changing front tire size
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 142
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From: Mt. Bethel Pennsylvania
changing front tire size
I have a 93 base coupe with 255/45-17 tires in the front. Originally, the front wheels were 8.5". Now, I have replica 9.5 chrome zr1 wheels. I never really liked the stretched look that the 255s have on the 9.5 inch wheels. I was thinking about putting 275/40-17 tires on the front. Recently, I came across new matching tires to my rears in 275/40-17s, so I bought them. I am now wondering if there were reasons that the front tires had shrunken from the 275s from 1992 to 1993.
So with that being said, my question is :
Will I have any problems replacing the 255s with 275s in the front?
thanks,
Arman
So with that being said, my question is :
Will I have any problems replacing the 255s with 275s in the front?
thanks,
Arman
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The reason later C4's went to a narrower front tire was to help reduce "wander" of the front end, especially when driving on roads that had worn areas from lots of traffic or heavy vehicles. These ruts were narrow enough that the wider tire would grab and could move the car side to side. Not really a dangerous thing, but it could make the cars with wide tires a little more difficult to handle.
With the 9.5" wide wheels, the 275/40-17 tire is not going to be a problem. Actually, the Z07 performance suspension came with 9.5" wide wheels and 275/40-17 tires on all 4 corners as part of that package.
And you will be able to rotate your tires for longer tread life.
With the 9.5" wide wheels, the 275/40-17 tire is not going to be a problem. Actually, the Z07 performance suspension came with 9.5" wide wheels and 275/40-17 tires on all 4 corners as part of that package.
And you will be able to rotate your tires for longer tread life.
Le Mans Master
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From: H-Town Texas
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From: Indiana PA
The reason later C4's went to a narrower front tire was to help reduce "wander" of the front end, especially when driving on roads that had worn areas from lots of traffic or heavy vehicles. These ruts were narrow enough that the wider tire would grab and could move the car side to side. Not really a dangerous thing, but it could make the cars with wide tires a little more difficult to handle.
With the 9.5" wide wheels, the 275/40-17 tire is not going to be a problem. Actually, the Z07 performance suspension came with 9.5" wide wheels and 275/40-17 tires on all 4 corners as part of that package.
And you will be able to rotate your tires for longer tread life.
With the 9.5" wide wheels, the 275/40-17 tire is not going to be a problem. Actually, the Z07 performance suspension came with 9.5" wide wheels and 275/40-17 tires on all 4 corners as part of that package.
And you will be able to rotate your tires for longer tread life.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,751
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From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
The wander with 275/40/17 tires on 8.5 or 9.5 inch front rims is only evident when running around 30psi, with 35psi and above you will barely notice it. (anyway blame the damn roads not being maintained) I have been running 9.5 inch rims with 275/40/17 tires for more than ten years, i always run 38 psi and the tires wear very evenly just a bit harsher ride with stiff coil overs.
Last edited by gerardvg; Nov 12, 2012 at 07:17 PM. Reason: more info
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I have a 93 base coupe with 255/45-17 tires in the front. Originally, the front wheels were 8.5". Now, I have replica 9.5 chrome zr1 wheels. I never really liked the stretched look that the 255s have on the 9.5 inch wheels. I was thinking about putting 275/40-17 tires on the front. Recently, I came across new matching tires to my rears in 275/40-17s, so I bought them. I am now wondering if there were reasons that the front tires had shrunken from the 275s from 1992 to 1993.
So with that being said, my question is :
Will I have any problems replacing the 255s with 275s in the front?
thanks,
Arman
So with that being said, my question is :
Will I have any problems replacing the 255s with 275s in the front?
thanks,
Arman
As you found out the 255/45 looks funny on the 9.5" rim.
When I went to the ZR1 replica's, I also went to a 275/40 front tire.
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