C4-96 Queston
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 368
Likes: 1
From: Winterville NC
C4-96 Queston
Ok, I'm joining the C4 boys & girls. Most jump forward into the newer Generation. I'm jumping backwards from C6. I just purchased a 1996 Dark Purple Metallic something the wife has wanted for a long time so I surprised her with one two weeks ago. So' I'm glad to be part of the group. Here's the first question: I'm a Corvette lover. I already own a C6-2006 LMB, and just purchased a C4-1996 Dark Purple Metallic. Question: I need to purchase some tires for this car and would prefer the Michellin Pilot Sports run Flat. The GM stock tire is a P255/45-ZR17 (Front), P285/40-ZR17 (Rear). Well here’s the problem they only make a off set type of tire. The closest thing they can provide is a P255/40-ZR17 (Front), and a P275/40-ZR17 (Rear). My Chevrolet dealership said theres a tolerance chart to tell you how much you can go off Stock setting. Can you tell me if the sizes above can work on my Base Coup C4-96 without causing any problems. I don't want to even have to worry about there shouldn't be a problem. I would like to Sure thing there will Not be a problem period. Can ya'll help me out?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 143
Likes: 32
From: Comox, BC
I had a very tough time finding tires for my 96 Collector edition convertible. Same size tires you are looking for.
The problem with changing the tire size going to the 275 is the ride height is the overall height changes from 26 inches to 25.6 approx. The Tpms monitors are quite tall in these tires. Which I didn't realize.
But, in the end I decided to go with the factory sizes.
Nitto 555's they come in the correct sizes but not run flat. That is what I am getting put on this week.
Your 96 May not have Tpms??? I am not sure if they all came with Tpms or only if you ordered the car with run flats. If you are going with run flats I assume you either have the Tpms or are installing a system your self.
Everyone I spoke with told me the run flats are very hard etc. so I didn't go with them.
Good luck on your tire search. Nice looking ride.
The problem with changing the tire size going to the 275 is the ride height is the overall height changes from 26 inches to 25.6 approx. The Tpms monitors are quite tall in these tires. Which I didn't realize.
But, in the end I decided to go with the factory sizes.
Nitto 555's they come in the correct sizes but not run flat. That is what I am getting put on this week.
Your 96 May not have Tpms??? I am not sure if they all came with Tpms or only if you ordered the car with run flats. If you are going with run flats I assume you either have the Tpms or are installing a system your self.
Everyone I spoke with told me the run flats are very hard etc. so I didn't go with them.
Good luck on your tire search. Nice looking ride.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 10
From: That one city...you know that one. Idaho
If you want to get into extreme detail about the sizes there is about an 8mm difference in the two sizes for sidewall height.
285/40ZR17
285mm wide 40% ratio for 114mm sidewall
114*2=228 or 8.97in+17in=25.97in
275/40ZR17
275Mm wide 40% ratio for 110mm sidewall
110*2=220 or 8.66in+17in=25.66in
For a 0.31in or close to 5/16in difference. Not enough difference to worry about.
285/40ZR17
285mm wide 40% ratio for 114mm sidewall
114*2=228 or 8.97in+17in=25.97in
275/40ZR17
275Mm wide 40% ratio for 110mm sidewall
110*2=220 or 8.66in+17in=25.66in
For a 0.31in or close to 5/16in difference. Not enough difference to worry about.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Can I ask why you want the run-flats? Maybe your 96 had the spare-delete option? I just ask because I understood that run flats were more expensive with a harder ride, as well as reducing your size choices.
Congrats on the new car.
Congrats on the new car.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 143
Likes: 32
From: Comox, BC
If you want to get into extreme detail about the sizes there is about an 8mm difference in the two sizes for sidewall height.
285/40ZR17
285mm wide 40% ratio for 114mm sidewall
114*2=228 or 8.97in+17in=25.97in
275/40ZR17
275Mm wide 40% ratio for 110mm sidewall
110*2=220 or 8.66in+17in=25.66in
For a 0.31in or close to 5/16in difference. Not enough difference to worry about.
285/40ZR17
285mm wide 40% ratio for 114mm sidewall
114*2=228 or 8.97in+17in=25.97in
275/40ZR17
275Mm wide 40% ratio for 110mm sidewall
110*2=220 or 8.66in+17in=25.66in
For a 0.31in or close to 5/16in difference. Not enough difference to worry about.
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