17" Tire Choices
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 281
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From: Holbrook MA
17" Tire Choices
I just got my new American Racing TT2's in, in 17x8. Looking at the tire charts, I should be getting 255/50R17 tires to keep the same height tires, but I'm not seeing anything in that size. If I go down to 245/45R17, will I have to lower the ride height? If I cut a full coil off the front springs, and go to longer bolts in the rear, how bad will this thing scrape? I occasionally bottom out now if I hit a big dip in the road at speed....any thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,455
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From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I went the same combo a few years back with Kuhmo ECSTA SPT's summer only tires....255/50/17's are the same overall diameter as the 255/60/15. The shorter front 255/45/17's are perfect in front since the car is now slightly pitched forward like a modern car.....instead of the C3 78/79's always looking like the rear is sagging.
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From: Fishers Indiana
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: NYC NY
In '78 when the 255/60-15s 1st became an option the front fenders were shaved in the front of the front wheel well and the rear corner of the front wheel well slightly. If you go with the 255/50-17s you could have some rubbing issues. If you want to run try to run 255/50-17s all the way around and don't want to have to make adjustments buy 2 and test fit them in the front. If they clear by 2 more for the rear. If they don't you can either buy 2 245/50-17s or 255/45-17s for the front. Just make sure what ever brand tire you go with has all the sizes available.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,455
Likes: 977
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
In '78 when the 255/60-15s 1st became an option the front fenders were shaved in the front of the front wheel well and the rear corner of the front wheel well slightly. If you go with the 255/50-17s you could have some rubbing issues. If you want to run try to run 255/50-17s all the way around and don't want to have to make adjustments buy 2 and test fit them in the front. If they clear by 2 more for the rear. If they don't you can either buy 2 245/50-17s or 255/45-17s for the front. Just make sure what ever brand tire you go with has all the sizes available.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Oct 1, 2016 at 09:58 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,341
Likes: 101
I just got my new American Racing TT2's in, in 17x8. Looking at the tire charts, I should be getting 255/50R17 tires to keep the same height tires, but I'm not seeing anything in that size. If I go down to 245/45R17, will I have to lower the ride height? If I cut a full coil off the front springs, and go to longer bolts in the rear, how bad will this thing scrape? I occasionally bottom out now if I hit a big dip in the road at speed....any thoughts?
The picture is an example of a look lowered approximately 2" all around and riding on 255/50/17.
If you'd be willing to spend a few extra bucks for a bolt in solution for any ride height you want? .......this is pretty tough to beat up front and it will also give you what you aren't supposed to be able to do.......get both a softer ride and handle corners light years better than you can with coil springs.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,341
Likes: 101
