Tire Question

[Gary6586]

My '95 Coupe's RPO calls for 275/40ZR17's on all four corners(YAA & XAA). It has the Z07 adjustable suspension. I just bought this beauty, and I have noted indications of dry rot; therefore a trip to the tire store is necessary.

The previous owner fitted it with 255/45ZR17's on all four corners. Why? I don't know. Maybe it was price dependent; maybe it was for the ride; maybe his brother owned a tire store. Who knows?

The car rides and handles OK now, and I am not going to auto-cross or gymkhana. I am uncertain about returning to RPO specs with a taller and wider tire. Price is not a consideration. Any comments one way or the other out there?

 

[LT4man]

The tires you have now are much narrower than the ones that should be on your Vette. They also have a higher sidewall.

The 275s are a much lower profile. The aspect ratio (40) is responsible for that.

If you put the 275s back on, you will be amazed at the handling. It will be so much better, you will have a hard time believing.

The 275s at all four corners were a part of the heavy duty suspension set-up. The stock and adjustable set-up would have 255s in the front and 285s in the rear. The narrower tire in the front permits easier turn-in.

The 275s all around give you incredible tracking. My 92 had 275s. That car handled great, even tho it had the base suspension. They went to the different sizes in 94.

Save The Wave!

 

[Rabbit]

I also have a 95 ZO7 & the manual states that you shud have only RPO'S on all 4 corners.

 

[Gary6586]

Thanks folks -- that's what I thought. Just wanted to confirm my thoughts via this very valuable Internet resource - who knows better than other Corvette enthusiasts?. 275's it is.

 

[Edmond]

The previous owner fitted it with 255/45ZR17's on all four corners. Why? I don't know. Maybe it was price dependent; maybe it was for the ride; maybe his brother owned a tire store. Who knows?

Maybe he was just cheap! :L:L:L

 

[*89x2*]

My '95 Coupe's RPO calls for 275/40ZR17's on all four corners(YAA & XAA). It has the Z07 adjustable suspension. I just bought this beauty, and I have noted indications of dry rot; therefore a trip to the tire store is necessary.

The previous owner fitted it with 255/45ZR17's on all four corners. Why? I don't know. Maybe it was price dependent; maybe it was for the ride; maybe his brother owned a tire store. Who knows?

The car rides and handles OK now, and I am not going to auto-cross or gymkhana. I am uncertain about returning to RPO specs with a taller and wider tire. Price is not a consideration. Any comments one way or the other out there?

I bet they did it to save some coin - or they were given the wrong information :eek


At any rate, I just picked up a set of BF GOODRICH TA KDW's 275/40/17 - they were on "special" @ the TIRE RACK for $145 a tire :eek

I had considered ALL decent tires from America and Europe and for all around, this is what I decided - Also, have always had good luck w/ the old(er) BFG TA/ ZR's in the past - these are close to them in design

I hope this helps, $145 a tire :eek

 

[Black Bart]

I just bought two new tires Goodrich KDW 275-40-17 at local SEARS for $142:00 per tire and that included mounting and balance.
If you buy from tire rack you will have to pay shipping mounting and balancing charges.

 

[*89x2*]

I just bought two new tires Goodrich KDW 275-40-17 at local SEARS for $142:00 per tire and that included mounting and balance.
If you buy from tire rack you will have to pay shipping mounting and balancing charges.

that is an outstanding price! :cool

Was there a promotion or code to use?? Maybe the secret handshake??

 

[Black Bart]

that is an outstanding price! :cool

Was there a promotion or code to use?? Maybe the secret handshake??

Yes 10 percent off. I don't know if all Sears do this but I think it would be nation wide about once a month on Friday nights they have everything in the store 10 percent off. Good friend of mine works their he owns a Corvette and belongs to the car club that I do and he mounted them for me. I would be Leary about allowing some of those kids that work their to touch my car but that is true of nearly all tire shops or garages
I have the 315 G-Force KD on the rear and they are really good for hooking up. Wears a little faster than something harder so depends on what you want traction or long tire life the G-Force is a good combination of both.
My car is only driven on weekends and usually driven very hard when on the road I like to use it for what it was built for so the G- Force is Ideal for me. If you drive like LEO expects you to then something harder would be a better choice because of the longer life.