Tire Size Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 2
From: North side of Houston Texas
Tire Size Question
I'm working on my '92 vert with selective ride control.
I have BF Goodrich P275/40ZR17's on the car now. And according to the original window sticker, that's what should be on the car.
I bought a set of tires from a friend that came off his '93. They're P255/45ZR17's on the front, and P285/40ZR17's on the rear. I didn't realize the two cars, even though they're only a year apart, had different size tires.
My questions are:
1) Were all '92 cars the same size, or is it because of the selective ride control or something?
2) How will the new different size tires affect the handling characteristics of the car?
3) Will I have a problem with the wider tires in the rear rubbing the fender well?
I was under the impression that the body's on the '92 and '93 were the same, but this is making me question it.
Cheers!
W
I have BF Goodrich P275/40ZR17's on the car now. And according to the original window sticker, that's what should be on the car.
I bought a set of tires from a friend that came off his '93. They're P255/45ZR17's on the front, and P285/40ZR17's on the rear. I didn't realize the two cars, even though they're only a year apart, had different size tires.
My questions are:
1) Were all '92 cars the same size, or is it because of the selective ride control or something?
2) How will the new different size tires affect the handling characteristics of the car?
3) Will I have a problem with the wider tires in the rear rubbing the fender well?
I was under the impression that the body's on the '92 and '93 were the same, but this is making me question it.
Cheers!
W
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,793
Likes: 0
From: St. Peters MO Sometimes you have to prove yourself by doing alot of killing or alot of dying...
The 92's had 17x9½ on the front and rear with 275/40's. For some reason in 93, they went with an 8½" rim on the front and a the 285's on the rear... What you have is correct and is desired for AutoX racing.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 2
From: North side of Houston Texas
Originally Posted by kwik_ta
The 92's had 17x9½ on the front and rear with 275/40's. For some reason in 93, they went with an 8½" rim on the front and a the 285's on the rear... What you have is correct and is desired for AutoX racing.
Cheers!
W
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Loganville Ga
Actually, the '92 wheels and tires are better for handling. In '93 GM narrowed the front tire so the car wouldn't wander as much on uneven surfaces. You still got the 9.5" wheel with 275 front tire in later years with the Z07 option.
Oh yea, you can put the 255 on the 9.5 in rim, I just think it looks a little funny.
Oh yea, you can put the 255 on the 9.5 in rim, I just think it looks a little funny.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,066
Likes: 3
From: Milpitas ca
Originally Posted by Wendell Allen
I'm working on my '92 vert with selective ride control.
I have BF Goodrich P275/40ZR17's on the car now. And according to the original window sticker, that's what should be on the car.
I bought a set of tires from a friend that came off his '93. They're P255/45ZR17's on the front, and P285/40ZR17's on the rear. I didn't realize the two cars, even though they're only a year apart, had different size tires.
W
I have BF Goodrich P275/40ZR17's on the car now. And according to the original window sticker, that's what should be on the car.
I bought a set of tires from a friend that came off his '93. They're P255/45ZR17's on the front, and P285/40ZR17's on the rear. I didn't realize the two cars, even though they're only a year apart, had different size tires.
W
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: Muncie Indiana
Tire Size
According to the VCR that came with my 93 the tire sizes were staggered in order to promote the back end sticking better on the standard vette, and to enhance the turn in of the front of the car. 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 2
From: North side of Houston Texas
Ya know, there's only .3" (rear) and .4" (front) difference in the tire height, so I don't think it'll have a big affect on the speedo reading.
Considering there's 80% of the tread left on them, I only paid $300 for the set, and new tires will run me about a grand, I think I'm gonna put them on the car when the old ones wear out. When I gotta put new one's on, I'll go back with the right size. For $700 (minimum), I think I can live with the differences.
Considering there's 80% of the tread left on them, I only paid $300 for the set, and new tires will run me about a grand, I think I'm gonna put them on the car when the old ones wear out. When I gotta put new one's on, I'll go back with the right size. For $700 (minimum), I think I can live with the differences.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,276
Likes: 3
From: Why are there squished peanut butter cups in my underware?
Originally Posted by purplemajesty
Actually, the '92 wheels and tires are better for handling. In '93 GM narrowed the front tire so the car wouldn't wander as much on uneven surfaces. You still got the 9.5" wheel with 275 front tire in later years with the Z07 option.
However I would not recommend putting a 255 tire designed for an 8.5" wheel on a 9.5" wheel.
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