[anthony_n]

Hello everyone! New-ish Camaro owner here; I bought my '17 1SS convertible in September last year and have been enjoying every single mile of it. I've started doing some minor upgrades here and there, and one thing I recently started thinking about was wheel and tire specs.

Currently, I have the OEM 20" wheels with a staggered 245/45/20 and 275/35/20 setup. I'm running the Firehawk Indy 500's (it was the best option I had available at the time, but I'm looking at the Michelin PS4S for my next set).

This is what I'm thinking about switching to:

• Front: 19x10 with 285/35/19
• Rear: 19x11 with 305/30/19

Does anyone see any potential problems with this setup? Or can anyone point me towards a more optimal wheel and tire combination? I don't do any track racing (yet), but I want to minimize wheel spin and grip the road as hard as possible when I'm accelerating hard. I'm also trying to figure out what effect this will have on my ride quality (i.e. bumpiness and noise); initially I was looking for a tire with as tall of a sidewall as possible, but I realize this comes with some handling tradeoffs. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

Edit: Would I have to have to recalibrate anything, like my speedometer for example, if I change my wheel diameter?

[kropscamaro16]

why do you want to go with 19s and not 20s just asking? i have a set of 20x10 20x11 and 19x11 19x12 and i use both for street driving and track use

[anthony_n]

Originally Posted by kropscamaro16

why do you want to go with 19s and not 20s just asking? i have a set of 20x10 20x11 and 19x11 19x12 and i use both for street driving and track use

I was reading that smaller diameter wheels can help improve acceleration, since the force on the ground is greater for any given amount of torque. Although I only know that theoretically, I can't speak from experience. How do you like your 20x10 and 20x11 set up?

[kropscamaro16]

its the same size as 1le and zl1 no issues and i drive on the streets and track with it



only reason i got some 19s is to get wider tires and wheels and so i can use 3rs on the track

[anthony_n]

Originally Posted by kropscamaro16

only reason i got some 19s is to get wider tires and wheels and so i can use 3rs on the track

Yeah, that's another reason I was looking at downsizing to the 19s, to get some wider tires on there. I was hoping to run some 305s in the back and 285s up front. But it sounds like there are 20s that can accommodate those size tires, from what you're describing

[kropscamaro16]

yup i have 20x10 20x11 2853020 3053020 oem 1le/zl1 sizes

[Msquared]

Smaller wheel diameters don't give you more acceleration or an ability to run wider. Also, if you run 285/35/19 front tires and 305/30/19 rear, your front tires will be 1/2" taller in diameter than the rears. Not only will that look goofy, it might throw your ABS/TC off. You'd really want 305/35/19, a size in which the PS4S doesn't come. Neither does the Continental EC Sport 02, a very close competitor. Both tires come in a 295/35/19, which would go well on 19x11 wheels. I run PS4S in that size combo on the street: 275/35/19 and 295/35/19 on 19x10 and 19x11 wheels.

Another option is to just emulate the SS 1LE wheel and tire sizes: 20x10 with 285/30/20 and 20x11 with 305/30/20. Both tires come in those sizes. The performance will be similar, with this 20" fitment obviously being a bit wider at the tread surface. It honestly may come down to what wheel you decide you like and its availability.

The final obvious option is to run a "square" 19x10.5 wheel setup with probably 295/35/19 tires front and rear. If you do it with the same offset at both ends, you'll need to run spacers up front to push them out far enough (which also means installing longer wheel studs), but then you can rotate your tires front and rear for even wear. There are lots of threads here on that option, so search them out and read up.

[enzia35]

I ran the APEX SM-10 19x10 wrapped in 285/35/19. Bolted on no problems and looked badass.

[anthony_n]

Originally Posted by Msquared

Smaller wheel diameters don't give you more acceleration or an ability to run wider. Also, if you run 285/35/19 front tires and 305/30/19 rear, your front tires will be 1/2" taller in diameter than the rears. Not only will that look goofy, it might throw your ABS/TC off. You'd really want 305/35/19, a size in which the PS4S doesn't come. Neither does the Continental EC Sport 02, a very close competitor. Both tires come in a 295/35/19, which would go well on 19x11 wheels. I run PS4S in that size combo on the street: 275/35/19 and 295/35/19 on 19x10 and 19x11 wheels.

Another option is to just emulate the SS 1LE wheel and tire sizes: 20x10 with 285/30/20 and 20x11 with 305/30/20. Both tires come in those sizes. The performance will be similar, with this 20" fitment obviously being a bit wider at the tread surface. It honestly may come down to what wheel you decide you like and its availability.

The final obvious option is to run a "square" 19x10.5 wheel setup with probably 295/35/19 tires front and rear. If you do it with the same offset at both ends, you'll need to run spacers up front to push them out far enough (which also means installing longer wheel studs), but then you can rotate your tires front and rear for even wear. There are lots of threads here on that option, so search them out and read up.

Thanks for the input! It's helpful to know that my original plan would have caused some issues. Out of the options you suggested, I think trying a SS 1LE setup might be the most desirable in my situation

[anthony_n]

Originally Posted by enzia35

I ran the APEX SM-10 19x10 wrapped in 285/35/19. Bolted on no problems and looked badass.

I'll have to check those out! Did you run them in a square setup?

[Ventmaster]

I've been in the process of finally up-grading my wheels to MRR 017's (10" width with 23 offset and 275/35/20's up front- just 1.75mm shorter than stock and 305/30/20's in back. That makes them 4.75mm shorter than stock in back) These are negligible changes in height- even for conscientious (I mean annal) owners like me. But now it's come to my attention we may be able to put 315's in back! That would be also just 1.75 mm shorter than stock . I haven't confirmed this personally as yet, but I think it's likely correct. Possibly you may have to relocate that wiring harness that runs behind the driver's side rear fender liner.

Either of these choices will not require recalibration or any issues with your speedo, BTW. I'm looking forward to trying out my 275/35's up front and 305/30's in back (Michelin PS4's of course) when they arrive from Tire Rack!

[Msquared]

Originally Posted by Ventmaster

I've been in the process of finally up-grading my wheels to MRR 017's (10" width with 23 offset and 275/35/20's up front- just 1.75mm shorter than stock and 305/30/20's in back. That makes them 4.75mm shorter than stock in back) These are negligible changes in height- even for conscientious (I mean annal) owners like me. But now it's come to my attention we may be able to put 315's in back! That would be also just 1.75 mm shorter than stock . I haven't confirmed this personally as yet, but I think it's likely correct. Possibly you may have to relocate that wiring harness that runs behind the driver's side rear fender liner.

As with the OP's original plan, you will have front tire that are 27.6" tall and rears that are 27.2" tall (305/30). Why would you want taller front tires than rears? Assuming youa re running 11" wheels rear and 10" in front, you should stick with the 305/30/20 rear size and run either 275/30/20 (26.5") or 285/30/20 (26.8") for the fronts. The latter is the stock SS 1LE fitment, and the PS4S comes in either size.

[Ventmaster]

Originally Posted by Msquared

As with the OP's original plan, you will have front tire that are 27.6" tall and rears that are 27.2" tall (305/30). Why would you want taller front tires than rears? Assuming youa re running 11" wheels rear and 10" in front, you should stick with the 305/30/20 rear size and run either 275/30/20 (26.5") or 285/30/20 (26.8") for the fronts. The latter is the stock SS 1LE fitment, and the PS4S comes in either size.

You're right- I just became aware the 315's might work. But looking at the 305/30's, I can't help but think if the wheel/tire combo were any taller that it would rub the fender lip during routine operation (hittin' bumps, steering, etc...
I'm likely wrong and you're talking to someone who changed his springs twice (replacing the OE springs on my 5th Gen. RS to lower the the car to SS, and then ZL1 springs to get just the right amount room in the fender well).

I guess I'll live and learn this go 'round.

[anthony_n]

As much as I was leaning towards going with the OEM 1LE configuration, I think I'm gonna go out on a limb and try the 19" rims with 275/35/19 and 295/35/19 PS4S. Hopefully ordering, delivery, and install go smoothly!