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What is better for ultimate handling- four 275x40x17's or four 285x40x17's? ( 9 1/2" rims)

Old 05-24-2003, 05:33 AM
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skeet
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Default What is better for ultimate handling- four 275x40x17's or four 285x40x17's? ( 9 1/2" rims)

Thinking that since GM used four 275x40x17's on their ultimate handlers, ZO7/Z51, that they are the way to go. Assuming you are limited to 9 1/2" rims on all four corners which is better and why? (Forget about ride quality)
Old 05-24-2003, 07:33 AM
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ELEVENS
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Default Re: What is better for ultimate handling- four 275x40x17's or four 285x40x17's? (skeet)

more meat=better handling.

Cons: increased cost, aero, and noise.

:cheers: -Bill
Old 05-24-2003, 01:41 PM
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Default Re: What is better for ultimate handling- four 275x40x17's or four 285x40x17's? (skeet)

When I went from 275s on all four to 285s on all four I noticed a performance increase in all respects. I think that the vast majority of the improvement though was due to the fact that the 275s were dry-rotted old Skaterbacks :yesnod:
Old 05-24-2003, 03:08 PM
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Default Re: What is better for ultimate handling- four 275x40x17's or four 285x40x17's? (skeet)

I just got 285's mounted on mine.........I'll let ya know........ :thumbs:
Old 05-24-2003, 07:40 PM
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Default Re: What is better for ultimate handling- four 275x40x17's or four 285x40x17's? (kittmaster)

That still doesn't answer the question of why GM uses the 275's on the ultimate handling cars???
Old 05-24-2003, 07:48 PM
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Default Re: What is better for ultimate handling- four 275x40x17's or four 285x40x17's? (skeet)

285's are fun for learning on 9.5 wheels as they will yell real loud befoe they let go. I believe all things being equal, the 275's will handle a little better on 9.5" wheels.

I've had 285's on for 3 years now and will go back to 275's when they wear out.

I think the 285's are just a little big (sidewall and tread section) for 9.5's.

Let us know what you find.

Pete
Old 05-24-2003, 08:30 PM
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Default Re: What is better for ultimate handling- four 275x40x17's or four 285x40x17's? (skeet)

That still doesn't answer the question of why GM uses the 275's on the ultimate handling cars???
Because GM had to balance the tradeoff of tramlining.

Wider tires follow road grooves and features, and people who bought the Z51/Z52/Z07 package probably didn't always know what they were in for.

The tracking/tramlining of wider cars makes them a lot more nervous and harder to drive casually. Think about how you had to adapt to the quickness and dartiness of your Corvette, if you came to it from driving some non-performance car. You thought for a week or so that the car was going to toss you off the road, didn't you? :D
Old 05-24-2003, 08:43 PM
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Default Re: What is better for ultimate handling- four 275x40x17's or four 285x40x17's? (skeet)

You want the best grip for the money that will fit your car?

315/35-17ZR Kumho V700 Autocross. About $171.00 each the Tire Rack.
Old 05-25-2003, 05:16 AM
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Default Re: What is better for ultimate handling- four 275x40x17's or four 285x40x17's? (BIG JIM 54)

Big Jim - I would have bought the 315x35-17's if they would work on my 9 1/2" rims but they are not recommended by the tire companies.
I guess the only disadvantage is the extra tire flex of the taller side wall , the higher center of gravity of the car (about a 1/4") and the extra unsprung weight.
Bridgestone gives a 30 day trial on their RE 730's so I will give them a good try. I might go to the 285's BFG KDW's as the RE 730 does not come in 285.
I really do not think GM did not use the 285 because ZO7/Z51 drivers would find it tracks too much. Certainly not anyone who ordered the ZO7.

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