C5 Corvette Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide

  • Updated

1997-2004 C5 Corvette, including C5 Z06

 

50355024862_2244ade883_5k.jpg EC-7 18x11" ET57 w/ 315/30-18 F&R

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Vehicle Covered in this Guide
1997-2004 Chevy Corvette including Z06

Chassis Introduction

The 5th Generation Corvette debuted as a 1997 model year packing a double-wishbone suspension, solid chassis, sleek aerodynamics, and the legendary LS1 engine. This helped solidify the image of a budget supercar killer. Today, the C5 Corvette is widely considered the best bang for your buck track car out there.

Brake Clearance Information

In the engineering phase of wheel development we 3D scan factory brakes and review 2D aftermarket brake templates in order to optimize our barrel profiles and spoke curvatures. As a result, our wheels offer massive brake clearance so you can run the smallest possible wheel diameter.

Click here to download our master brake clearance table

 

Available Wheel Designs (click images to enlarge)

Forged Designs
 Flow Formed Designs

EC-7RS

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VS-5RS

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EC-7

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Bolt Pattern Center Bore Lug Seat Thread Pitch
5x120.65mm 70.3mm 60º Conical M12x1.5mm

 

 

OEM+

Easy upgrades for street-driven cars

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These bolt-on wheel fitments are ideal for enthusiasts enjoying their car day-to-day on the street, and they are typically paired with all-season or performance oriented summer tires. These wheel and tire configurations will improve the appearance and performance of the car without requiring modifications to the factory suspension or alignment. Just bolt-on and enjoy!

 

Wheels 

  • Front: 18x10" ET58 // Rear: 19x11” ET78
    • Available in: EC-7
    • Popular Fitment

Tires

  • APEX Staff Pick: Front 275/35-18 tires // Rear 305/30-19
    • Direct fit with 15mm rear spacers with extended studs required to avoid rubbing inner fender liner. This is not optional to do, it is required.
    • Ultra High Performance All-Season: No options currently available
    • Max Performance Summer: Michelin PS4S (300 TW)
    • Extreme Performance Summer: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 (220 TW), Falken Azenis RT660 (200 TW), BFGoodrich G-Force Rival S 1.5 (200 TW), Nankang NS-2R (200 TW), Nankang CR-1 (200 TW)

 

 

Performance Street & Track

Wider fitments for enhanced performance

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EC-7 18x10" ET58 w/ 285/35-18  F. // 18x11" ET57 w/ 315/30-18 R.

Whether you enjoy spirited street driving or you're a weekend track warrior chasing lap times, these wheel & tire configurations are ideal for enthusiasts looking for a more dramatic improvement in performance. They are typically paired with performance oriented summer tires or track oriented R-compounds and this category includes both staggered and square configurations to best suit each individual drivers priorities, goals and preferences for their vehicle. 

We've optimized the offset of our wheels to work well with the stock fenders, however, a wide variety of tire compounds can be used and some may require negative camber to fit properly. See fitment notes under each tire configuration below to see if modifications are required. If you plan to track your car, we highly recommended dialing in negative camber regardless of whether your wheel/tire fitment requires it for fender clearance. Negative camber is vital for extracting the most performance and longevity out of your tires, and without the proper amount the outer shoulders of your tires will wear out prematurely and running tire costs will dramatically increase.

 

Staggered Configurations

Maintains stock-like handling characteristics and maximizes both front and rear tire width. Tires can only be rotated left to right. 

 

Wheels 

  • Front: 18x10" ET58 // Rear: 18x11” ET57
    • Available in: EC-7

Tires

  • APEX Staff Pick: Front 275/35-18 tires // Rear 295/35-18
    • Direct Fit 
    • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S(300 TW)
    • Extreme Performance Summer: No options currently available
    • R-Compound: No options currently available
  • Wider Alternative: Front 275/35-18 tires // Rear 315/30-18
    • Direct Fit 
    • Max Performance Summer: No options currently available
    • Extreme Performance Summer: Falken Azenis RT660 (200 TW). BFGoodrich G-Force Rival S 1.5 (200 TW), Nankang NS-2R (200 TW), Nankang CR-1 (200 TW), Continental Extremecontact Force (200 TW)
    • R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)

 

Wheels 

  • Front: 18x10" ET58 // Rear: 19x11” ET78
    • Available in: EC-7

Tires

  • APEX Staff Pick: Front 275/35-18 tires // Rear 305/30-19
    • Direct fit with 15mm rear spacers with extended studs required to avoid rubbing inner fender liner
    • Max Performance Summer: Michelin PS4S (300 TW)
    • Extreme Performance Summer: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 (220 TW), Falken Azenis RT660 (200 TW), BFGoodrich G-Force Rival S 1.5 (200 TW), Nankang NS-2R (200 TW), Nankang CR-1 (200 TW)
    • R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)

 

Square Configurations

Recommended for enthusiasts that want to mitigate understeer, improve turn-in, and rotate tires front & rear for extended life. Square configurations may compromise rear-end grip when compared to staggered configurations.

 

Wheels 

  • Front & Rear: 18x10" ET58
    • Available in EC-7

Tires

  • APEX Staff Pick: Front & Rear: 275/35-18 
    • Direct Fit 
    • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW)
    • Extreme Performance Summer: Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken Azenis RT660 (200 TW), Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 (220 TW), BFGoodrich G-Force Rival S 1.5 (200TW), Maxxis VR-1 (200 TW), Nankang NS-2R (200 TW), Nankang CR-1 (200 TW)
    • R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Goodyear Supercar 3R (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
  • Wider Alternative: Front & Rear 285/35-18 
    • A minimum of -1.0º of camber suggested up front
    • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW)
    • Extreme Performance Summer: Hankook Ventus RS-4 (200 TW), Maxxis VR-1 (200 TW), Nankang NS-2R (200 TW)
    • R-Compound: No options currently available

 

Wheels 

  • Front & Rear: 18x11" ET57
    • Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS
    • Popular Fitment

Tires

  • APEX Staff Pick: Front & Rear 315/30-18 
    • A minimum of -2.5º front and -1.5º rear camber suggested for best performance
    • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (220 TW)
    • Extreme Performance Summer: Falken Azenis RT660 (200 TW), BFGoodrich G-Force Rival S 1.5 (200 TW), Yokohama Advan A052 (200 TW), Nankang NS-2R (200 TW), Nankang CR-1 (200 TW), Continental Extremecontact Force (200 TW)
    • R-Compound: Toyo R888R (100 TW), Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
  • Narrower alternative: Front & Rear 295/30-18 
    • A minimum of -2.5º front and -1.5º rear camber suggested for best performance
    • Max Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW)
    • Extreme Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect (240 TW), Yokohama Advan A052 (200 TW), Nankang NS-2R (200 TW), Continental Extremecontact Force (200 TW)
    • R-Compound: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R (60 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)

 

 

Hardcore Track & Race Fitments

All-out performance for fastest lap times

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EC-7 18×11″ ET57 w/ 295/30-18 F/R

These wheel and tire configurations are best suited for hardcore track junkies and club racers that prioritize performance above all else.  With these wheels everything from extreme summer tires to full racing slicks are commonly used depending on your experience behind the wheel, class rules, etc.

Additional negative camber is strongly encouraged to maximize performance and tire longevity, and some of the more aggressive fitments will absolutely require it to prevent rubbing under suspension compression. Even with the appropriate amount of negative camber dialed in, some of the more extreme fitments can still scrub the liners under suspension compression and/or when turning the steering wheel to full lock. This is par for the course when pushing the limits of wheel and tire fitment. These fitments are not for someone who primarily will use this wheel setup on the street or in inclement weather. 

 

Wheels 

  • Front & Rear: 18x11" ET57
    • Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS
    • A minimum of -2.5º front and -1.5º rear camber suggested for best performance and to limit tire poke up front. 

Tires

  • APEX Staff Pick: Front & Rear 315/30-18
    • Extreme Performance Summer: Falken Azenis RT660 (200 TW), BFGoodrich G-Force Rival S 1.5 (200 TW), Yokohama Advan A052 (200 TW), Nankang NS-2R (200 TW), Nankang CR-1 (200 TW), Continental Extremecontact Force (200 TW)
    • R-Compound: Toyo R888R (100 TW), Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
    • Semi-Slick: Hoosier A7 (40 TW), Hoosier R7 (40 TW), BF Goodrich R1S (40 TW), Toyo RR (40 TW)
  • Narrower alternative: Front & Rear 295/30-18
    • Extreme Performance Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect (240TW), Yokohama Advan A052 (200TW), Nankang NS-2R (200TW)
    • R-Compound: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R (60TW), Toyo R888R (100TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
    • Semi-Slick: Hoosier A7 (40 TW), Hoosier R7 (40 TW), Toyo RR (40 TW) 

 

Wheels 

  • Front & Rear: 18x10" ET58
    • Available in: EC-7

Tires

  • APEX Staff Pick: Front & Rear 275/35-18
    • Direct Fit 
    • Extreme Performance Summer:Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW), Falken Azenis RT660 (200 TW), Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 (220 TW), BFGoodrich G-Force Rival S 1.5 (200TW), Maxxis VR-1 (200 TW), Nankang NS-2R (200 TW), Nankang CR-1 (200 TW)
    • R-Compound: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R (100TW), Toyo R888R (100TW), Toyo RA1 (100TW), Nitto NT01 (100TW), Nankang AR-1 (100TW), Maxxis RC-1 (100TW)
    • Semi-Slick: Hoosier A7 (40TW), Hoosier R7 (40TW), BF Goodrich R1S (40TW), Toyo RR (40TW)

 

 

Spec Corvette

Race series compliant wheels

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Spec Corvette is a racing series that promotes equal competition between drivers utilizing the 1997-2004 C5 Corvette platform. Base, FRC and Z06 models are all eligible.

A spec series or "one-make" series is based on a designated make/model vehicle and requires all drivers to prepare them in accordance to a predetermined set of rules. A field of identical race cars puts an emphasis on driver skill and team preparation, and with costs controlled more drivers can afford to get behind the wheel. This is some of the most exciting and competitive racing out there!

Whether you currently race in Spec Corvette, plan to join in the future, or you intend to modify your weekend track car in parity with the rulebook so you can accurately compare lap times to racers, any C5 owner can run this approved wheel and tire configuration. In regards to wheels and tires, official rulebook states:

  • Wheels must be 18" diameter and a minimum 10" width and maximum 11" width on all four corners and each must weigh 20 lbs. minimum
  • All vehicles must run the series specific tire - Nankang NS2R
  • Click here to view the complete rulebook

Wheels 

  • Front & Rear: 18x11" ET57
    • Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS
      • VS-5RS in Brushed Clear does not meet the minimum weight restriction as it comes in at 19.9lbs, however all other finishes do and are legal to run.

Tires

  • Front & Rear: 315/30-18 
    • Nankang NS-2R

 

Additional Resources

Should I Dial in Negative Camber, and How Much is Right for me? 

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Whether you are a casual weekend track warrior that still enjoys your car on the street, or a hardcore racer competing for a spot on the podium, negative camber is a vital part of chassis setup that has many benefits. Not only will adding negative camber create more room for wider wheel and tire configurations, it more importantly improves handling, turn-in and tire longevity. Learn more in our blog article, The Positives of Negative Camber.

 

Still have questions?
Fill out our Fitment Recommendation form
Call us: 925-245-0773
Email us: support@apexraceparts.com

 

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