Wider Tires
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Wider Tires
I'm sure this question has been asked but I can't seem to find it under search; so again here goes.
I have an 89 Vette currently running The 17in chrome ZO6 Rims with 275/40/17 tires all the way around. I am going to need a new set of tires real soon. I have the Z51 Suspension Packaged so the ride is a litte rough. (stock ride height)
So first off. Should/Can I go wider on the tires.... Like 285... maybe even 315... infact let me just ask.. whats the widest I can go on those rims.
Secondly If I go wider in the rear, whats better for the ride and handling???? Is it better to go wider in the back and less wide up front. Or just wider all the way around??? I know in the snow the thinner the better, but I will be getting snow tires next year.
Finally, can I step up to a 50 series tire instead of a 40 so I have a little more meat inbetween me and the road?
Dan
I have an 89 Vette currently running The 17in chrome ZO6 Rims with 275/40/17 tires all the way around. I am going to need a new set of tires real soon. I have the Z51 Suspension Packaged so the ride is a litte rough. (stock ride height)
So first off. Should/Can I go wider on the tires.... Like 285... maybe even 315... infact let me just ask.. whats the widest I can go on those rims.
Secondly If I go wider in the rear, whats better for the ride and handling???? Is it better to go wider in the back and less wide up front. Or just wider all the way around??? I know in the snow the thinner the better, but I will be getting snow tires next year.
Finally, can I step up to a 50 series tire instead of a 40 so I have a little more meat inbetween me and the road?
Dan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 799
Likes: 1
From: Fremont CA
-Jason.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 48
From: Lakeport CA
50s if you could find them will be a lot taller tire... not good.I've ran 285/40 on 17.5 rims & they have been fine. I'm now running 305 on 18x10.5 Z06 wheels all around & the only rub I had was minor inner fender on the rear. I had the inner plastic out a few months back & adjusted the mount holes a little & hope to have fixed that issue.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 663
Likes: 1
Since it's the suspension that is bothering you, you could consider a softer tire compound. Take a look at Nitto RII's. They are semi race tires, but have enough tread for fair weather driving. I liked the tire for autocrossing, but I was really surprised that they absorbed a lot of the vibration from the Z51 suspension in my car. The down side is that they may only last 10000 street miles which for me is over 2 years on my Corvette, making it worth my while. Good luck.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
50s if you could find them will be a lot taller tire... not good.I've ran 285/40 on 17.5 rims & they have been fine. I'm now running 305 on 18x10.5 Z06 wheels all around & the only rub I had was minor inner fender on the rear. I had the inner plastic out a few months back & adjusted the mount holes a little & hope to have fixed that issue.
285/40's would be the hot setup for your stock-size 9.5" wide rims. Probably should have done that before getting my last set, because I see that the 285's are only a couple more bucks than 275's.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Unfortunately I had to go with the 275's again... the price difference was almost $50 per tire!!!!! 
P.S. Discount tires has good prices... Falken 512's 275/40/17 $104 a piece!!!!
DG
P.S. Discount tires has good prices... Falken 512's 275/40/17 $104 a piece!!!!
DG
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
From: Laguna Niguel California
Nothing wrong with 275's on all four. Check out the falcon azenis next time if your looking for a discount tire. Good bang for the buck. Had them on my street miata for a while.
