315 Street Tire guys... Dilema (ZR1)

Hey guys,

Looking to get rid of the 16" Snowflakes...

Car is mostly Stock short of 3.73 gears for now.

I'm debating to either get 4 x 17x9.5 w/ 275 or 2 x 9.5/2 x 11 w. 315s.

2 x 17x9.5/2 x 17x11

Plus
1) Looks Mean as hell
2) Larger Contact area

Cons
1) Can't rotate tires
2) $$$
3) Possible rubbing in some situations (hard cornering/several ppl in car, etc)

Now keep in mind I AM ordering 2 x 17x11 wheels seperately with MT or Hoosier Drag radials (315); but I don't want to run on those all the time.

I guess my main questions are:

1) Do you notice a really large increase in traction going from a 275 to the 315 (both street tires)?

2) How much of a problem "rubbing wise" do you have if you have people in the car or are say out in the mountains playing around?

3) If you had a chance to do it again (say if you had an extra set with drag radials like i'm doing); would you still get the 315 street tires?

Thanks for the help guys.

its mainly about the look, your not gonna notice a huge difference between 275's and 315's, i bought 4 17x9's originally but later bought 2 17x10.5's when i wanted a more aggressive look, but i am now back to 17x9's due to cost reasons

1. No. At the track it would make a difference but on the street where its dusty the tires can still break loose under 30 mph.

2. Still have problems rubbing going around a hard corner.

3. I would buy 275s and save some money and a headache.

Sumitomos are pretty cheap, $100/pop. But they are much skinnier than other brands in the 315/35/17 size. looks about 3" skinnier.
here is one of my threads over at thirdgen.org, someone posted a pair of Sumitomos next to a pair of Goodyears.
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/suspension-chassis/465908-i-put-some-315s.html

http://www.transamws6.com/pics/z06/005.jpg

I actually have 4 ZR1 17 x 9.5. Fronts are 555s (275) and the rears are 555Rs (315). I did not really notice a difference except when I kick some rubber. My SS is not at all a daily driver so I am not so much concerned about rotating the tires. If you really don't want to have to rotate them, you will have to be content with both the same size rim and same style/size tire. I am sure you already knew that though. I took the approach that my rear tires will be shot much quicker then the fronts, so the time would come when I would have to replace only 2 anyway.

Sumitomos are pretty cheap, $100/pop. But they are much skinnier than other brands in the 315/35/17 size. looks about 3" skinnier.

I just mounted 315/35ZR17 Sumitomos on my '97 TA yesterday and need to say that picture looks wrong. My 315's looks wider than those.

Before mounting the tires, I did some measuring between them and two other 315/35ZR17's I had in the shed:

a) Sumitomo HTR 35Z - Tread 160 - Traction A - Temp A
25.5" diameter
12.5" width (sidewall-sidewall)
27.5 pounds

b) BFGoodrich gForce T/A KD - Tread 200 - Traction AA - Temp A
25.25" diameter
13.13" width (sidewall-sidewall)
30.0 pounds

c) Goodyear Eagle GSC - Tread 220 - Traction AA - Temp A
25.75" diameter
12.25" width (sidewall-sidewall)
28.0 pounds

I found the Sumitomo's are actually wider than the GSC's I ran in the past (Though Goodyear doesn't sell them anymore... they switched to the GS-D3 models instead). The FAT gForce KD's are still the width kings in 315... at over 13" wide, they are shorter and wider than most, making them tough to fit on 4th gens, but they also don't do well in the rain so they're not all that great for a street tire... though they do hook well.

The Sumitoyo's don't hook as well as the GSC's... but once you knock off the first layer of "glaze", they're not that bad. About equal to 275 GS-D3's I was using.

For ultimate hook on the street you'll still need to go with Nitto 555R's or a similar street/drag-tire, but for the price you CAN'T beat the Sumitoyo, and their softer shoulder profile than the GSC's mean they will stay away from the wheel well lip a bit better (in case you didn't roll the lip yet, which you SHOULD if you run 315's :)).

Overall? Great street tire IMO... no wiggle or soft sidewalls, and deep enough tread that you won't be limited to 50mph in the rain (like the Nittos)... just get 2 rims/tires for the track though. Dropping tire pressure to get them to hook will only help a bit... I found with the GSC's, Nittos, and KD's that anything under 30psi just wasn't helping at all since they were so wide I got "cupping" at low pressures... which was obvious with the burnout marks (light to no rubber left in the middle of the tread).

I'll probably go with some mustang-sized 17's for winter tires (245's/17) but for the summer these seem great. :)

I'm debating to either get 4 x 17x9.5 w/ 275 or 2 x 9.5/2 x 11 w. 315s.
Don't bother with 9.5" wheels for your 275's. 9" is fine for that size, and they're lighter. :)

Cons
1) Can't rotate tires
On a RWD car, rotating the tires is overrated IMO. They'll wear at about the same rate.

Sumitomos are pretty cheap, $100/pop.

Sumitomo 315s are cheap because they're not all that good of a tire. I'd rather have a high-end 245 from Michelin, BFGoodrich, or Goodyear than a 315 from Sumitomo.

I'm planning on getting 4 17x9 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires all around, and an extra pair of wheels with a set of drag radials. Maybe I'll go with a 315 for the drag radial -- I haven't decided.

I've also considered going with Nitto tires all around -- 555R's in back, INVO's in front, and skipping the drag radials. I need to do some more research before I decide.

Don't bother with 9.5" wheels for your 275's. 9" is fine for that size, and they're lighter. yeah, but the sidewall would flex more... if anything go with narrower TIRES and wider RIMS. Going narrow on the rims is backwards from a handling perspective.Sumitomo 315s are cheap because they're not all that good of a tire. I'd rather have a high-end 245 from Michelin, BFGoodrich, or Goodyear than a 315 from Sumitomo. ummmm... ok, coming from someone that's tried "high-end" 245's, 275's, and 315's as well as drag radials (555R / 555RII) I have to disagree. The 315 Sumitoyo's on my ride right now is WAY better than the Goodyear GSC's in 245. The Nitto 555R hook fairly good at any width, but I'd still go with a 275 over a 245.

I'm planning on getting 4 17x9 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires all around, and an extra pair of wheels with a set of drag radials. Maybe I'll go with a 315 for the drag radial -- I haven't decided. I have yet to see any Michelin Pilot worth its price. Their old top-end Pilots (replaced by the PS2 now) were about the only Pilots that seemed to hook well at the track but can be outperformed by "lesser" drag tires... PS2's are PRICEY ($300/each for only 275's... they don't make 315/17's, but the 335/17's and 315/18's are $450/each). That's $1500 for only street tires you'll be replacing every 2 years.

Although the Pilot 245/17's are only $220/each if you think 245's are the way to go... :p

I was pleased with the performance on the sumitomos when I had them on the front at this event,
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FqPDihdQEJc

Steve, When the Z06's had the BFG G-Force KD on them, they would not fit on the rear of my car, tire was way too wide. before I even put the lugnuts on, the wheel was rubbing the backside of the fenderwell.

I've also ran semi-expensive tires in 275 sizes, my old Nitto 555RII's (these were the most fun to drive on the on/off ramps with), G-Force KDW, and some 245 16" tires, like the Eagle GSC.

There's a lot more meat in a 315, than in a 275......

http://www.injuneer.com/images/photos/WheelsTires/315v275a.jpg

yeah, but the sidewall would flex more... if anything go with narrower TIRES and wider RIMS. Going narrow on the rims is backwards from a handling perspective.
True, but going too wide doesn't help. A 17x9" wheel is ideal for a 275/40R17. That's why GM used that size on the SS and WS6, and on C4 and C5 Corvettes. Going wider than that is just extra weight for no added benefit. If you insist on going wider than 9", go with a wider tire, too.

ummmm... ok, coming from someone that's tried "high-end" 245's, 275's, and 315's as well as drag radials (555R / 555RII) I have to disagree. The 315 Sumitoyo's on my ride right now is WAY better than the Goodyear GSC's in 245.
Goodyear GSC's aren't what I would call "high end". My GS-D3s are, and I'll pit them against your 315 Sumi's any day. ;)

The Nitto 555R hook fairly good at any width, but I'd still go with a 275 over a 245.
Sure, for a given tire, go as wide as you're willing. 555R's are cheating, though -- that's a drag radial.

I have yet to see any Michelin Pilot worth its price. Their old Supecar tires (replaced by the PS2 now) were about the only Pilots that seemed to hook well but can be outperformed by "lesser" tires and PS2's are PRICEY ($300/each for only 275's... they don't make 315/17's, but the 335/17's and 315/18's are $450/each). That's $1500 for only street tires you'll be replacing every 2 years.

Although the Pilot 245/17's are only $220/each... :p
You keep talking about how tires "hook". Are you talking about a drag racing launch? If so, why are you wasting your time on anything short of a drag radial? If you want to hook, buy a pair of ET Street Radials and put them on an extra set of wheels.

On a street tire, I have an entirely different set of priorities. How well a street tire "hooks" off the line is of very little importance to me. I care about how well it hangs on to the road in spirited driving through curvy roads, how well it grips if I get caught out in the rain, how it responds when I'm driving near the limits of traction... stuff like that.

True, but going too wide doesn't help. A 17x9" wheel is ideal for a 275/40R17. That's why GM used that size on the SS and WS6, and on C4 and C5 Corvettes. Going wider than that is just extra weight for no added benefit. If you insist on going wider than 9", go with a wider tire, too. Guess you go tell those Porsche guys they don't know how to build a car to handle., :p

08 911 Turbo
F: 235/35/19 on 19x8.5
R: 305/30/19 on 19x11

08 911 GT3 (the big dog)
F: 235/35/19 on 19x8.5
R: 305/30/19 on 19x12 <- note what they did with the performance upgrade :)


04 Ferarri F360
F: 215/45/18 on 18x7.5
R: 275/40/18 on 18x10 <--- a 10" WIDE RIM for 275's?! They obviously don't know what they're doing. :)

08 C6
F: 245/40/18 on 18x8.5
R: 285/35/19 on 19x10 <-- even only 285's get a 10" wide rim.

08 Z06
F: 275/35/18 on 18x9.5 <-- looks like GM prefers 9.5's with 275's with the big dog. :)
R: 325/30/19 on 19x12 <-- 2" wider rim for only a 1.6" wider tread?

Do we see a pattern forming here? :) And it's important to note the vehicles above are between 3100 and 3500 pounds... similar to a weght-conscious F-body, Heavier cars will produce even MORE sidewall flex than the amoutn called for above.

Best idea? Look up the tire manufacturer specs (tirerack has most of the them listed) and see what the rim RANGE is listed... and make sure your using a rim at the UPPER end instead of the the lower. (for example, most 315's are rated for 11 to 12 wide rims... 12" is probably a better idea than an 11 from a performance standpoint, while 11's will give a slightly softer ride while flexing the sidewall more).


Goodyear GSC's aren't what I would call "high end". My GS-D3s are, and I'll pit them against your 315 Sumi's any day. ;) ok, maybe I didn't explain myself... I was refering to the GSC GS.... which were the same tire the GS-D3 (which I currently run up front) replaced.

Frankly, the D3's hook a bit better down low, but their high speed stability is less than the older "block style" tread. As I said, I ALREADY have compared my Sumi 315's to the GS-D3's (in 275 width) and they perform equally well on the street. Unless you plan on comparing 315 GS-D3's (at 3x the cost of Sumi 315's, and 1.5x the cost of GS-D3 275's), it'll be a draw if not, a sumi win.

You keep talking about how tires "hook". Are you talking about a drag racing launch?, nope I'm talking about any sort of real power on the street. When you have 500hp on tap you tend to think about these things... I think I specificly mentioned above that at the track no street tire solution would be ideal.
Overall? Great street tire IMO... no wiggle or soft sidewalls, and deep enough tread that you won't be limited to 50mph in the rain (like the Nittos)... just get 2 rims/tires for the track though. Dropping tire pressure to get them to hook will only help a bit... I found with the GSC's, Nittos, and KD's that anything under 30psi just wasn't helping at all since they were so wide I got "cupping" at low pressures

If so, why are you wasting your time on anything short of a drag radial? If you want to hook, buy a pair of ET Street Radials and put them on an extra set of wheels. exactly my point... there's no need to dump $1500 on STREET tires which will drive on a dusty/dirty/wet/pot-holed highway or roads... keep it on the track.

Guess you go tell those Porsche guys they don't know how to build a car to handle., :p
I see your point.

Now tell me this: Why do Porsche and Ferrari put Michelins on all of their cars? Why does Chevy put them on the Corvette ZR1?

ok, maybe I didn't explain myself... I was refering to the GSC GS.... which were the same tire the GS-D3 (which I currently run up front) replaced.
I don't know what you're talking about. The GS-D3 replaced the GS-D2.

Frankly, the D3's hook a bit better down low, but their high speed stability is less than the older "block style" tread.
What kind of speeds are you referring to? I don't have any stability issues on my 245 GS-D3s at speeds well in excess of 100mph.

Remember, we're talking about street tires. :)

As I said, I ALREADY have compared my Sumi 315's to the GS-D3's (in 275 width) and they perform equally well on the street. Unless you plan on comparing 315 GS-D3's (at 3x the cost of Sumi 315's, and 1.5x the cost of GS-D3 275's), it'll be a draw if not, a sumi win.
Which just goes to prove the point that I keep making in so many threads on so many different topics on this forum.

You get what you pay for.

In the end, the fact is that I'm planning on building my Camaro to be the ultimate street car. Simply put, Sumitomo's would be counterproductive towards that goal.

Also, put a bit of water on the road and then let's see how the Sumi's perform against the GS-D3s. ;)

I see your point. thanks. :) wide rim = less sidewall flex

Now tell me this: Why do Porsche and Ferrari put Michelins on all of their cars?Why does Chevy put them on the Corvette ZR1? Because they're buying $100,000+ cars which they need to ensure have tires that can last to 200+mph. That's some VERY hard rubber to stand up to that amount of heat. If you don't go that fast (which I'm assuming you don't) there are MUCH better tires that can hook down low better than a ultra-high speed rated tire can. (However Michelin isn't the only name in the game if that's what you're implying.)

Can you imagine what a Bugatti Veyron would do at only 100-180mph or on a road course if it didn't have those rock-hard Michelin Pilots? Especially if they wern't heavy run flats (like several cars you mentioned).

I don't know what you're talking about. The GS-D3 replaced the GS-D2. and the Steel-belted GS at the same time. I sold more than a few sets of steel belted GS's to guys who do open road racing... they didn't like the new GS-D2/D3's long ribbing... it doesn't dissipate heat as well as the older 'blocks" style when running 180mph for say 45 minutes. As I said, I use 275 D3's on my current ride and like them, but they are pricey and I get equal or better grip from my 315 sumi's for half the price. Sumi's are a screaming deal IMO. To be fair, there are way fewer compalints about the D3's than the D2's people were passing on for the more expensive steel belted GSs at the time. I'd still consdier the F1 SuperCar Goodyear's top dog (Z06 standard), although the D3's are used by Ferrari on its smaller cars (F430). Not all top-dogs use Michelin. ;)

What kind of speeds are you referring to? I don't have any stability issues on my 245 GS-D3s at speeds well in excess of 100mph.

Remember, we're talking about street tires. :) true... but if you want to talk about "high end tires", such as the michelin pilots, they should be best at high speeds and that's just not the reviews I got from people who run them up there for Open Road Racing. No... I wouldn't consider 100mph high.

In the end, the fact is that I'm planning on building my Camaro to be the ultimate street car. Simply put, Sumitomo's would be counterproductive towards that goal. True, if you plan on using 315 D3's or better you can get more traction, but that's not the point of this thread. He was asking about looks and performance about going to 315's and the fact is that saying a "high end" 275 will out perform even cheap 315 is bogus. It may be CHEAPER to buy narrower tires and rims, but model for model, a wider tire WILL grip better, and its so much that "even" 315 sumi's will stick better than some of the sticky 275's out there, or even hard ultra-high speed tires if that's what you're into for street use.

Also, put a bit of water on the road and then let's see how the Sumi's perform against the GS-D3s. ;) Considering the sumi's have more tread gap due to the block design than the long-channel D3's I think they'd do fine. 315's in general will have issues in heavy rain and standing water, no matter what magical block-shape manufacturers use... but the more tread gap available the better when avoiding hydroplaning.

As I said before, Nitto 555R's with little tread gaps were HORRIBLE in standing water (55mph MAX)... eveything's a compromise, their really isn't a "perfect" tire out there for all weather, all surfaces, or even all speeds. It all depends what you need from the tire.

Boy would I like to see a Bugatti Veyron ditch those Michelin custom-mold tires and slap on some R compounds for a tight road course (which would probably require a lower speed limiter), or some slicks on a 1/4 mile... THAT would be a better video IMO :) (although drag radials may be the limit for an AWD car... I'm not sure wrinkling 4 tires at once would be all that stable down the strip :p)

and the Steel-belted GS at the same time. I sold more than a few sets of steel belted GS's to guys who do open road racing... they didn't like the new GS-D2/D3's long ribbing... it doesn't dissipate heat as well as the older 'blocks" style when running 180mph for say 45 minutes. As I said, I use 275 D3's on my current ride and like them, but they are pricey and I get equal or better grip from my 315 sumi's for half the price. Sumi's are a screaming deal IMO. To be fair, there are way fewer compalints about the D3's than the D2's people were passing on for the more expensive steel belted GSs at the time. I'd still consdier the F1 SuperCar Goodyear's top dog (Z06 standard), although the D3's are used by Ferrari on its smaller cars (F430).

Correction... the steel-belted Eagle F1 GS was replaced by the kevlar-belted Eagle F1 GS at the same time D3's were replacing D2's. steel-belted GS's were going for the same price as the new D3's, but guys who were unsatisfied with the D2's tread pattern gladly grabbed the steel-belted GS's instead... apparenlty TireRack still sells the kevlar GS (for about 33% more than the D3's) even though Goodyear doesn't seem to list them on their site anymore... strange, I thought they were discontinued a year or so back (small market segment between the D3 and the Supercar tires).

In any case the D3's (which looked suspiciously similar to the paradigm-shifting Yokohama AVS Sport tires) were Goodyears new trick tire out there and guys were passing on them for traditional block treads. No perfect tires exist. :)

Ok I have a dumb Question what size are the 2000 Camaro SS wheels? The ones that look like the photo below. The fronts are smaller width than the rears. Im guessing 10 or 10.5 on the rear??
If this is the case what size tire should be on this rim for a 97 Camaro??
I was thinking of putting a 555 Nito Drag on them?? Will I have a clearence issue???
Thanks for the help I just got this car and it needs new rear tires it has 275/40/17s on it now. Id like to go a tad larger for the meaner look :cool:

Wheel http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j287/thunderace31/01151201020201160420080512a080dcf66.jpg

08 911 Turbo
F: 235/35/19 on 19x8.5
R: 305/30/19 on 19x11

08 911 GT3 (the big dog)
F: 235/35/19 on 19x8.5
R: 305/30/19 on 19x12 <- note what they did with the performance upgrade :)

04 Ferarri F360
F: 215/45/18 on 18x7.5
R: 275/40/18 on 18x10 <--- a 10" WIDE RIM for 275's?! They obviously don't know what they're doing. :)

08 C6
F: 245/40/18 on 18x8.5
R: 285/35/19 on 19x10 <-- even only 285's get a 10" wide rim.

08 Z06
F: 275/35/18 on 18x9.5 <-- looks like GM prefers 9.5's with 275's with the big dog. :)
R: 325/30/19 on 19x12 <-- 2" wider rim for only a 1.6" wider tread?

Do we see a pattern forming here? :) And it's important to note the vehicles above are between 3100 and 3500 pounds... similar to a weght-conscious F-body, Heavier cars will produce even MORE sidewall flex than the amoutn called for above.

You can't just look at the section width when you evaluate the required rim width. You need to take into consideration the sidewall height and the wheel diameter to determine the correct rim width for the tire. Saying a 275/40-18 on a 10" wide rim somehow justifies putting a 275/40-17 on a 10" wide rim to improve performance is really pointless.

And, the tires used on high end cars are often specifically designed by the tire manufacturers for that car. Using a one-off design to justify general rules on wheel/tire matching is pointless.

You gave him the correct answer - consult the tire manufacturers' guidelines for their tires - but you cluttered it up with a bunch of useless info.

Ok I have a dumb Question what size are the 2000 Camaro SS wheels? The ones that look like the photo below. The fronts are smaller width than the rears. Im guessing 10 or 10.5 on the rear??

If the wheels are stock, they're 17x9 all the way around, with 275/40R17s like you said.

If the wheels are stock, they're 17x9 all the way around, with 275/40R17s like you said.

Thanks! Could a 315 go on these or my Guess there not wide enough ???
I would like to put the power to the ground a little better :) And love the big tire look :)
Thanks in advance
:bow:

Thanks! Could a 315 go on these or my Guess there not wide enough ???
No, you'll need an 11" wheel for 315s.

No, you'll need an 11" wheel for 315s.

That sucks do they make a wheel to match these thats 11" wide??

That sucks do they make a wheel to match these thats 11" wide??

probably not, but there are companies that can widen a wheel.

It never ceases to amaze me how we are all so motivated to join the muscle car club, put some coin down for a muscle car, drive it so people would look at it and then pinch penny's when it comes to adding components that impact the 'look'.

Tires and wheels can MAKE the car.


Quit pissing about money, On my 2002 Camaro SS, I put 17x9.5 American Racing Vintage mags on front along with 275 Nitto's and 17x11 Vintage mags on rear with Nitto 315x35x17 on rear. Why ----- because I want my muscle car to look as much as a street killer as I can.

Why do you think they made a Cude or Roadrunner in Plum Crazy color or Canary Yellow with shaker hoods, etc. CAUSE IT'S A FRIGGIN' MUSCLE CAR not a Grocery cart.

Put the friggin big meats on or buy a Voyager Van and head for the nearest soccer field for christ sake.

Here's a link to a writeup on a stock 17x9" wheel that was widened. I've seen the work that Vaughn Machine does, and its extremely high quality.

http://www.ws6.com/wheels.htm

Selecting wheels is a fairly personal thing. If you prefer to keep the "stock" look, possibly widening them to allow the use of wider tires (not a "cheap" deal) that's your prerogative... and doesn't deserve a personal attack or insults. Stick to your own views and continue to ask questions. There are lots of us here who are willing to help.

Here's a link to a writeup on a stock 17x9" wheel that was widened. I've seen the work that Vaughn Machine does, and its extremely high quality.

http://www.ws6.com/wheels.htm

Selecting wheels is a fairly personal thing. If you prefer to keep the "stock" look, possibly widening them to allow the use of wider tires (not a "cheap" deal) that's your prerogative... and doesn't deserve a personal attack or insults. Stick to your own views and continue to ask questions. There are lots of us here who are willing to help.

I have to agree so many of you on this site are quick to kick people for the thoughts and questions :( Sad to say I just purchased this car and it needs tires so I was thinking f up grading to a larger tire on the rear. So I asked a simple question so I knew what to do. Im not up for 18-19 0r 20" wheels I want to run a drag radial on the rear and keep the weight down so the cars as fast as posible and still looks cool :)
I have been looking at wheels but not finding a ton I really like lol. At least not in a 17" some kick A$$ 18 and 19's but no good sticky tires for them :(
Thanks again for all the info Im sure Ill have many more questions for the experts this is my 1st 3rd gen so Im not up on all the things that are on or can be done to them :eek::confused:

Ok been searching wheels Im guessing here but anything that will fit on an 85-96 vet will fit on a camaro??
I found a set on gay bay but there polished (YUK!) Id rather have a nice dark gray or real dark silver these are going on a green car with really blacked out windows :)
Also Ill have a set of 2002 SS Wheels for sale if anyone is interested in them there in real good shape just need rear tires lol.
Thanks for the help guys :)

You won't gain much traction on street tires.
If your getting 11's for the track, I'd get 9.5's so you can rotate as necessary, plus it'd be cool to "look stock" for car shows but if you wanted to as long as it isn't going to rain you could run your DR's on the street.

I paid $420 for my set of Sumitomo HTRZ's

You can't just look at the section width when you evaluate the required rim width. You need to take into consideration the sidewall height and the wheel diameter to determine the correct rim width for the tire. Saying a 275/40-18 on a 10" wide rim somehow justifies putting a 275/40-17 on a 10" wide rim to improve performance is really pointless. (you are kidding right?)

And, the tires used on high end cars are often specifically designed by the tire manufacturers for that car. Using a one-off design to justify general rules on wheel/tire matching is pointless.

You gave him the correct answer - consult the tire manufacturers' guidelines for their tires - but you cluttered it up with a bunch of useless info. wow... thanks for the critique Fred. That was truely... pointless.

The fact is that few manufactures currently use wide (9"+) rims with only 17" rims. Most manufacturers looking for horzontal stability increse sidewall stiffness by widening the rim AND increasing the rim diameter. So yes, in the case of a 17" rim, the need to go wider than narrow is even MORE important than in modern 18"+ rims that already have shorter sidewalls (that given the same tire diameter).

The use of 18"+ stats above was both for convienence AND drove home the point even MORE than it would with 17" rims (which can use more help due to longer, softer sidewalls).

But thanks for the evaluation. :rolleyes:
(and people wonder why this site's traffic has dropped off substancially...)

wow... thanks for the critique Fred. That was truely... pointless.

...

But thanks for the evaluation. :rolleyes:
(and people wonder why this site's traffic has dropped off substancially...)

You really need to grow up a bit.

Ok, the guy was asking about tire and rim width... the OEM specs only go so far (they give a rim RANGE for each tire size), and there was alreay some mis-information in the thread about narrow rims over wide. I went out of my way to help clear it up with concrete examples (as mentioned above, using wider rims on the already shorter sidewalls of 18+" rims is MORE indicative than would be on 17 or 16" rims).

If you didn't get so authoratative I probably would have let it go (like I normally do). Guess you just caught me at a bad time, but I was being honest... but judging my yoru response I think you know it hit a little too close to home.

My appologies, I'll stick to supplying/correcting the facts and leave the extraneous stuff on your plate.

P.S. had you sent me a messsage/email I woud have corrected it instead of hanging this out here.