• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-

What size tires?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ArkansasMystic
  • Start date Start date Mar 17, 2009
A

ArkansasMystic

New Member
Feb 16, 2007
43
0
0
Mar 17, 2009
#1
  • Mar 17, 2009
  • #1
I've got 17x9 04 Cobra rims all around on my 96 Cobra. I currently have 275/40/17 Hankook tires all around. I'm needing 2 new tires. I'm gonna go with Nitto 555's, I'm just not sure on the sizes. I'd really like a narrower tire up from to help with handling. I can buy 2 275/40's and then decide where to put them. I like this idea because I can rotate and also they are almost the same diameter as stock so my speedometer won't be thrown off. However, I'm really considering 255/40's up front with a 275 or 285/40 out back. If I did this, I'd just buy the 2 fronts now, use the 275 Hankooks, then when the time came get the rear's (really thinking 285, but they'll be a little taller than stock so not sure how that'll effect me). It's a daily driver, I only see the track 2-3 times a year so I'm mainly going for daily performance. Any suggestions on which setup? Any downsides to going 285/40 on the rear? How will the shorter tire up front look with a taller one out back? Thanks!
 

98COBRA281

10 Year Member
Nov 24, 2007
1,348
30
59
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Mar 17, 2009
#2
  • Mar 17, 2009
  • #2
245-45-17 front
275-40-17 rear
 
A

ArkansasMystic

New Member
Feb 16, 2007
43
0
0
Mar 17, 2009
#3
  • Mar 17, 2009
  • #3
I'm worried about 255's being to narrow, I'm definitely not going 245's on the front with 9 inch wheels. Any other opinions?
 

CobraRed_96_GT

Active Member
May 20, 2006
1,421
4
39
UCSD/La Jolla
Mar 17, 2009
#4
  • Mar 17, 2009
  • #4
I'd put 265's up front the buy the same when the rears go out, then start to rotate em.
 
A

ArkansasMystic

New Member
Feb 16, 2007
43
0
0
Mar 17, 2009
#5
  • Mar 17, 2009
  • #5
I'd love 265's, but the Nitto 555's aren't offered in that size (nor a few other ones I've looked at).
 

mustang50v8

Member
Feb 4, 2003
548
3
18
847 Chicago Burbs
Mar 17, 2009
#6
  • Mar 17, 2009
  • #6
stock size for that wheel is 275-40-17. stick with it.
 

CobraRed_96_GT

Active Member
May 20, 2006
1,421
4
39
UCSD/La Jolla
Mar 17, 2009
#7
  • Mar 17, 2009
  • #7
Why you set on a NT555? They aren't extraordinary or anything
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
1,377
234
Ontario, Canada
Mar 17, 2009
#8
  • Mar 17, 2009
  • #8
Nitto's are built a little narrower than a lot of other tires out there if I'm not mistaken?
 
A

ArkansasMystic

New Member
Feb 16, 2007
43
0
0
Mar 17, 2009
#9
  • Mar 17, 2009
  • #9
In multiple posts on a variety of forums, I've yet to find a tire that suits my needs better than the 555's. The BFG KDW2 fits the bill as well, but I don't want 255/40's all around. Therefore, I'm pretty sure I'm going with the 555's. From what I remember, it's mainly the 555r's that run narrow. I've seen 315/35 555r's on 17x9's and it didn't have much bulge at all. My main concern with the 255/40 and 285/40 is that there's about an inch difference in height.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

H
Best tire size for 91 Fox 18x9 wheels. On coilovers
  • hassler
  • Mar 25, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
11
Views
368
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 9, 2026
KRUISR
2
Will it fit 2012
  • 2012stanger
  • Jul 3, 2025
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
5
Views
188
2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk- Jul 4, 2025
gkomo
O
Good all around perfornace-ish tires?
  • optionizerSS
  • Jan 25, 2026
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
285
2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk- Jun 15, 2026
TPony
O
SOLD FS: 18" FR500 chrome wheels and Toyo tires
  • optionizerSS
  • May 21, 2026
  • Other Classifieds
Replies
1
Views
71
Other Classifieds Jun 2, 2026
optionizerSS
O
6
Tires
  • 65er
  • Dec 18, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
5
Views
329
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jan 9, 2026
Realmongo
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?