I have a set of 4 1997-1999 Factory Corvette wheels (18” x 9.5” 63mm x 7.6” backspace) coming soon and know that 275-35-18 should fit on all four corners without problems, but do not know if I can get away with a 275-40-18 tire size on the front without rubbing or bottoming out in the fenders. If any of you are using this tire and wheel package please send pictures. To the best of my research the Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position will be the brand of choice. I will be able to correct speedometer readings with LT1 edit. The 1995 Pontiac Firebird has been lowered by 1”. Thanks for your input.

 

You should be ok with 18x9.5's. If they were 10.5's like my rear Z06 wheels, then I would be worried.

 

I have corvette rims with those same 275/35/18 Bridgestone tires. Don't go with the 40 series, go with the 35 series so that you can keep the stock diameter. You won't have to correct the speedometer if you get the 35 series tires.

 

Thank's for the replies folks, However I still need to know if it is still possable to run this rim and 40 tire package without interferance. I do not mind that I will be required to adjust my speedometer for correct readings, and would like to run the same size tires on all four corners if possible. Thanks again.

 

35 series on a 18" wheel made my *** hurt. I needed more comfort in the rear. so i had to go with 40

 

You will have NO clearance issues with the 40 series tire if you don't mind to go beyond the stock diameter

 

Just remember.... the 275/40-18 will be one full inch larger in diameter than the stock tire. So, the car you lowered by 1" will be jacked back up 1/2" because of the larger tire diameter. And of course, the tires will stick up 1/2" more into the wheel wells, putting the tires the same place a stock outside diameter 275 would be with a 1.5" drop. It appears a number of people are able to run stock size 275's with a 1.5" drop, so that might provide some guidance as to the 275/40's working with your 1" drop.

Confusing....

 

I have 275/35/18's on the front of my car, and they touch the forward parts of the wheelwell liners at full steering lock. They also touch the top portion of the liner when the car hits the bump stops.

I wouldn't go taller tires than that.

DaveH

 

Thanks for the information guys and gals; I guess that from what I'm hearing you can with no problems use 275-40-18 on rear and 275-35-18 on front. I might look at this package closer, I will consider dropping the rear ride height by .500" to make work if need be. Will I take away from the handling characteristics?

 

if you put 275/35/18 all around you will not need to adjust the speedo, and the ASR and ABS will not be confused by the different tire diameters front-to-rear. And you can rotate them to even out the wear.

DaveH