Yet another wheel / tire question.

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Jun 10, 2005 | 02:23 AM

LS-Five

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East bound and down...

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From: Jonesboro Arkansas

Yet another wheel / tire question.

Ok I hate to ask, but I couldn't find an exact answer to my question through searching.

I am wanting to put some 17x8 wheels on my 70 BB coupe. I have already figured out that 255/45's are about the biggest tire you can get away with on the front without them trying to rub when turning.

But, what about the rear? Will a 275/40 or a 285/40 fit on a 8 inch rim? More importantly will a 275 or 285/40 tire on the rear cause me any problems in the way of rubbing the fenders or trailing arm? I am trying to get as much tire underneath the car as possible.

Jun 10, 2005 | 02:50 AM

Graemeinvette

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From: Edinburgh

Hi I have been going through the same issues. I looked at 17" wheels but decided, because of the limited tyre choice in that wheel size to go for 18" wheels. The ride may be a little harsher, but at least I wont be restricted to 4 or 5 tyre choices. This thread may help you.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...2&page=1&pp=20

Jun 10, 2005 | 02:53 AM

LS-Five

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East bound and down...

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From: Jonesboro Arkansas

I have kicked the idea around for sometime now, and I have decide that 18 inch wheels are just a little too big for my tastes. So I am trying to figure out what I can do with some 17's. Thanks for the link.

Jun 10, 2005 | 02:57 AM

Graemeinvette

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From: Edinburgh

Quote:

Originally Posted by LS-Five

I have kicked the idea around for sometime now, and I have decide that 18 inch wheels are just a little too big for my tastes. .

Yeah I know what you mean but choice of rubber is important to me, especially when we do not have the driest climate here!

Jun 10, 2005 | 10:37 AM

Z-man

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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible

I've got 275s on my rear but I'm using offset trailing arms. There is plenty of room. The problem is that no one seems to make a tire size between 275 and 315 in width. The 18s seem to have more to offer in this area. (I may have to upsize in the future).

Jun 10, 2005 | 12:23 PM

LS-Five

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East bound and down...

Joined: Dec 2004

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From: Jonesboro Arkansas

Well from what I have been finding, in a 17 inch tire there is a decent selection of 275/40 and 285/40 tires.

I guess my main question is; will a 275 or 285 fit on a 8 inch rim without causing you any problems? The recommended minimum rim width for a 275/40 is 9 in, but I have heard of people mounting 275/40's on a 8 in rim before. Never heard of anyone mounting a 285/40 on a 8 in rim though. I am looking for personal experiences here, not just facts and figures, because if you look at a fitment guide they say that you can't mount a 275/40 on a 8 in rim, but I have heard it has been done on our cars before.

Jun 10, 2005 | 12:52 PM

Gordonm

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From: Forked River NJ

It is going to be a tough fit on an 8 inch rim. The sidewall is pretty small and to wrap it around an 8 inch rim, I don't think many tire shops are going to do this. If you are really going to do this Iwould call Tire Rack and ask them. They are the tire experts. I would like to run 275s in the rear of mine but not with 8 inch rims like I have. I would go to at least 9 inch.

Jun 10, 2005 | 01:40 PM

LS-Five

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East bound and down...

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From: Jonesboro Arkansas

I may end up choosing another type of wheel. The ones I have been considering are only offered in a 8 inch width, and that is why I am having this dilemma.