US Wheels on a Euro-Vette...?

[Colvette]

Hey, Fellas,

I've just ordered some new wheels from West Coast Corvettes for my 2000 C5. I was really pleased about this, but then someone told me that the european corvettes have different wheel fitments, so I may have trouble getting them to fit. Is this correct? At this point, I can still cancel the order, so I need to know fast.

Also, the wheels I've currently ordered are 19"x11" rears and 18"x9.5" (I think) on the front - they have 35 profile tyres (which I'm ok with), but I've noticed that for $300 more, I can buy 20" rears (305 width) and 19" fronts - the problem comes that these wheels come with 25 profile tyres - will this be a problem for me driving the car every day? I also do quite a few miles, so is 25 profile a bad idea?

Finally (phew!), I've also been told that 20" wheels can cause problems with computer systems (ABS, Traction, active handling) - does anyone know if this is true?

Thanks in advance for any info!

Col.

[te51cle]

There won't be a problem with fitting the wheels on the hubs as the nut spacing is the same. The problems you might have would be to do with the tyres rubbing the arches at maximum wheel travel.

The Z06 rear wheels are 10.5" wide so I'm sure 11" won't be a clearance problem. If you're using 295 (std Z06 width) or 305 width tyres with 35% profile then you should be OK too. Going to 12" wide rims and appropriate tyres means bodywork modifications though. I have heard of people putting the standard rear wheels (18"x9.5") on the fronts successfully too.

The issue with the TC/AH/ABS system is that the computer knows the ratio of front to rear tyre sizes and uses that to know if there is a slip or spin problem. If fitting aftermarket wheels and tyres you have to keep the ratio between front tyre and rear tyre rolling radius the same or otherwise tell the computer the change in ratio. If you don't then the computer can be fooled into activating the AH system too early or too late which can cause problems. As a guide the external diameter of standard wheel and tyre combinations is as follows:
Coupe/conv front: 635mm
Coupe/conv rear: 685mm

20" wheels with 25% profile tyres will give you an uncomfortable ride and they may grip the road less due to lack of flexibility. They're really for looks only.

[Colvette]

Thanks!

Next question - in order to try to find an answer for this, I phoned our friendly neighbourhood vette expert (Tom Falconer), who said that Chrome was an horrendous idea over here. The wheels I'm gonna buy are the 3 piece look-alikes in 19" and 18" from West Coast Corvettes (www.westcoastcorvette.com) which come with a 3 year chrome warranty.

Tom says (quite brutally) that this won't be honoured as the wheels have been used in the UK. Has anyone any experience of chrome wheels on an every-day driver over here? How are they shaping up? (Tom was ranting on about how they'd have to be cleaned every day and keep them in a de-humidified garage and all sorts!)

Anyone got an opinion?

[anonymous-user]

I can't answer the chrome question but on wheel diameter and tyre profile the C5 ride is pretty firm even with standard sizes. I guess its a basic question of comfort vs looks! On my other car I recently went up 1 inch in wheel diameter with a lower profile tyre and the ride has firmed noticeably.

[vetteheadracer]

On the Chrome issue I bought GM ZR1 5 spokes for my C4 and now 3 years later the chrome is starting to go particularly around the stud holes. This maybe due to track use, I don't know.

[te51cle]

The chroming process also reduces the strength of the metal and makes the wheels more likely to crack. You wouldn't want to hit a pothole or a kerb at speed with them.

[888USA]

I looked into buying a set of chrome whhels form westcoast corvette but then I heard the chrome was not very good even the GM wheels the chrome will get bad!
I ended up getting a set of normal 2001 wheels they don't look as good but they are better for the UK roads.

[Colvette]

Thanks For the replies, fellas -I did decide to go for the Chrome, as i couldn't find any other wheels that I liked at the same price for the same size. I figure -I'd just keep my current wheels to use during the months of bad weather to try to preserve the chrome a little.

Anyone have any idea of the quality of the wheel under the chrome? I like the wheels, but I'd have been happier with them if I could have ordered them "painted" instead of chromed. If the wheel is OK underneath, though, this may be an option for later in the day...

I'll post some pix of the car once the wheels are on. Should look good, I think...

[LuS1fer]

The chrome wheels that come as standard on the Camaro have lasted on my car for 6 years - daily driver, coming up 65000 miles. The outer faces are still fine, it's the inner neglected rims that will pit and then the corrosion gets under it and lifts it. However, they're still perfectly serviceable and I use them as winter wheels. Some are worse than others but like I say, to the man in the street, the wheels are perfect. The inner aspect gets coated with dirt anyway. I suspect either the outer faces are chromed better or the inner rims are finished to an inferior standard before chroming so the adhesion isn't as good.

I'd rather have the chrome than the bare alloy ones I have now. Not practical at all. A jet washer with an attachment on the end would be useful for cleaning the inner rims.