I was considering a larger rear tire, but did not want to change wheels. Does anyone have a picture of a 275-45-17 tire on a stock 8.5 rim? What is the largest size that looks nice. This is an every day car, so no drag radials......Pictures would be great. This is not for my GT/CS which has an 18" wheel. Thanks.

 

I don't have pix, but I think that would look great. I have 275/40s on 9" wheels and wish the tires were a tad wider, not for grip necessarily but for appearance; I like a little bulge on the tires.

 

Are 275s safe on a 8.5" wheel?

 

I'd say so, some manufacturer's won't warranty their 275s on a 8.5" wheel but honestly how many tire manufacturers live up to their warranty claims anyway.

 

I wouldn't do any really high speed driving with that set-up.
A rim that is too narrow will allow the tire to distort excessively sideways during fast cornering.
They won't warranty them because they aren't truly safe.
Just because you can do it doesn't mean it is safe.

 

I have that same size tire on the stock 17" X 8.5" rim and its not so bad. I wouldnt recommend it though. You can definitely tell when going around corners that the rear end feels a little spongy. Granted they are drag radials...so maybe the sidewall is more forgiving than a normal street tire.