Same tire size all around?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Same tire size all around?
I have a '93 Corvette that needs new tires. Currently, it has the same size tires all around (P275/40ZR17). I know the factory spec calls for different sizes for front and back. How much does that matter? Is it OK to just continue with the same size all around?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 461
Likes: 20
Does the car have the same size rim on all 4 corners?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
You need to maybe confirm the wheel width at all four corners, if 9 1/2 OE/GM you're fine. If they're after-market wheels I'd think they need to be 9" or greater. If OE/GM and your fronts are 8 1/2 then I'd think the 275 might be a poor choice for the front.
Assume NOTHING - check
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 191
From: Shit Creek, USA
An engineer, I'm not. But given that lots of folks like to rotate their tires to save money, I don't believe that the Chevy engineers made their "recommendation" lightly.
A dealer mounted my wheels backwards, which has zero effect on handling. But I had them fixed because it looked wrong.
I can be as frugal as anyone, but because handling is directly related to tire selection, I will stick with the stock setup.
After all, it's a Corvette. Not a Pinto.
A dealer mounted my wheels backwards, which has zero effect on handling. But I had them fixed because it looked wrong.
I can be as frugal as anyone, but because handling is directly related to tire selection, I will stick with the stock setup.
After all, it's a Corvette. Not a Pinto.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,772
Likes: 177
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
275/40-17 were GM specs on 9.5" wheels.
You need to maybe confirm the wheel width at all four corners, if 9 1/2 OE/GM you're fine. If they're after-market wheels I'd think they need to be 9" or greater. If OE/GM and your fronts are 8 1/2 then I'd think the 275 might be a poor choice for the front.
Assume NOTHING - check
Assume NOTHING - check
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Starting in '93, the base suspension cars got 8.5x17 wheels and 255/45-17 tires up front and the rear wheels were 9.5x17 with 285/40-17 tires. The primary reason for the two sizes was to help keep the car from wandering on roads that had ruts from heavy traffic.
If the '93 coupe had the optional Z07 suspension, the wheels were 9.5x17 with 275/40-17 tires on all 4 corners. If your car didn't have RPO Z07, it could be that a previous owner swapped the front wheels and used the same size tire. As mentioned, you can easily remove a front wheel and check the wheel size marking. Having all 4 tires and wheels the same size will allow for rotating the tires to get better wear from them.
If the '93 coupe had the optional Z07 suspension, the wheels were 9.5x17 with 275/40-17 tires on all 4 corners. If your car didn't have RPO Z07, it could be that a previous owner swapped the front wheels and used the same size tire. As mentioned, you can easily remove a front wheel and check the wheel size marking. Having all 4 tires and wheels the same size will allow for rotating the tires to get better wear from them.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Montreal Quebec
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
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I have 17x9.5 Zr1 A molds and just bought 275 40 17 for all 4. It currently has 255 front and 275 rear so it will be interesting to see how much it follows ruts.
Btw - heck of a deal on sumitomo htr a/s p01's on ebay, 275 40 17 for 396$ with free shipping for 4!
Btw - heck of a deal on sumitomo htr a/s p01's on ebay, 275 40 17 for 396$ with free shipping for 4!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Mission Viejo CA
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
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From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
You need to maybe confirm the wheel width at all four corners, if 9 1/2 OE/GM you're fine. If they're after-market wheels I'd think they need to be 9" or greater. If OE/GM and your fronts are 8 1/2 then I'd think the 275 might be a poor choice for the front.
Assume NOTHING - check
Assume NOTHING - check
I recall a C4 owner here in OZ complaining of a poorly behaving C4 rear end, had a wobbly fishtail effect at the rear during cornering.
Turned out the 255 50 16 were on 8.5 Inch wide rims, put the 9.5 rims on the back, and problem solved/, he did not notice it as much with the smaller rims on front.
When you get tires replaced they wont notice the wheel width difference on a non Z51 car.
So check your rim width first. Tire wall flex can be really off putting.
