NEW TIRES & WHEELS

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Jan 31, 2005 | 04:57 PM

Strike3

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2001

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From: Granbury TX

NEW TIRES & WHEELS

I am shopping for new tires & wheels for my 87 coupe. I am leaning toward 17 X 9.5 fronts and 17 X 11 rears, but I may relent and just put the 9.5" wheels all around.

Tires are driving me crazy though. I like the MICHELIN PS2's but they don't seem to come in any appropriate 17" sizes. The next tire I like is the GOODYEAR Eagle F1 GS-D3. I'm thinking 255/45-17's on the 9.5 inch rims and 275/40 -17's on the 11 inch wheels.

Does this sound like a good setup????

Any advice will be appreciated.

Jan 31, 2005 | 05:29 PM

LT-4 CE

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From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH

I think you'd be pleased with 9.5s all the way around, but if you want 11s go for it. You'll not be able to rotate tires at all.

Both of those tires you mentioned are very good choices from all I read and hear.

Jan 31, 2005 | 06:40 PM

kwik_ta

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From: St. Peters MO Sometimes you have to prove yourself by doing alot of killing or alot of dying...

I don't think the 275's will fit on an 11 inch rim. I've talked to several tire places who have advised me against putting 285's on my 11's. The 285's will fit... but it is a 'stretch'.

I think you'd be best off with 9½ on all 4 corners with 275/40's to compliment that width. That was the stock size offered in 92 and they can be rotated to extend tire life.

Your choice should reflect the use of the car... hence form follows function. If you plan on driving the car alot or as a daily driver... go with the 9½'s so you don't spend a fortune on tires. But if this is a weekend toy that you will only put a few thousand miles on per year... go with the 11's as it looks bad a$$

Jan 31, 2005 | 08:43 PM

vetster86

Racer

Joined: May 2004

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From: DFW TX

UPS dropped off my new wheels today for my 86, American Racing 200S 17 x 9.5 fronts and 17 x 11 rears. I went with Nittos tires 275/40/17 front and 315/35/17 drag radials rears should be in tomorrow so I hope to get them on in the afternoon. I would post some pics when I get them on, but I can't seem to get pic's to work on this forum.

Jan 31, 2005 | 08:49 PM

Strick

Race Director

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From: Lake Wylie SC

Take a good look at Tire Rack.com [(Tires) on the left] and you'll see most brands that fit the Vette with comments from customers. As said earlier, go with 9 1/2s all around for good street use and have a set of 11" for the track or just showin off.

Feb 1, 2005 | 06:05 PM

Strike3

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 769

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From: Granbury TX

HAY GUYS THIS IS GREAT INPUT!!!

Thanks. It's not my daily driver, but I got it to go with my local club on cruses with my wife. Now, I can't keep her out of it. She has a Buick and I have a new P/U truck but we fight over who's taking the Corvette.

Maybe I should go with the 9.5's all around.

Thanks again!

Feb 1, 2005 | 06:16 PM

96redvettelt4

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2004

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From: Gurley, Alabama

I did have 9.5 all the way around- they fit 285/40/17's just fine.

Feb 1, 2005 | 06:20 PM

TPFKATK

Race Director

Joined: Apr 1999

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From: Paint Hill NC

My .02: I went with C5 wagon wheels, 17s and 18s. I love them. Everyone ragged me about C5 wannabe. Don't care, they look great. Paid $500 for 4 wheels, tires with good tread. Got center caps on ebay.
Harold

Last edited by TPFKATK; Feb 1, 2005 at 09:15 PM.