17" Stock Rims, Wider Tires

[FL2005GT]

My GT has the stock (Bullitt style) 17" rims. I'm probably looking at 2XX 45 ZR-17's for extra grip when I go to 4.10 gears (manual tranny).

What are the widest tires that will fit on these rims, front and rear?

Also, can anyone recommend a tire that offers a good combination of grip and tread life? I can't handle drag radials that last 12K miles.

 

[bigcat]

a 275 can be put on the 8 inch rim, but most tire manufacturers recommend a 9 inch rim. many people have run 275 widths front and rear. a 275/45/17 9if you can find it) would be about a 1/2 inch shorter tire than stock. a 255 is probably the most common tire size on 8 inch rims that i have seen.

here is a link for BFG gforce ta KDWs
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/assets/pdf/gforce_ta_kdw.pdf

 

[FL2005GT]

OK. I can adjust for the gear change and tire RPM with my tuner, so that's not a big deal. I'm going to have to do some shopping for 255-265's. Think that width, in a stickier compound than the stock Pirellis, will give a decent launch with 4.10's?

 

[05 Horseplay]

Initially I put 255/50ZR17's on my stock rims. With 3.73's and 23 psi, they hooked as good as a street tire can. My best 1/4 mile with those tires and bolt on's was a 13.24 at 106.5mph. Have fun.