vader86

Gonna be getting some AFS 17x9.5 rims on all 4 corners and dont really understand all these numbers for tires. I know what speed ratings are, but the first two numbers kinda elude me. I imagine the first one has something to do with width and the second with sidewall height.

What i want is 4 identical tires, because i'm under a budget and need them to be rotatable so i can get the most mileage out of the set.

So what numbers am i supposed to look at? Id like to keep the total height of the thing equal to what i'm running now 245/45/ZR16 (i think, might be wrong on that second number, but i'm pretty sure of the 245).

I was wanting something like Potenzas, Kumho, Yokohamas, Firestones :confused:

mpennabe

If you already did your homework and know that you can replace the 16s with 17 x 9.5, the tire size that Chevy installed on that rim is 275/40-17. From what I've read, 285/40-17s will also fit, but they're a little harder to find. Just be sure you get the right offset for the wheel.

If you're going for the AFS wheels, check out e-Bay - they have a bunch of wheel & tire combinations already mounted and balanced (usually with Kumho 712s) that usually go for substantially less than the wheels alone directly from AFS. Sets of new chrome ZR-1 wheels with 712s have been going for about $1200 or so on e-Bay. The wheels alone from AFS are $1450 (I've been watching too). Good luck!

Sorry, never really answered your original question: first number is the tread width in centimeters. Next number is the sidewall height expressed as a percentage of the tread width (I believe). Check out Tire Rack's web site - I think they have all the technical details there.


[Modified by mpennabe, 10:17 PM 1/17/2003]

vader86

Yeah ive been trying to do some research on it, i know that GM put the 275/40 on the front, but that specific size doesnt have much in the way of selection. I was just wondering what sizes will fit the rim adequately. And i will be getting the rims with the correct offset.

mpennabe

Use Tire Rack's web site. You can put in the size of the tire you're looking for and it will tell you everything that's available in that size. 275/40-17 is one of the more popular sizes... 285s and 315s are hard to find.

vader86

I just want to know what other sizes will fit this rim.

MTWallet

I have 17x9.5 on the rear of my '74 Camaro and I went with the BFG G-Force KDW 285/40/17. I wouldn't go with a wider tire because it will bulge out too much on the sidewall with a 9.5" rim. The 285's are a little taller and wider than the 275's too.


[Modified by MTWallet, 12:17 PM 1/19/2003]

vader86

What smaller sizes will fit the rim?

Todd@Tires.com

90% will run the 275-40-17s on those wheels. You can also run 245-45-17s which are honestly too small. And a rare few choose to run 255-40-17s on there even though they are more than a 1/2" too short. 275s will be your best choice...and there is a large selection. If you have not yet bought your wheels let me know. Im a board sponsor and I'll do what I can to beat anyone elses price.