for low $$$. Another alternative.

My first set of wheels was the 17x9.5" OZ Monte Carlos, with 275/40-17 GoodYear GS-C's. After that, I picked up a set of AFS ZR1 replicas - 17x9.5" with a BFG KDW 275/40-17 in the front, and 17x11 with BFG Drag Radial 315/35-17 in the back. If you can find a set of used wheels, say 17x9.5, there are some decent low $$$ 275's available, and you might be able to keep it under $1,000.

Brent Franker has a whole site full of pictures of Camaros and Firebirds with various wheels.... maybe you could find something there you like:

http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/appearance/

 

I'm with Injuneer. 17s are the best.


You should be able to get some nice wheels if you get them used. For an example, there is a guy right now in the parts for sale forum here selling his set of 17x9.5 ZR1s with 275/40/17 rubber for $900.

 

Thanks alot for the help guys.

That is a good deal with the ZR1's. If I am able to get some Replica Z06's cheap, is there anything I should know about those? I like the look of them and the price is pretty cheap.

 

Not really much to say, other than that's a good choice.

 

Thanks I'm going to see if I can find some good deals on those and look for some tires now
My front right tire is getting worst by the day so I am going to try and hurry lol.

 

Oh yeah, 17x9.5s are a good size all around. Or if you don't mind rotating, 17s in front and 18s in back are cool too.

A word of warning, Jason....the bigger you go, the rougher the ride. I have 18s on all 4 corners and the rides pretty rough. Rough enough so that I don't even want to get lowered springs. 18s with Bilsteins and it rides like a tank on imperfect roads. Just something to think about...that extra 1/2 of rubber does affect your ride.

If I were you, take your time and search this board for used wheels. There's always someone selling Z06s, C5s, or ZR-1 wheels on the board.

On a side note...

Injuneer...you wouldn't still have those OZ Monte Carlos do you? I've had my eyes on those wheels several years ago when I first got my car. By the time I had the cash to upgrade my stock Z28 "salad shooters", I heard OZ discontinued them. They were sweet wheels.

 

Where in CA are you? Im always selling wheels/tires. Check out my sig.

 

I sold them at least 3 years ago. There were a nice wheel. I ran them for about 6 years.

http://cjcfo.fbody.com/members/injun...210Full02a.jpg
http://cjcfo.fbody.com/members/injun...sD/3_4View.jpg

I had planned to put the Baer Track Pack brakes behind them.... though that would have looked pretty good:

http://cjcfo.fbody.com/members/injun...tosM/fut04.jpg

 

Very sound advice

I'm trying to decide between 16" and 17" wheels

I have 16x8 stock wheels on my Z with 1" drop springs and the ride is pretty firm. I would like to go 17x9.5 on all 4 corners but I'm afraid the ride will be too uncomfortable considering this car is my daily driver. I also live in Cali and the roads here are not very favorable for lowered cars with large wheels

Decisions..

 

Bearcatpride,

I'd go with the 17s. 16s just look too small on our cars..especially the rears. If I had went with 17s then I would have lowered the car as well. With 18s..don't even want to think about what that would feel like. I agree with you about California roads...maybe out in the woods they're good, but in the city, they suck. I can't count how many times I drive downtown San Jose b!tchin about how come my city taxes aren't spent fixing these roads. Actually, they are...they just can't fix as fast as I drive. F-bodies are notorious for weird creaks and squeeks...bad roads and big tires just makes it worse.

Anywhoo...go 17s!

Injuneer,

Yep, they are some sweet wheels...maybe I'll find a set on EBay or something.

 

What is the correct offset/back spacing on aftermarket Z06 wheels in a 17x9.5?