Widest Tires Possible?

**supercharged666** · 06-20-2007, 08:59 PM

So it is time for new tires on my 1998 T/A I have 275/40/17 on my stock set of WS6 5 spoke rims. Does anyone know what the widest tire I can put on the 17 rims without having any clearance issues. I know they make a 285/40/17 and a 315/35/17 they will fit the rim but i'm not sure of any rubbing issues. Does anyone have anything wider than a 275/40/17 on the rear of there T/A?

**SexOnWheels** · 06-21-2007, 06:26 AM

I have 315/35-17 on a 11" rims.

The largest tires that the manufacturer allows for your rims is 275/40-17.

Here is a picture of 315/35-17 om all four corners:

**blackwidow99** · 06-21-2007, 06:36 AM

Kumho Ecsta 275's

DS-G3 315's

I have a write up on making the 315's fit on ls1tech but here's the cliff's notes:
-Moderate hammering of wheelwell
-Shaved bumpstop with 5" Angle Grinder
-Used rubberized undercoating

Some ppl have no rubbing issues but I did this as a safety precation to keep them from rubbing on highspeed turns. I also recommend an adjustable panhard bar. If you are lowered, expect more issues.

Edit: For the 315's I would recommend at least an 11" wide wheel. Some would go smaller but I personally don't recommend it.

**secondgearscratch** · 06-21-2007, 06:37 AM

my friend had 325/35/17s on the rear of his z. no problems so far. they are pretty friggin wide though as they are the e.t. streets.

good luck. and nice car SOW!

**SexOnWheels** · 06-21-2007, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by blackwidow99

Kumho Ecsta 275's

DS-G3 315's

I have a write up on making the 315's fit on ls1tech but here's the cliff's notes:
-Moderate hammering of wheelwell
-Shaved bumpstop with 5" Angle Grinder
-Used rubberized undercoating

Some ppl have no rubbing issues but I did this as a safety precation to keep them from rubbing on highspeed turns. I also recommend an adjustable panhard bar. If you are lowered, expect more issues.

Edit: For the 315's I would recommend at least an 11" wide wheel. Some would go smaller but I personally don't recommend it.

You should repost your write-up here as this question is asked (almost) daily. You need to (or not need to) hammer based on what kind of tires you have on the rim. Some are far 'thinner' than others.

Originally Posted by secondgearscratch

my friend had 325/35/17s on the rear of his z. no problems so far. they are pretty friggin wide though as they are the e.t. streets.

good luck. and nice car SOW!

Thanks bro, I have been pushing it hard on the track this year.

**blackwidow99** · 06-21-2007, 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by SexOnWheels

You should repost your write-up here as this question is asked (almost) daily. You need to (or not need to) hammer based on what kind of tires you have on the rim. Some are far 'thinner' than others.

Will do. And you are correct that some don't require hammering, but I recommend everyone do so anyways as it takes only a few minutes and can ultimately prevent tire damage.

There is no way to tell if you may have issues under full load or on highspeed cornering.

**blackwidow99** · 06-21-2007, 07:36 AM

Here's the link...

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54618

**supercharged666** · 06-21-2007, 10:06 AM

How much metal did you take off of the bump stop. I saw your picture and it looks like you can only take off just alittle before you hit the rubber?

**blackwidow99** · 06-21-2007, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by supercharged666

How much metal did you take off of the bump stop. I saw your picture and it looks like you can only take off just alittle before you hit the rubber?

I shaved off about a 1/4" of metal and I also shaved the rubber to make it sit flush with the metal. Don't leave any sharp edges.

**SexOnWheels** · 06-21-2007, 11:24 AM

I did that too. ^^

But know I run different tire which sit at 12.75" on the rim and actually had to trim off more.

You want to shave off enough so that the rims/tires clear when the rear end is in full droop.

**Stricken1** · 06-21-2007, 12:44 PM

I have 315/35 17 Nitto DR with no problems at all..the tire has a slight roll over but other than that they work great. If you go BFG DR's they will rub the inner fender well.

**blackwidow99** · 06-21-2007, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by Stricken1

I have 315/35 17 Nitto DR with no problems at all..the tire has a slight roll over but other than that they work great. If you go BFG DR's they will rub the inner fender well.

Many factors determine whether rubbing will occur including stock vs aftermarket springs/shocks, total load upon suspension, driving/road conditions, and speed among other things.

**440 rwhp trans am** · 06-21-2007, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by Stricken1

I have 315/35 17 Nitto DR with no problems at all..the tire has a slight roll over but other than that they work great. If you go BFG DR's they will rub the inner fender well.

my bfg's rub and its annoying im going with nitto's next time

**supercharged666** · 06-21-2007, 03:02 PM

Hey blackwidow99 what size tires you got on the front of your camaro?

**blackwidow99** · 06-21-2007, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by supercharged666

Hey blackwidow99 what size tires you got on the front of your camaro?

275's on a 9.5"X17" ZR-1

**supercharged666** · 06-23-2007, 01:34 PM

Has anyone ran Sumitomo HTR Z tires on there car? The Tirerack.com has 315/35/17 on sale for $96.00. Thats super cheap. Just woundering if they are a decent tire for the money or if they are total garbage?

**brettmech** · 06-23-2007, 02:37 PM

Hey Supercharged666 I just bought sumitimo 275's and absolutely love them. I hear they wear fast but for dry traction they are the best bang for your buck. I has Nitto 555's on before and think these HTRz's are twice the tire for traction. Don't think you are getting a cheap tire at all

**kyemt** · 06-24-2007, 07:06 AM

i got Sumitomo HTR Z a few weeks ago on my gto they seem to be good tires good traction dont knwo about wear yet but i like them so far

**brettmech** · 06-24-2007, 04:27 PM

Just went to the trasck today and turned in a best 1.92 60 foot with my sumitimo's compared to the best 2.2 with my 555 nitto's Really great tires I can't say enough for the price

**supercharged666** · 06-27-2007, 07:31 AM

Alright i'm sold, I just order the HTR tires from the Tirerack.com i got 275 for the front and 315 for the rear. I plan on doing the rear wheel base mod for clearances issues. I know that some people said that they had no problems with there tires but i'm gunna go ahead and do it anyway.