whats the widest 17 inch tire that will fit the rear.

 

assuming stock 17x8 rim, 255/50 fits great. 275/50 will fit but might be a bit sloppy cornering.

 

straight line and looks is what im after.im buying some rims so i need to know how wide to buy.

 

255/50's front 275/50's rear 17x9 Hallibrands



I'm sure, you could fit wider, it's a problem of finding wheels with the right offsets, and tires in the size you want. I found this combo easy to find.

 

I have 275-50x17 on the rear, on 17x8 Ford Bullitts.

 

Hey 05 Retro, I'm thinking of getting 275/50's for the rear on 17x8's. What brand are yours? I have been looking and Nito NT 450's. Any problems?

 

The fact that they are 17's dosn't have anything to do with it. I'm running 285s and they are just a little outside the fender well. I'v seen some guys running 295's and 315's... Try the wheel guide at BIGCUSTOMSWHEELS.COM

 

FWIW... when I first got the 275/50-17 Nitto 450s last year, the numnuts at Discount Tire mounted them on my stock 17x8s instead of my new 17x9s. Not only did they look bad, but they didn't look real safe either. I wouldn't want to drive them that way. But to each his own...

 

I agree with Don. On stock wheels the largest I would go is 255. Anything larger just doesn't look right.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. The Nitto web site says the the 275/50R17 tire is approved for rims 7.5 to 9.5. I would really like to see a good picture of one of these tires on a 8 inch wheel to see how much it bulges. I don't want to do it if it looks bad. If there is anybody out there with this set up please post some pics.

 

Im surprised that no one has mentioned that every manufacturers tires are different width. For example, a 275 Nitto is wider than a 275 Kumho. And ya, on stock 8in rims a 275 is pushing it pretty far. And i definitely wouldnt put a nitto 275 on a 7.5 in rim, thats askin for trouble.

 

Ok, I have decided to go with either 255/50 all around or maybe 255/50 rear and 225/55 front on 17x8's for the retro look. Other than not being able to rotate, what are the advantages/disadvantages to having wider tires on rear?

 

Narrower tires on the front will make it a lot easier to drive, the wider the front tires are the harder ti is to turn. The car will have more resistance to turning, and it will require a lot more effort to get it out of its line. On my car the difference between 225s and 255s on the front was huge.

The only disadvantage is, as you said, no rotating all the tires. I guess a little bit less braking and cornering ability too, but that shouldnt matter unless youre really givin er.

 

Sixtysix- your wheel/tire combo is the nicest I have seen- it really retains and enhances the muscecar heritage of this car. Tall wheels are bogus and belong on Escalades!

 

Thanks man, exactly what I was after

 

Or whatever this is...

 

****! Thats fugly and then some..

Another thing to consider- I have 18 inch replica FR500C wheels made by AWI (China) They were on the car when I bought it. The offset on them is nowhere near what I have seen on other wheels. I run 255/45/18 rubber, and I have tread protruding beyond the rear fender lip (but not beyond the front fender lip!). So- be careful when buying wheels. I do not think that I will be able to lower the car without buying a completely new set of wheels. There are many different off-sets and I have seen guys with 275 and 305 rubber, with everything staying under the fender!

 

That thing doesn't even look real.

 

Oh its real. I have seen quite a few here in Philly. If I never saw one in person I wouldn't have believed it either!

 

Oh, it gets better, check this crapola out!!



The car is for sale on eBay...the highest bid with 1 day left, is like $4,400.
Actually a good deal, the car looks clean otherwise (straight 6). Nothin like ruining the value of a classic by doing that to it