Need Tire Size Help!!

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mtbiker78

Founding Member

Jul 30, 2002

57

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0

Saratoga Springs, NY

Jan 27, 2004

#1

• Jan 27, 2004

• #1

Ok, i've read a whole bunch of threads related to tire sizes. I have no idea what to go with now. I have a 96 cobra with stock wheels. I want a fatter tire then the stock 245/45/17. I was going to go with 255/45/17 all around but i have been reading that people tend to go with a smaller front tire size and a larger rear tire size, makes sense.

Should i go with 255/45/17 in the front and 265/40/17 in the rear? OR should i just do a 255 or 265 all around? I'm looking to take the car to some "track days" and or driving schools this summer, so ultimately i'm looking to get the best handling out of my tire combination. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!!

 

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fiveofanatic

How to fuel a Mustang:

Founding Member

Aug 12, 1998

8,152

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76

Phoenix, AZ suburbs

Jan 27, 2004

#2

• Jan 27, 2004

• #2

Don't use 255/40's. They're too fat & too short (they were on my '97 when I bought it).

The only option I would consider as a decent alternative to the 245/45 on the stock wheels is 255/45, which was stock on the 94-95 Cobras. Step up to a 9" wheel all the way around & you can go up to a 275/40.

Everybody always wants to step up their tire size, but without stepping up the wheel size, you'll end up with worse drivability & performance. Get the best tire you can afford in the stock size, that will do you better than a fatter tire stuffed onto the stock wheel.

 

M

mtbiker78

Founding Member

Jul 30, 2002

57

0

0

Saratoga Springs, NY

Jan 27, 2004

#3

• Jan 27, 2004

• #3

fiveofanatic said:

Don't use 255/40's. They're too fat & too short (they were on my '97 when I bought it).

The only option I would consider as a decent alternative to the 245/45 on the stock wheels is 255/45, which was stock on the 94-95 Cobras. Step up to a 9" wheel all the way around & you can go up to a 275/40.

Everybody always wants to step up their tire size, but without stepping up the wheel size, you'll end up with worse drivability & performance. Get the best tire you can afford in the stock size, that will do you better than a fatter tire stuffed onto the stock wheel.

Click to expand...

I was wrong, i'm looking at a 255/45/17!!!

 

mysticsvt496

Founding Member

Jan 24, 2002

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maine

Jan 27, 2004

#4

• Jan 27, 2004

• #4

If it is a daily driver the drawback to smaller up front and wider in rear is that you will not be able to rotate the tires. my car is not a daily driver so i have 275 out back and 245 up front. Soon to be 315 out back.

 

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nailz

New Member

Dec 30, 2002

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Jan 27, 2004

#5

• Jan 27, 2004

• #5

you're also going to be nosed in. Things like speed bumps and potholes, if the car is lowered, are going to become a HUGE pain in the ass.

 

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mtbiker78

Founding Member

Jul 30, 2002

57

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Saratoga Springs, NY

Jan 30, 2004

#6

• Jan 30, 2004

• #6

What Tread Wear # Tire should i choose?

Ok i'm going to be getting 255/45/17's all around. Now i found two tires that i'm planning on going with, Kumho ECSTA 712's with a treadwear rating of 280AA or Sumitomo HTR Z II with a treadwear rating of 220AA. I've read reviews on both tires and they are both comparable, price and quality. Now my problem is, which one do i go with ?? The only difference i can come up with is the Treadwear ratings. I'm pretty sure that the higher the number the longer the tire should last, but will the lower number tire have better luck "hooking up"? Any help will be appreciated.

 

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fiveofanatic

How to fuel a Mustang:

Founding Member

Aug 12, 1998

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76

Phoenix, AZ suburbs

Jan 30, 2004

#7

• Jan 30, 2004

• #7

Kumho makes a good tire for the price.

 

doogz

Founding Member

Apr 11, 2002

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London, UK

Feb 1, 2004

#8

• Feb 1, 2004

• #8

I have 245/45/17's in the front and 275/40/17 on the back, on the stock 17x8 '96 cobra rims. I run nitto drag radials in the back which are smaller (narrower) than similar brands selling 275/40's. 275/40/17's fit the 8" stock rim! I'd stick with the 245/45 up front and a wide rim out back. 9" rims with most offsets stick out of the front wheelwell on SN95's.