Wheel Size
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,212
From: KC, MO area
RE: Wheel Size
I'm running 8.5"X15" wheels w/ 0.5" negative offset (~4" backspacing) w/ 255/60 tires with no rubbing. Did have to trim a smidge (slightly more than a RCH) off the lower edge off the 'glass behind the front of the rocker trim. So if you get a 17" wheel/tire combo and stay within those parameters, I don't think you'd have any problems.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 527
From: Killeen, Texas
RE: Wheel Size
I've had this same question as there is such aslim choice of tires now for our rims, and with 17"wheels we'd have a better selection of good tires.
However, I've spoken with quite afew guys around here about "how their car rides w/ the low profile tires. The word is that they get a much more firm ride. I've said before that I don't like to beat my 'Vette to death due to a rough ride from a tire. In fact, I went to a touring-type tireafter the Firestone Indy due to the Indy having such a rough ride.
My opinion, if you don't mind the rougher ride, go for the big rim and the low profile tire. If you go to any of the custom tire shops, you can take your rule w/ you and measure the height of the different 17" tires and find the size that is w/i the hight and width range of your 15s. I did this in the tire store on Barkesdale AFB about three years ago. Michelin has two great rain tires that are 17" and come in a bunch of different width/ height ratios. I personally wouldn't take anyone's word for it, I'd do the measuring myself. Get the tire to not only fit the wheel well, but keep your speedo working accurately.
If indeed you check into what tire compensates w/ the 17" rim, please post it. Thanks.
However, I've spoken with quite afew guys around here about "how their car rides w/ the low profile tires. The word is that they get a much more firm ride. I've said before that I don't like to beat my 'Vette to death due to a rough ride from a tire. In fact, I went to a touring-type tireafter the Firestone Indy due to the Indy having such a rough ride.
My opinion, if you don't mind the rougher ride, go for the big rim and the low profile tire. If you go to any of the custom tire shops, you can take your rule w/ you and measure the height of the different 17" tires and find the size that is w/i the hight and width range of your 15s. I did this in the tire store on Barkesdale AFB about three years ago. Michelin has two great rain tires that are 17" and come in a bunch of different width/ height ratios. I personally wouldn't take anyone's word for it, I'd do the measuring myself. Get the tire to not only fit the wheel well, but keep your speedo working accurately.
If indeed you check into what tire compensates w/ the 17" rim, please post it. Thanks.
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 544
From: Flemington, NJ
RE: Wheel Size
I never thought about the rough ride that comes with low profile tires.
When I go over a rough strech of road with the tires I now have it's like, is the Vet still in one piece.
Vets don't like bumps etc.
I will need to re-think this one.
Thanks for the input!
When I go over a rough strech of road with the tires I now have it's like, is the Vet still in one piece.
Vets don't like bumps etc.
I will need to re-think this one.
Thanks for the input!
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,212
From: KC, MO area
RE: Wheel Size
This can give you some idea of what you can fit: http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCal...?action=submit
It looked like a 255/50-17 would be almost the same as my 255/60-15.
It looked like a 255/50-17 would be almost the same as my 255/60-15.
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