Still fighting tire sizes...

**Zapper2003** · 05-07-2007, 02:37 PM

I'm still not sure what size tires to buy for my rims. I have 17x9 with 35mm offset. I called tire rack and the operator on the other end told me that 245's are not recommended for my wheels width, and that with my particular offset, i cannot run 275's in the front without rubbing, however, a 255 will fit on my rim and not rub either. EugenioSS made a good point about running 275's on all 4 corners so that I could rotate, however, I would really like to have the narrower front tire/wider rear. Best i can figure out, the 275/40/17 is 25.7" tall, 10.8" section width, and a 4.3" section height. The 245/45/17 is 25.7 tall, 9.6 width, and 4.3 high. To me, that sounds like the matched pair all around. The 255/45/17 is 26" tall, 10" wide and 4.3" high. Will the overall height and section height be noticable at all between the 275 and 255? How about the 245, will that be too narrow for my rim and leave the outer bead of the rim itself exposed? GAH i hate trying to figure these things out.

**mrr23** · 05-07-2007, 03:59 PM

go with the 245/45-17. the rim width range is 7.5"-9". depending on brand tire, the tread width ranges from 8.8" to 9.1", when measure on a 8" rim.

here's what a 255/45-17 look like on a 8.5" wide wheel.

**Zapper2003** · 05-07-2007, 04:57 PM

255 looks like a good size, and the price difference between them and the 245 is not really any different. Is the old pontiac slogan "wider is better" applicable in this situation? I don't race the car, i do drive some corners hard (haven't had any issues with bald 235s yet), and i don't plan to autox, so should i get 245s or 255s?

**mrr23** · 05-07-2007, 05:01 PM

10mm width isn't going to make or break you. i've had the low traction light come on a couple of times due to the front tires being taller than the rear. other than that, no problems.

**Zapper2003** · 05-07-2007, 05:10 PM

Well, my TCS doesn't work anyhow, so i don't believe that to be of any issue. It says "TCS OFF" in my dashpanel and it won't turn back on (fine by me!). Also, the ABS INOP light is on, so I don't think i'd have to worry about that either?

As for the 245s fitting on the 9" rim, they should fit but may require a bit of manipulation to get them mounted is all?

**mrr23** · 05-07-2007, 05:38 PM

no manipulation at all. they'll bead right up. let's put it this way. back years ago. i put 225/50-15 on 10" wide wheels. now that took some work to get beaded up.

**Eugenio_SS** · 05-08-2007, 03:56 AM

Originally Posted by Zapper2003

I'm still not sure what size tires to buy for my rims. I have 17x9 with 35mm offset. I called tire rack and the operator on the other end told me that 245's are not recommended for my wheels width, and that with my particular offset, i cannot run 275's in the front without rubbing, however, a 255 will fit on my rim and not rub either. EugenioSS made a good point about running 275's on all 4 corners so that I could rotate, however, I would really like to have the narrower front tire/wider rear. Best i can figure out, the 275/40/17 is 25.7" tall, 10.8" section width, and a 4.3" section height. The 245/45/17 is 25.7 tall, 9.6 width, and 4.3 high. To me, that sounds like the matched pair all around. The 255/45/17 is 26" tall, 10" wide and 4.3" high. Will the overall height and section height be noticable at all between the 275 and 255? How about the 245, will that be too narrow for my rim and leave the outer bead of the rim itself exposed? GAH i hate trying to figure these things out.

245/45-17 would be the way to go to get what you want.
That size tire is meant to be mounted on a 7.5-9.0" wide rim... so you will be ok.
I'd still recommend going 275/40-17 on all 4, though

**Zapper2003** · 05-08-2007, 12:59 PM

I just wanted some reassurance is all. I was pretty positive the 245s would fit on my 9" wheel, and I know tire-rack is just practicing the CYA method of doing business, which is why i came here to ask. They said that 275's on the front with my 35mm offset would cause rubbing issues. If this were my ranger, rubbing wouldn't bother me, but its my car and i don't want any issues with that.

**Zapper2003** · 05-09-2007, 04:56 PM

Well I called up tire rack tonight and ordered the General Exclaim UHP in 245/45/17 and 275/40/17. Thanks for all of the help fellas, I'll get them on tuesday next week!

**Wtros** · 05-13-2007, 07:27 PM

Wider is better in any application (considering you don't go to the point of rubbing, of course)... even 10 mm is going to give you enhanced stability in cornering and handling. A definite win!

Let us know how everything works out!

Jessica

**Zapper2003** · 05-14-2007, 02:11 PM

Well, the shipment came in today. Right now i'm killing time between dinner and picking them up from being mounted/balanced. Pics to come soon.

**SSwt00SS** · 05-14-2007, 02:36 PM

FYI, if both your ABS INOP, and TCS lights are on, that means they are not working. Translation, you slam on your brakes and they will lock up. You have a ground somewhere, and i would recommend getting it all checked out...

**Zapper2003** · 05-14-2007, 04:25 PM

Yes, i understand that my ABS doesn't work. To be honest, i despise abs, which is why i don't look into making it work again. Agreed, i only have been driving for 5 years now and i guess you could still say im an inexperienced driver, but i really dislike abs. I have it on my truck, and on my work van, and cannot stand it, especially in mud or snow, which both experience regularly. It's been my experience that abs has only been a hinderance when i needed to stop in a hurry in any situation, especially snow. Although my Firebird wont see either condition, I'd still rather not have it activated.

However, this isn't the place to debate ABS and/or TCS. So I will end it now. I appreciate the input though sswt00ss, as I appreciate anyones concern for me and my vehicles well being.

ANYWAYS, got my wheels/tires mounted up tonight...yeah here we go again. I picked them up and stupid me didnt look them over before coming home. I get home, knowing my tires are directional i take them and set them left/right front/rear accordingly, but I have two right fronts and two left rears...what the heck. So i head back down, taking two tires/wheels with me to be reversed, and the fella who mounted them said 'how can that be, you have two left side and two right side, right?'? I said yes, i do have both, however i have different sizes and i know they're directional. SO, tomorrow I'll have my other two wheels/tires. Pictures then too, probably.

**mrr23** · 05-14-2007, 05:25 PM

wow, they couldn't do it while you waited?

**Zapper2003** · 05-15-2007, 02:31 PM

They're slow, it was like 8:00 when i took them back down the second time. I was in no hurry, but they're also a buncha idiots too, lol. Either way, they got my wheels/tires done and they didnt mess up my rims (yet) so so far so good...now to see if their balancing act did any good...