[DatBrotato]

I don't understand the point of these big heavy forged 20in wheels.
I'd rather have 18s/19s with a higher/stiffer sidewall tire, and not have to pay for 20in rubber after a handful of track days.
So i'm entertaining the idea for some smaller/lighter forged wheels.

Disclaimer: I understand this will affect how the suspension responds, and ride quality.
Curious if anyone else has swapped theirs out and if they have pics

[kropscamaro16]

nope only on 20"s here lol


but i do 100% agree with you

[DatBrotato]

probably the only design choice about these cars that really confuses me.
I guess they just wanted to retain the camaro's traditional street appearance..

who wants my wheels? lol

[Ryephile]

Originally Posted by DatBrotato

I don't understand the point of these big heavy forged 20in wheels.
I'd rather have 18s/19s with a higher/stiffer sidewall tire, and not have to pay for 20in rubber after a handful of track days. ...

A) The stock wheels look fantastic, no question about it. Their weight is good for an SAE rated forged OEM wheel.
B) They perform excellent on the track. Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, Nissan GT-R, Audi R8, etc. all use similar or same tire sizes on 20"s.
C) Higher profile tires do NOT have inherently stiffer sidewalls. Low profile tires give exemplary steering feel, as a rule.
D) Nobody in their right mind said to buy this car if you're trying to save money at the track.

If you put your stock wheels for sale, assuming you didn't curb rash them to hell, they'll sell in minutes.

[DatBrotato]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

A) The stock wheels look fantastic, no question about it. Their weight is good for an SAE rated forged OEM wheel.
B) They perform excellent on the track. Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, Nissan GT-R, Audi R8, etc. all use similar or same tire sizes on 20"s.
C) Higher profile tires do NOT have inherently stiffer sidewalls. Low profile tires give exemplary steering feel, as a rule.
D) Nobody in their right mind said to buy this car if you're trying to save money at the track.

If you put your stock wheels for sale, assuming you didn't curb rash them to hell, they'll sell in minutes.

I understand the benefits. But theoretically wouldn't it be more effective in almost every way to have the smaller wheel? (assuming you went with a good stiff sidewall tire).
1) You'd have less rotational-unsprung mass
2) better curb protection
3) probably cheaper tires

And yes the suspension geometry would prob become less efficient, but I think that'd be outweighed the mechanical effectiveness of the new setup.

[Ryephile]

Assuming what you ended up with was lighter: Yes, Yes, and it entirely depends on what tire you want to run.

Theory vs. reality though? Are you chasing those final tenths already? Chances are there's plenty of room to tighten the loose nut behind the wheel.

[DatBrotato]

I also just don't like how big the stock wheels are lol

[Dave-ROR]

I want some narrower wheels/tires.. not for performance, but for loading the damn car on my trailer.. I have about 1-1.5" on each side to spare before scratching those nice expensive OEM wheels.... luckily I can easily swap wheels/tires at the track

Tire selection would be a good reason to go to something other than 20" though. Now that the SC3R's are available there might be less reason there even.

[JeromeS13]

I swapped mine out for 19x9.5 +21 Volk TE37SL and some 285/35/19 Bridgestone RE-71Rs.

[BradfordCamaro]

Is there a legitimate reason not to like to stock 20" wheels.
The performance of the 1LE has been proven time and time again. With said heavy forged wheels.
The wheels have to survive roads, in all seasons across the globe.
If you are a dedicated track rat looking to up your game, then sure, going smaller/lighter and wider will pay off.
But I would be careful of your standard road full of potholes...

19s are the way to go. There are tons of threads from members with wheels swaps. Dedicated track setups and some cool wheels.
This forum and the track forum, check them out.

[enzia35]

There's options out there. I think a square 19" would save money eventually, lol.

[Wheel Team 6]

I agree to a point. I chose what worked for me. After researching it and isolating the specs I wanted including total cost I am very happy with the results. I don't feel I lost anything in terms of handling or braking if anything those aspects increased for me and I gained a better ride and car tracks better. Overall everything is just better for me. Including the look. Some however prefer a 55 gallon drum with electrical tape wrapped around it for wheels/tires. So there are varying opinions.

[chris12]

Ryphile your quote is classic...Chances are there's plenty of room to tighten the loose nut behind the wheel. Thats what my crew chief told me after the first ever practice session at Orland's mile circle track may many moons ago.

[Redlinez]

I love the idea of 19" square set up for rotations and less rotational mass. I just couldn't swing it when my stock 20's wore out at 15K (did one track weekend and Roebling Road). I also haven't found the right wheels for me in the right size and offset. I wish I could have gotten a deal on the Apex's when they had those.
On a side note, doing HPDE track days illustrated to me real quick how much there is for me to learn and I can't wait to go back this fall.