I opted for 275/50/17's Nitto's over the stock 255's.
They filled the well like the original Z4 BFG's
About 3/4 inch taller..too !

D

 

pics?as im looking at the same size...thanks

 

Hello all. I have a 96 SS (All stock) with OEM rims.......I would like a slightly larger rear tire (width) and a slightly narrower front tire (width). Ideally the new tire size would not throw the speedo off to much......

245/50-17 in front = 26.6" diameter

255/50-17 in rear = 27" diameter

Will not throw off ABS.

KW

 

I am underwhelmed by the options available in 255/50/17 and I am considering switching to 235/55/17 as there is much more to choose from.I wonder a little if losing an inch in width will look funny?They are very close in height.I do like the options and the pricing compared to the stock size.

 

I am underwhelmed by the options available in 255/50/17 and I am considering switching to 235/55/17......

That's a great choice if you don't mind losing a good bit of handling capability.

Jus' sayin' (smh) ....

KW

 

i have 235/55s and i hate them not anywhere wide enough for the car

 

What is the preoccupation with odd-ball sizes just to keep the speedometer correct? Even if one doesn't correct the speedo going with a 275/40-17 all the way around it's only reading about 3mph fast when it displays 60mph.

 

A 275/40-17 looks pretty small in the wheel openings on a B-Body unless the car is lowered a decent amount. Plus, it's not that hard to find decent tires in available in 255/50-17. Now, if you try to mix-n-match it with a different size up front, then it gets tough.


Uncorrected, that's 3.3 miles additional on the odometer for every 60 traveled... or "only" 550 for every 10000 miles traveled. If you're coming from a non-SS B-Body, the excess is even worse. I suspect many of us are not very keen on tacking an extra 5.5% onto the odometer whenever we drive our cars.

 

I was afraid of that but that's why I asked.Didn't think it would be that huge of a loss.Crown vic police cars run that size and they handle well for a big car.Bigger is better so I'm told lol.

 

I've run 225/70-15, stock 255/50-17, 285/40-17 on the stock wheels, and the same 285/40-17 on 10" wide wheels (measured section width got 3/4" wider when mounted on 10" wheels). There was a noticeable difference in handling between all of them that improved in the order listed. Given the option of purchasing what you want (i.e. wallet doesn't have you cruising used tire ads) I would go with a matched set of 285/40 and 255/45. They're both 26" in diameter (1" smaller than stock), will give you a narrower tire in the front vs. the rear, and will only marginally affect your speedometer. Reprogram if that's a sticking point for you. I wouldn't spend any amount on 235/55's, but that's me.

Why do you want a narrower tire up front? Appearance? 285/40 and 255/45 will give you more of the Big-n-Little look if that's what you're after. Have a wandering/tracking issue with current tires? Get away from the BFG's and that will likely go away provided your front end is in good shape. I had three different pairs of BFG's on the front of my SS and it tracked like mad until I finally gave up and switched brands. Performance in ALL categories went up and the tracking went away.

 

There is no advantage whatsoever to different tire sizes front/rear. Why would one purposely install tires with poorer handling? The most popular size with the greatest availability is the 275/40-17...

 

you might install a narrower tire that may not hold traction as well if you're looking to gain fuel economy. usually not a big concern with this crowd. I thought about 235's for half a second since there are so many more options available, but I just bought 275/40/17's to replace my 275/50/17's...getting mounted tomorrow.

and for what it's worth, pepboys is having a sale right now on select tires...buy 3 get the 4th free. they have one in 275/40/17 and it also has a $60 rebate. just have to have them installed by this weekend.

 

Myself (and,many others) are happier with the better performance offered by the 275/40-17 which is certainly more common than the 255/50-17 which was never popular,or widely used. Virtually all who use it have the speedo corrected,and likely have changed the rear gear as well. If your mind's made up,then why discuss it. From a performance perspective the 255/50 is a very poor performer compared to the 275/40. At least it is in my experience.

 

Thanks for the replies and info

I think I'm going to give the 275/40/17 a try. I just learned that Kumho discontinued production of their 255/50/17 tire.

Again I appreciate the input and recommendations.

 

Man, I used to switch between Kumho and Fuzion, now it looks like BOTH have gone the way of the dinosaur! Now I see Hankook and Nitto in stock size? Can I get three members to sell me their full size spares??? (JOKING)

 

I just mounted up a set of the Hankook's on the 95 yesterday. So, no stress test yet. Just the drive in this morning. Was looking for a nice quiet tire like the ASX's on the 91 as it's pretty much all stock. Was apprehensive given it's considered a "truck" tire. So in that department, I'd say it's probably real close to the ASX's in sound. I hear them just a tiny bit a little over the winter tires once you get past 50ish. Plus they don't dart around like the Rikens that were on the rims when I bought them. For $104 a tire delivered, it was worth the gamble on them. If they stay like this, it's a win for me.

 

Last year on the Hot Rod Power Tour I bought some 'throw-away" tires because I knew I'd be laying down smoke screens like a World War 2 destroyer.I did and really had a ball. The 275/40 tires were great in the rain and we had some mean showers. No hydroplaning. Nice ride and are a good autocross tire. Very even break away and right into a 4 wheel drift. Understeer was a touch of the throttle away.The tires were the Sumotomo HTR Z3's and right now I'd buy another set in a heartbeat. For their price and even a hundred dollars more per tire they do great.

You can spend 2-3 times more and maybe get a 10% improvement. I drove them 3500 miles on the Power Tour, I've driven them another 3500 since and am going to rotate them for this years Power Tour.

We were in the burnout competition and spun them for 45 seconds and left a wee mountain of rubber behind them. We spun them a lot and the tread is now about 50% on the rear and probably 80% on the front.

When my Continental DW's wear out on the Vette I'll get a set of these. 295/30R18 rear and 275/40R17 for the front. Going to keep about a 27" tire on there.

Best five words I can think of is "TRY 'EM, You'll LIKE 'EM. Save some bucks.

 

Well, that is a so far so good analysis . . .it is a bummer how our stock size choices are whittling away, so I am holding high hopes that what's left is . . .worthy!

 

Interesting thing. I run early iroc size on the stang, 245 50 16. Other than a couple in drag/racing options, they were no more. Last week noticed like 6 or so available again on tire rack. It's like enough of a need arose and they stepped up. Hoping same happens with our size.

 

Well, it is tire time for me again. Everything I read have me most interested in the Sumitomo HTR Z III in the 275/40R17 flavor. The wider tire had me look at a rim width calculator and it looks like that tire really wants a half inch more than our rims have to offer - to properly ride upon our STOCK 17" rims.

This goes out to the guys who have already logged significant miles on the 275/40's on our stock SS rim . . .any negatives?

I'm looking for the voiceSS of experience BEFORE buying online.

Thanks in advance . . .

 

Well, it is tire time for me again. Everything I read have me most interested in the Sumitomo HTR Z III in the 275/40R17 flavor. The wider tire had me look at a rim width calculator and it looks like that tire really wants a half inch more than our rims have to offer - to properly ride upon our STOCK 17" rims.

I'll be glad to take some pics in the morning of the HTR's on the Impala. They are mounted on stock rims. You can see that they look just fine and are not "pinched" at all. You'll also be impressed at the hydroplaning resistance.

 

Have used 275/40's all the way around for at least 13-14 years now. Love them...

 

No need for the extra work to photo and post I believe you (both quick replies are appreciated) and expect to purchase these very soon. In my economy I have to sell some stuff to acquire the funds, but I'm past the half way point on my 275/40R17 fundraiser and doing well - not as great as Trump but good enough to make my Impala's traction "GREAT AGAIN" :nerd: