Thanks in advance for any and all help. I'm looking at running wider tires on the rear on my stang. Right now I've got the stock 235/55 R17's on 17x8 rims. I'm thinking of going up to 255s. Anyone know the widest I can go without affecting handling? And for 245's and 255's, what would be the correct aspect ratios to maintain the correct sidwall height and circumference? Thanks again.

 

255/50

 

+1
255/50/17 is correct.

 

Thanks, that's what I was afraid it was, because Pirelli doesn't make them in that size. I might have to hold off then until I'm ready to by 4 tires of a different brand.

 

Ive seen a guy around town with 275s on a 17x8 rim and it didnt look bad but I doubt it was very safe

 

Plus you wouldn't want 275's out front anyway, at least not in a 50 series, it would be too tall.

 

The right size for 275's is 275/40-17. But, it's technically too wide for an 8" wheel. I've been running this size (front and rear) on my '94, with 17x9's, since 1996.

SoCal94

 

Those would be really short for a daily driver (~ 25.6"). The 255/50-17 is 27".

 

Hmmm....decisions. I'm thinking 255's still, but the problem remains that Pirelli doesn't make them in 255/50 R17. I looked on TireRack and found that the only tires in that size in the P Zero M+S category (Ultra High Performance All season) are BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDWS, and Kumho Ecsta ASX. And they're rated no where near the Pirellis. I'm thinking I may need to drop down to 255/45 R17s just due to availability. And after just having returned from an autocross level 1 class yesterday (i'll post a seperate thread on that), my Pirellis are pretty worn now and i need replacements. Plus, my suspension which was exhibiting an occasional squeak, is now pretty loud after yesterday. Plus the diff has been groaning for weeks now (I plan to take it in under one of the TSB's). The thing is, I can't really take the car into the dealer with the tires in that condition or they'll blame it on driving style and refuse to do any repairs under warranty, even though these problems started before the class. Does anyone have any recommendations for alternate sizes or brands?

 

You are correct, Pirelli doesn't make that size... Why you sold on Pirelli's anyway. I hated them. I could care less what the ratings say, it's all about what you end up liking and there's only one way to find out

 

Check out bigcustomwheels.com for a tire ratio size chart. You can play with different size combo's to get what you are looking for. I ran the 255/45/17's on my stock 17x8 wheels. Looked good, nice ride. Good luck.

 

It looks to me like the ratings for the BFGs are pretty good - a superior rating for dry traction - the only ratings really below par are the snow traction ratings. I had the KDWS on my '95 GT and loved them. They replaced some Dunlop Sports, and they were much better than the Dunlops, IMO - noticably better handling right away, and the treadwear was about the best I've seen in a sticky performance tire. For all season tires, you can do a lot worse than the BFGs, and they come in the size you want, so I would have no hesitation in getting them. When it comes time to replace my original Pirellis, I'll probably go with the BFGs myself, to get a little wider tire patch on the road.

 

Here's a tire size calculator:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

and this one has even more "stuff":

http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp

 

are the wider tires really noticeable? I think the BFGoodrich might be a good choice for me, since living in Los Angeles I don't see much snow/ice.
How long should the stock tires last?

Just a few questions from a newb.

And to cavero, are Pirelli's that awesome?

 

nitto nt555's come in 255/50/17