Current date/time is 11/26/2009, 09:11
Topic review
Catera Wheels
The first custom touch many Catera owners make are bigger and wider wheels. Some of you do it to improve handling and give your cars a sportier stance. Others want that custom look only chrome Dubs (20" wheels) can provide. Depending on the width and offset big wheels will fit an unlowered Catera. No guarantees on Dub Deuces (22" wheels) or lowered cars.
Remember, the wider the tire, the lower the aspect ratio. That means a shorter sidewall. To support the weight of the car and keep the rim from contacting the road surface tire makers have to stiffen the sidewalls. That results in a harsh ride. The shorter the sidewall, the rougher the ride. If improved handling is your aim the best compromise between side grip and ride quality would be 17" - 18" wheels. Bigger than that and normal street imperfections will be more noticeable.
Whatever sized wheel you choose, if you want them to fit they must have a 5x110 bolt pattern, a hub diameter of 65.1mm, and, depending on the wheel, a +35mm to +45mm offset. Offset determines the wheel's inner and outer clearances. Follow the link to an explanation of offset and how to measure it. Or you can use the Offset Calculator.
http://www.yokohamatire.com/utcustom.asp
https://www.rsracing.com/tech-wheel.html
http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp
The Catera shares the same wheels sizes with the following GM cars. Wheels that fit them will fit the Catera. The Opel/Vauxhall wheels will be nearly impossible to find in the US but the rest should be available. Search eBay, the auto recyclers, and the local Pennysavers. I am by no means an expert so please double check the wheels before purchasing. Some cars like the Saturn Ion and Chevy Cobalt use both 4 and 5 bolt patterns depending on trim level. Please report any mistakes, corrections, or additions to this list and I will update it.
* - Redline only
** - all models except the LS and LT1
*** - GT only
Elvin
Remember, the wider the tire, the lower the aspect ratio. That means a shorter sidewall. To support the weight of the car and keep the rim from contacting the road surface tire makers have to stiffen the sidewalls. That results in a harsh ride. The shorter the sidewall, the rougher the ride. If improved handling is your aim the best compromise between side grip and ride quality would be 17" - 18" wheels. Bigger than that and normal street imperfections will be more noticeable.
Whatever sized wheel you choose, if you want them to fit they must have a 5x110 bolt pattern, a hub diameter of 65.1mm, and, depending on the wheel, a +35mm to +45mm offset. Offset determines the wheel's inner and outer clearances. Follow the link to an explanation of offset and how to measure it. Or you can use the Offset Calculator.
http://www.yokohamatire.com/utcustom.asp
https://www.rsracing.com/tech-wheel.html
http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp
The Catera shares the same wheels sizes with the following GM cars. Wheels that fit them will fit the Catera. The Opel/Vauxhall wheels will be nearly impossible to find in the US but the rest should be available. Search eBay, the auto recyclers, and the local Pennysavers. I am by no means an expert so please double check the wheels before purchasing. Some cars like the Saturn Ion and Chevy Cobalt use both 4 and 5 bolt patterns depending on trim level. Please report any mistakes, corrections, or additions to this list and I will update it.
| Make/Model | Model Years | Pattern | Offset/mm | Hub/mm |
| OPEL/VAUXHALL | ||||
| Astra 5 Stud | 1998 - 2003 | 5x110 | 35 to 45 | 65.1 |
| Astra Coupe | after 1998 | 5x110 | 35 to 45 | 65.1 |
| Corsa 1.7 CDTi | after 2003 | 5x110 | 45 | 65.1 |
| Omega | after 1994 | 5x110 | 35 to 38 | 65.1 |
| Vectra/Sigrum | after 2002 | 5x110 | 35 to 38 | 65.1 |
| Zafira | after 1998 | 5x110 | 35 to 45 | 65.1 |
| SAAB | ||||
| 9-3 | 2002 - on | 5x110 | 37 to 38 | 65.1 |
| 900/9-3 | 1992 - 2002 | 5x110 | 37 to 49 | 65.1 |
| 9-5 | 1998 - on | 5x110 | 40 | 65.1 |
| SATURN | ||||
| Aura | 2007 - on | 5x110 | 35 - 45 | 65.1 |
| Astra | 2008 - on | 5x110 | 35 - 45 | 65.1 |
| Ion Redline * | 2004 - 2007 | 5x110 | 35 - 45 | 65.1 |
| L Series | 2000 - 2005 | 5x110 | 35 - 45 | 65.1 |
| Sky | 2007 - on | 5x110 | 55 | 65.1 |
| CHEVROLET | ||||
| Cobalt ** | 2007 - on | 5x110 | 35 - 45 | 65.1 |
| HHR | 2005 - on | 5x110 | 35 - 45 | 65.1 |
| Malibu | 2004 - on | 5x110 | 35 - 45 | 65.1 |
| PONTIAC | ||||
| G5 *** | 2005 - on | 5x110 | 35 - 45 | 65.1 |
| G6 | 2005 - on | 5x110 | 35 - 45 | 65.1 |
| Solstice | 2006 - on | 5x110 | ?? | 65.1 |
** - all models except the LS and LT1
*** - GT only
Elvin
