Front tire size dilemma

[Bubba Z.]

Okay I'm going to need tires very soon. I've got 255/40's on 17x9 Cobra R's on every corner. For the new set, I'm definately going 275/40 on the rears. No way in heck am I going to get a different rim size so my question is:

Do I go with 245/45's on the front? I heard that these tires stretch quite a bit on 9" wheels, look funny and expose the wheel to sidewalk corners etc. I do like the idea of a small tire on the front cause my 255/40's will tramline sometimes. Lose the rotation benefit tho'.

OR

275/40's up front. A big tire that will stick out of the front fenderwells (my 255/40's sit flush) and will probably cause big time tramlining. However, keep my rotation option.

Opinions from those with similar setups is greatly anticipated. Thanksabunch.

 

[Bubba Z.]

Anybody?...don't fail me now :SNSign:

 

[KidCapri50]

http://www.dsm.org/www.dsm.org.1998/tools/tiresize.htm

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Hope this might help.

 

[propellerhead]

I think the stock 245s on my 17x8s already look stretched. If I lay the wheel on its face, the rim hits. I'll probably get 255s for my 17x8s when it comes time for new front tires. That said, I wouldn't go with 245s on a 17x9. Stick with the 255s. 275s up front might look cool to some, but that can have rubbing issues and it is heavier.

 

[trailblazr81]

Go 255 or 245. 245 will be fine as long as you dont curb 'em or take 'em off and drop 'em on their face. Then you wont have to worry about rubbing the sway bar and such.

 

[jimfitzgerald]

I have 17 X 9 Cobra R's. Up front I have 255/40/17's with 285/40/17's out back. I like the slight "rake" to the stance.