Tire Size?

[zZsKyZz]

I have a set of 17x9 rims and I'll be getting a set of tires [Probably toyo T1S's] and need some help deciding on a size, what is the stock size, what are the advantages of going up one size and down one size?

Anyone care to chime in? Thanks.

 

[BlackVert]

1. Good tires - I have them. They don't make the T1-Ss anymore, at least I couldn't get them. They are now T1-Rs, and they were actually less expensive than the T1-Ss were.

2. Stock is 17x8 with 245/45s. That works out to a diameter of 25.6811 inches (785.33 revs per mile). With 9s, you can go up to 285 in the back and 255 in the front (that is what I have). If I had 17x9s, I'd do 285/40s if I could get them. That would keep the diameter close at 25.9764 inches (776.40 revs per mile). Your speedo and odometer might be a little off, but not far enough to matter.

No snow: wider = more traction.
Snow: wider = less traction.

Also, in general, the thicker the sidewall, the more traction, but the more flex when cornering.

When I get new tires for the back, I am getting 285/40s ...

 

[zZsKyZz]

1. Good tires - I have them. They don't make the T1-Ss anymore, at least I couldn't get them. They are now T1-Rs, and they were actually less expensive than the T1-Ss were.

2. Stock is 17x8 with 245/45s. That works out to a diameter of 25.6811 inches (785.33 revs per mile). With 9s, you can go up to 285 in the back and 255 in the front (that is what I have). If I had 17x9s, I'd do 285/40s if I could get them. That would keep the diameter close at 25.9764 inches (776.40 revs per mile). Your speedo and odometer might be a little off, but not far enough to matter.

No snow: wider = more traction.
Snow: wider = less traction.

Also, in general, the thicker the sidewall, the more traction, but the more flex when cornering.

When I get new tires for the back, I am getting 285/40s ...

Well, I'd like to keep a tire that is the same size all round. I think it'd be the best idea for handling, but I also want a tire that will have good traction and launch well during the summer. So you think a 285/40/17 would do well or should I go for a 45 if possible?

 

[BlackVert]

Well, I'd like to keep a tire that is the same size all round. I think it'd be the best idea for handling, but I also want a tire that will have good traction and launch well during the summer. So you think a 285/40/17 would do well or should I go for a 45 if possible?

i think 285 is too wide for front tires. imo, it would not look right

if you want the same tires all around, i'd say go with 255/45s or 265/40s max

 

[illwood]

Well, I'd like to keep a tire that is the same size all round. I think it'd be the best idea for handling, but I also want a tire that will have good traction and launch well during the summer. So you think a 285/40/17 would do well or should I go for a 45 if possible?

40 series are fine. I run 275/40/17's all around.

They look good, but the fronts rub on the swaybar at wheel lock a bit. I'm planning on putting some rack limiters in to prevent that.

285's would probably rub even worse.

 

[zZsKyZz]

Is there a plus to running 285's out back? More traction, right? Would they fit correctly? What are the downfalls to running that big of a tire?

 

[BlackVert]

Is there a plus to running 285's out back? More traction, right? Would they fit correctly? What are the downfalls to running that big of a tire?

i've been running 285 out back for 2 1/2 years now. they are still going strong.

some people run 315s out back, on wider rims of course.

the only downside i know of is that there is less traction in the snow.

 

[Swarzkopf]

Is there a plus to running 285's out back? More traction, right? Would they fit correctly? What are the downfalls to running that big of a tire?

Wider tires in the back obviously gives you better drag racing traction...however, wider tires in the back as compared to the front will negatively effect your car's handling. Your car will understeer much more into corners.

For a street car, equally sized tires on all four corners will probably give you the best blend of traction and handling. 275/40/17 on all corner would give you great handling and great traction. If your drag racing though, you don't want that big 275 series tire on the front though...

In short, it all depends on your goals. Personally, I run 275/40/17 drag radials on the back and 245/45/17 all seasons on the front, and at the track I switch to the stock 225/55/16s for weight and rolling resistance.

 

[mricci]

i thought 275 was the widest you should go on a 9" rim? If i had known you could put 285s i would have gotten them when i got my new tires a month ago. I have 275 in the rear and 245 up front but will be putting 255 in the front this summer.

 

[BlackVert]

i thought 275 was the widest you should go on a 9" rim? If i had known you could put 285s i would have gotten them when i got my new tires a month ago. I have 275 in the rear and 245 up front but will be putting 255 in the front this summer.

i have had 285s for 2+ years now, no problems

 

[chefster]

275s up front don't last long,too wide for all the angles

 

[xr8d302]

you can go all the way up to 295s on a 9 inch wheel, but not recommended...it bulges too much and is almost impossible to actually get the tire onto the rim...285 is the safest route to go if you want to go balls deep into fat rubber

I run 275's all the way around on my car, and I think it looks perfect..

keep in mind, zZsKyZz, that going the same route as me will leave your front tires sticking out wider than your rear tires, I resolved that with spacers...which is a whole different topic.

My recommendation for you, go with 275's on the rear, and 255's up front...it's a good combo that works well in any situation

 

[chaos254]

i run 275/40/17's up front and have no rubbing problems but I do have the 03 cobra control arms. I don't think they look too big for the front eitherl. I'd go with 275's all around if your running 9's. I run a 315/35/17 in the back because I have 10.5" rims.

 

[chaos254]

double post...