Tire sizing question- need help

[Mangod00]

I have a 1996 LT-1 coupe with 8.5 inch fronts and 9.5 inch rears. The fronts take a 255/45/17. I recently got a set of chromed rims from a 1992 which consists of 4 rims that are 9.5 inches each. Can I put my 255/45/17 tires on the front and if I do will it affect my handling. Will the tire roll off the rim in a hard turn? I drive hard but on the street only. I hit high speeds (140 mph+) occasionally when I'm on the highway so I need to ensure these tire stay solid. Or should I buy new 275/40/17's for the front. I prefer not to do this as I just got my tires and they do not even have 1000 miles on them. Any insight and advice is appreciated.

 

[Hrtbeat1]

I have 275/40-17's all around on 17 x 9.5 rims. I don't think the tread on the 255 is wide enough to strech all the way, it would look strange to say the least. If you go with the 275 up front you will notice a little bit more road wander, once you get used ot it its not bad. Ya just gotta' tighten them gloves, cinch the belts and hold on.

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

Most tire manufactures recommend an 8¨to 9.5¨ rim for 255X45X17 tires so you should be OK. To make double sure go to your tire mfg. web pages and check the specs for your specific tires. You can also find this info at www.tirerack.com

 

[Mangod00]

My tire are goodyear eagles HP ultra. There is nothing on their website that realy gives me a guideline.

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

My tire are goodyear eagles HP ultra. There is nothing on their website that realy gives me a guideline.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?make=Goodyear&model=Eagle+HP+Ultra+Plus

The HP Ultra is ok on a rim from 8¨ to 9.5¨

 

[Mangod00]

Thanks for that link. I will try the tires on the rims and see if they'll work ok.

 

[Hrtbeat1]

The fronts take a 255/45/17.

:duh My bad I didn't read correctly. If you do the math the 255/45-17 will actually look better ... my 275/40's leave a noticeable gap almost like the car needs lowering.

275mm tread =10.8 inches
255mm tread =10.0 inches

40% side wall of 275 =4.33 inches
45% side wall of 255 =4.5 inches

275/40-17 overall height 25.66 inches
255/45-17 overall height 26.03 inches

The 1/2 inch would fill the wheel well better and being 3/4 inch narrower you probabally wouldn't get the wander as much.