All-
I'm currently running 17x9 wheels with the stock tires, and I have found a better tire for summer driving- the trouble is, I don't really know how it will look on my car. The tires I found are the Firestone Firehawk Wide Ovals that run 275/40/17. Since I'm running on a stock suspension, will these tires give my car that "4x4" look? The second part of the question is whether or not a 9" wheel will handle a 275 tire- anybody know?
Thanks for the help!
-Jim

 

275/40/17's were the stock size tire on the 9" wheels on '03 and '04 Cobra Termis.

So they'll definitely fit a 9" wheel. Ford used them in a stock setup.

What size tire are you running right now?

 

It will leave a little more space inside of the wheel well but it will fit. Lowering it will always fix it.

 

Thanks for the replies-
To answer the first question, I'm currently running the stock PZeros...which I believe are 235/55-17. At the moment, they look almost stretched out because of the change in wheel width from 8" to 9."
As far as lowering it, I don't have a grand to play with right now for the FRPP kit (not just the springs).
-Jim

 

The difference in diameter from the stock 235/55-17 to the 275/40-17 is an inch and a half, so you'll have 3/4" more gap between the top of your tire and the fenders. It would look terrible to some people who feel the stock fender gap makes it look like a 4x4, it wouldn't bother other people as much. As to whether the 275mm wide tire will fit a 9" wide wheel, yes, it will be fine, according to the spec chart for the Firestone tires on Tire Rack's website, wheel widths from 9-11" are ok for the 275/40-17.

 

Ministang,
Thanks. That's exactly the info I needed! Awesome!
Thanks again, all!
-Jim

 

I wouldn't get 275/40/17. Too much wheel gap. I had 245/45/17 which is about the same diameter and I hated the look. True, you could lower your car would be too low. I would get 255/50/17.

 

gmantheman- I actually found a set of Pirelli Rossos that are on sale- the size is255/60R-17. Plenty of sidewall, plenty of width. I really really like the firestones, but you are correct, they would make my car look like a roller skate. The 60 sidewall would be good- it will fill in the wheel well, and give me plenty of traction (I can let more air out at the track). When spring gets closer, I'll make my purchase!
-Jim