Big Rat 427

I am looking at buying the stock rims that match my car (1985) but in a 16x9.5 width for the rears, instead of 16x8.5 on all 4 corners. My current size is the 255/50zr16, I can't find what size tire is used on the 16x9.5 rim. Tire rack only lists the 16x8.5 tires as options.

Thanks for the info.

DaleD

I think 275's are commonly used on 9.5 rims. They have diagrams and stuff, but I'm sure you've seen that.

Big Rat 427

I have seen the 275 listed for the 17" rims, have not tracked down the full tire size for a 16x9.5 rim.

DaleD

I see what you mean. The only thing I could find is a 275/45zr16

Big Rat 427

275/45zr16 isn't even listed on Tirerack.com. Any other suggestions, who is running the bigger 16x9.5 rims on their cars ??

DaleD

The good news is, they do exist:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...t=All&x=89&y=6

The bad news is, they aren't street tires. Good luck.

Big Rat 427

c4cruiser

From 1984 thru 1988, all Corvettes used a 255/50ZR-16 regardless of the wheel width. Base suspension cars got the 8.5" wheel and Z51 and Z52 cars go the 9.5" wide wheel. The same tire went on all of the3 suspension versions. So you simply need to mount your current tires on the wider wheels.

They only real difference was in the 1988 model year when a 17x9.5" wheel was introduced as part of the Z51 and Z52 suspension packages. That was the first year that the 275/40ZR-17 tire appeared on Corvettes.

Big Rat 427

OK, so what would be the benefit of having a 9.5 rim on the rear if the thread contact patch was still the same. I am thinking it would actually move the thread inboard some. I guess I will prboable keep the 8.5 just so I can rotate the fronts to the rears if I still have to keep all the tires the same.

Thanks.

ejscarfo

The previous owner of my 85 actually replaced the stock 9.5" with an aftermarket wheels (8.5" for the front and 9.5" for the rear). I just shod the car with new Falken Ziex 512's in the stock size front and back. The tires on the car when I got it were BFG's 245/50R-16's. Restoring the car to the stock size made a big difference and I am very satisfied with their performance and look. I just can't rotate the tires anymore.

Aurora40

Also pay attention when shopping for tires. Back when my '87 needed new tires, I recall many available tires in that size were not rated for a 9.5" wide rim.

Poncho C4

I have p 255x50xzr16 on 9.5 rims allthe way around
on my 84.

sick-punk

so will p275/40z/r17 fit on my stock 86 wheels,,,,

c4cruiser

No. 84 thru 87 wheels and the standard 88 wheels are 16" in diameter. You need a 16" tire.

sick-punk

crap i found a set of four brand new firestone wide ovals for 400 dollars hhmmm maybe i just buy new wheels too