Tire Stagger

[bewelch]

Can anyone confirm the following stagger ratios between the front and rear tires of a C5.
From the Corvette Forum, “The MINIMUM stagger before tripping the TCS/AHS is .99.”
The front tire dia’s then must be no larger than .99 of the rear tire dia’s according to a “final” thread concerning this subject. Subsequent to some concerns for tire wear and a little fudge factor, the consensus was the following:
“You can either multiply the diameter of the rear tires by .942 to get the RECOMMENDED diameter of the fronts, or divide the front diameter by .942 to get the maximum diameter of the rears.”
Also, it was noted that some C5’s do not throw TCS/AHS error codes even if the same size tires are mounted all around.
Can anyone confirm whether the .942 ratio above really works to prevent error codes?

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,

That is a very broadbased assumption considering that the control module is programmed differently between coupe/convertible and zo6.

While the formula may seem sound, there is no clarification of what codes set and how and what they are trying to avoid.

From a technical standpoint, I personally have never seen different tire sizes set an abs/trac light and diagnostic codes. HOWEVER, what people do not discuss is how different tire sizes affect the ACTIVE HANDLING when that system is needed.

Different tire circumferences will change how the module interprets data and can react differently thasn how it should.

I have seen this data first hand, and that is why I NEVER recommend changing tire dimensions on cars equipped with active handlng. It is a safety concern that should never be overlooked!!!!!!!

Allthebest, c4c5

[bewelch]

I have a 02 convertible. Can you tell me anything about it’s control module programming? I am going to change it’s tire sizes from original and want to minimize the chance of problems arising.
Bud

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,

There is nothing further that we can disclose about programming of the active handling calibrations.

It is a safety system that should always be left alone for everyones safety.

Allthebest, c4c5

[bewelch]

Oh, I’m sorry, I mislead you. I do not want to fool with the program parameters at all, except changing the tire diameters in the tire table, which I assume the dealer can do, I just want to know what I can and cannot do as far as installing larger diameter tires. All I know for sure is that the stock rear dia is 1.1 inch larger than the front. Does that mean that I can install any sizes as long as I maintain a 1.1 inch difference in the diameters?
Bud

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

Excellent thoughts. Yes, I personally like to make sure that the tire circumference is the same as what is on the vehicle.

And welcome to Corvettemechanic.com

Allthebest, c4c5