[dogma]

I like the way 255/55/17 looks but it's a 28" tire and slightly bigger than the stock 255/50/17 tire.

What are the thoughts pro/con on these sizes.

I have 3.73 gears and don't want to change the ratio too much. I understand there is a 3% difference between 28" and 27" tires, meaning my 3.73 gear ratio will turn into 3.62 gear ratio.

I think 255/55/17 looks really cool on wagon and better than the stock SS tires, without being too big or looking SUV-like. Now, 29" tire, I don't know - that's pushing it.

 

[KW Baraka]

I can very easily be wrong here as I haven't really paid attention to 255/55 tires......but I think most are spec'ed as truck tires. As such, they'd have a harder sidewall (harsher ride) and a harder rubber compound (last longer, less grip).

YMMV

KW

 

[dogma]

Hm, I don't know what to think. The other thing that worries me about 255/55/17 size is how few tires are available. TireRack pulls just 2 brands, versus dozens for the stock SS size.

 

[Dan Fahey]

I like the way 255/55/17 looks but it's a 28" tire and slightly bigger than the stock 255/50/17 tire.

What are the thoughts pro/con on these sizes.

I have 3.73 gears and don't want to change the ratio too much. I understand there is a 3% difference between 28" and 27" tires, meaning my 3.73 gear ratio will turn into 3.62 gear ratio.

I think 255/55/17 looks really cool on wagon and better than the stock SS tires, without being too big or looking SUV-like. Now, 29" tire, I don't know - that's pushing it.

The 255/55/17 are better for cruising with 3.73's.
Go to the track and add 26" ET's or Hoosiers and you better gearing.

D

 

[96 Black]

55es are spec dia for FWB and provide leetle bit more sidewall to fill the wells. Federals are fine for long hauls, but not really autocross material.

You're right not much choices anymore. There was Kumho maybe 777 or somesuch that was great - but alas no more.+

 

[BareProductions]

Yeah the biggest issue for me is availability. When I went SS rims on the wagon Kumho still made the cheaper 255/55/17 tires. Now Federal is about all there is...

I've got 255/50/17 on the front and 255/55/17 on the back of the wagon...but when my rears are worn out I'll probably drop to 255/50/17 all around. Of course, I'm still running 2.93 gears in the back...so the smaller 27" height will probably help those out.

 

[Firewood]

You've got one thing wrong here. 255/50r17 is th stock height for an IMPALA. The wagons and civi sedans 225/75R15 is taller than the SS tire. That's why people run the 255/55r17 on wagons in the first place.
You do run into availability issues.

The previously mentioned Federal tires are an option. No they aren't for autocrossing, but would you really autocross a wagon?
FWIW, he federal IS the most popular tire for drifting in Asia right now. I don't know what that means, though.

 

[dogma]

You've got one thing wrong here. 255/50r17 is th stock height for an IMPALA. The wagons and civi sedans 225/75R15 is taller than the SS tire. That's why people run the 255/55r17 on wagons in the first place.
.

That's what I implied. 225/75/15 is stock for the wagon. My problem is that stock 27" SS tire does not look that good on the wagon. In my opinion. It looks marginally big enough. It functions well, handles well it's just a looks question.

Actually maybe a little more than just looks since the bigger tire will make it seat a little higher too. When I went to the 26" tire from the 27" tire I saw a noticeable drop all-around, more than I expected. I don't like 26" tires, not sure what possessed me to get 245/50/17 in the first place. It also handles worse than 255/x/x.

255/50/17 = 27" (stock Impala SS tire)
255/55/17 = 28"
225/75R15 = 28.3" (Stock wagon tire)
235/70/15 = 28" (Other option for wagon)
235/75/17 = 29" (Optional wagon tire)

 

[KW Baraka]

......My problem is that stock 27" SS tire does not look that good on the wagon. In my opinion. It looks marginally big enough.....

Get rid of those SS springs and install a set of Hotchkis !

KW

 

[dogma]

My SS springs have 1 coil cut.... so it's already pretty low. It does handle like it's on rails, especially with 255/xx/xx.

 

[Firewood]

As long as you've re-programmed for the smaller tire, They'll do just fine. If you're lowered, they probably look ok too, but I firmly belive MORE is MORE better.

I'm on way too slow a computer right now to research it, but I think a 275/50r17 works out just right, too. Fits good un the back, might be a bit much for the front.

 

[dogma]

I have the PCM tuned for 28" tire.

According to tire size calculator, 275/50/17 is a 27.8" tire...
Looks interesting but will it fit in the back? The other issue that worries me is that the front F-body sway bar will rub even worse than with 255s.

 

[Firewood]

It fits great on the rear. Do a little searching in the wagon section or maybe even here and you'll find a few guys running them.

 

[TyeStick]

I think a 275/50r17 works out just right, too. Fits good un the back, might be a bit much for the front.

I run 275/50/17's front/back...
It fills in the wheel wells PERFECT, although my caprice isn't lowered. Front tires don't scrape unless you turn the steering wheel all the way. Spacers may be needed for the front.

 

[Firewood]

And yet you didn't post a pic. Come on bro!

 

[COFFEE]

Where is a good place to find these larger tire sizes at the best prices?

 

[TyeStick]

And yet you didn't post a pic. Come on bro!

I'll post pictures in a few, front and rear... At least the pictures that I have onhand. Otherwise I can snap more pictures when I'm back in town.

Where is a good place to find these larger tire sizes at the best prices?

Onlinetires.com

These guys have the BEST prices that I've been able to come across. Their shipping is cheap, and I've never had a problem with them when ordering.

Also, here's another thread that speaks of them.
http://www.impalassforum.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=242196&highlight=onlinetires.com

 

[dogma]

I don't understand what advantage I would get with 275/50/17 over 255/55/17, and what problem it solves for me.

 

[96 Black]

I sounds like the premise is there might be more options than with a 255/55. I only come across three 275/55s, not to mention that size is actually --> less <-- than the correct 28" dia. In other words, NFW.

 

[TyeStick]

Pictures: 275/50/17

Rear Tire

Front Tire