Question on tire sizes

ArkansasMystic · Dec 7, 2008

I've got a 96 Cobra with stock size (245/45/17) Nitto 555's. I'm looking to get some new rims, but have questions regarding tires. I'm planning on sticking with the Nitto 555's (not drag radials). I know going from a 245/45 to a 275/40/17 will probably make a noticeable difference in traction. However, do you guys think there would be a noticeable difference between a 275/40 and 285/40 (or one size difference in general, such as 245/45 to 255/45)? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Win · Dec 7, 2008

Are you planning on going with this size all the way around ??

ArkansasMystic · Dec 7, 2008

It all depends. I'd prefer to have the same size all around so I can rotate. I'm debating new rims, either 17's or 18's. With 17's, I'd probably do 285's and with 18's 265's, or at least something similar to that. I know 18's will add weight, so track times will slow a little. If there is gonna be a noticeable difference in traction, that is another reason to go with 17's. I like the 18's in question (Saleens) better, but also really want to improve my times at the local track (17 03 Cobras). I'm also considering switching to an All Season tire, which is why I am not looking wider (looking at 9 inch wide rims). Hope that makes sense, and thanks.

EastBayStang98 · Dec 7, 2008

it wouldnt change traction that much but u have other things to consider. rubbing and proper fitment are things to ponder . 17's would be doable with 245's all around id you want wider you could go with 275 or maybe 285 40 18 IN THE REAR i think 275 in the front might rub. thats with 17x9. same goes for 18's you could go 265 35 18 all around but they might rub in the front. thats with 18x9 all around.

ArkansasMystic · Dec 7, 2008

I don't see less than 1/2 inch on each side making a difference one way or another. I do want something wider than the 245's for sure. I should be able to do 275/40/17 or 265/35/18's all around (although I'm really thinking about something narrower for the front). I'm unsure on front tire width, but rim size isn't in question (will be 9 inches wide). Main problem I'm running into is rears. I want the same size all around, with 18's it'd be 265/35/18, but if say a 275 or 285 would make a noticeable difference in traction, it would be worth not being able to rotate them. BTW, I have basic bolt ons, putting down about 286 RWHP, no plans to go much higher anytime soon.

Rice_slayer · Dec 7, 2008

I have 275/35s all around on 18x9 wheels. No rubbing AT ALL in the back. could probably go to 295 before flipping the quads but for rotation purposes, I have the same size all around. That being said, they DO rub and at full lock in both directions, but a set of 03 cobra control arms fixed that

.

ArkansasMystic · Dec 7, 2008

Really? I know the 03 arms help reduce trammeling (think that's the right word) and better turning radius, but they also helped you fit 275's? I can pickup a set of 03 control arms for about $120, maybe less (really tempted). I'm really leaning towards 265/35/18 all around, but that goes back to the traction deal. Would there be a noticeable difference in traction, I'll probably stick with 17's and do 275 or 285 in the rear.

Rice_slayer · Dec 7, 2008

I had stock 245 or 255s on before I got these ones, I noticed better ride and better rear end traction(SLIGHTLY) with the bigger tire. That being said, I dont know FOR SURE if the cobra control arms get rid of rub, I have been told they do though.

Late4Work · Dec 7, 2008

technically it depends on driving......if u drive it hard and corner hard, i would say stick with the 245s.....now if u go to a 10.5 inch rim, u could easily put the 278/285 on there and corner the hell out of it.......but for normal driving u could do a 275 just be kinda easy on it

there was another thread on this about how much it would bulge out........anyone find it, im at work

ArkansasMystic · Dec 7, 2008

You guys have been extremely helpful so far, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I've been back and forth on wheels, mainly because I can't decide on sizes. Would a 275/35/18 fit on a 18x10 rim (Saleen reps) and look good). Let me get this strait, wider tires help strait line performance, narrower help cornering and such? It is my dd, only see the track a few times a year, so I may need to rethink. I don't drive hard, but do like the current handling. I was under the impression that wider is better, but looks like I may be misinformed.

Rice_slayer · Dec 7, 2008

Some people put wider tires on the back for looks. I wish I had a pic to compare what my car looks like now to when i had 245s, gives it a WAY more agressive stance.

Late4Work · Dec 7, 2008

wider is better if u have the right rim size......u dont want ur tire to "roll" on the rim.......by that i mean if u have a much larger tire(wider) than the rim, then when u corner ur tire will move or shift, very dangerous........and the saleens will fit, those would be perfect for auto X IMO, 285s might be better though.......im waiting on a few others to chime in

ArkansasMystic · Dec 7, 2008

Since it doesn't look like I'll be willing to go 315's, 17x10.5's are out of the question. I'm thinking I can do 255's up front, 275's rear both on 17x9's. If I do 18's, I'm thinking 18x9 all around with 265's. Will the 275 fit the 9 inch rim well? Right now that is looking like the setup I'll go with. Thanks!