16 inch or 17 inch rims
 

It is my understanding that there are more tire models available for 17 inch wheels then 16 inch.

Yay or Nay ?

TIA

Yes, especially in hi performance tires. If I were going to taller rims I'd do 17's.

I have 16" rims and would be buying 17" rims today if I was doing it over again. More choices in tires and taller tires when you are done with it all. 245/45 on a 16" has just as much sidewall as on a 17", but you get a 1" taller wheel to better fill the wheelwell.

Just for grins I went on Tire Rack's site and poked around. I looked for tires 27" in diameter. I used 27" because I believe that is the stock tire diameter for a mid year. I then searched by tire sizes in that diameter, 255/55X16 and 255/50X17. They carry one tire in the 16" and eleven in 17". Guess that covers it.

You can get 255's on a midyear with 17" rims?? Without modifications? I am looking at new wheels and in 15" the best i can do is 235/60's. Maybe i should consider other options...does anyone have a decent pic or two of a midyear with 255/55 17's??
Thanks, gary.

Gary
I guess I should clairify my post. I only used that size as a compairison. I have small flares on my car and I am currently running 255/60X15 on 8" ralleys.(Click on "My Corvette Photos"). I would not expect 255s on any rim size to fit stock wheel wells. I just wanted to check tire size availability between rim sizes, 15, 16, 17. Sorry if I confused anyone.

Tom

Thanks! Already checked your pics...outstanding car!!

Ya I was thinking the same thing... 225/50/17's are close others have gone as wide as 245/45/17's.. Guys remember that width and ratio both change the over all size of the tire in width and diameter... Also manufacture to manufacture difference cause these same issues. It may be necessary when approaching the outer limits of the width problems associated with our cars it may/will be required to trial mount tires... I know that 225/50/17 should work on almost all because I know I have plenty of room.. Sorry to run on just wanted to clarify... Dave..

I think it could be possible that a 255 could fit, but it would be amazingly close and you might be losing some turn radius. I have 245/45/16 on my car and have some room. If I had 245 in a 17, I might have more problems. The big issue is that the low profile tires have a very square profile. The 60 and 70 series tires don't have the same issues at the "corners" of the tire (in cross section) because the tread is narrower.

If you want to push the limits, make sure that the person you are getting the info from has the same exact setup (springs, ride hieght, etc.) or you will have to test this yourself.

:iagree: :cheers: :flag: