Howdy,
This is getting to be a common issue. The base and selective ride C4s from 93-96 came from the factory with different tires and wheels front and rear. Only the Z51/Z07 cars came with the same size tires and wheels all around (although the turbine wheels are specific left and right).
A lot of owners didn't seem to understand the reasons for that and perferred to have tires that they could rotate. So, when they changed tires, they went to the same size all around- sometimes without changes wheels to match the tires.
The smaller width front tire reduces 'wander' on rough and wavy roads and this increases understeer. This makes the car more suitable for the average buyer that never max performs the car. For those that want the best in handling, the Z51 or Z07 option is for them and they get the bigger front tires - they also get a little more 'wander'.
Check your wheels for size. If they are the original wheels, they will be marked on the back as to size. For a base suspension or selective ride 96, the front wheels should be 17x8.5x56mm and the rears should be 17x9.5x56mm. If your car has all 4 wheels the same size and they are 9.5 wheels, then stay with the 275 or 285 size. If you car has 2 8.5 and 2 9.5 wheels, you might be better off going back to 255 tires for the front and keeping 275 or 285 tires on the rear.
Make sure the tire store understands this or you may find a 275 on an 8.5 wheel and a 255 on a 9.5 wheel. Not the smartest thing to do but I see it all the time.
Hope this helps
Paid $186 a piece for 275/40 ZR17's.
