rubyred93

Well, I've decided to purchase 4 new tires through TireRack.com but have a small problem. Ideally, I'd like to put 285's on all four corners instead of the stock 255's up front.

Here's the issue: Tire Rack states that the 285's need a minimum of a 9" rim. That is fine for the rear of the car, but I am off by 1/2 inch on the front (8.5" rims up front). Will putiing the 285's on the 8.5" rim be a bad idea? Do you think that the side wall will bow out too much?

Anyone have any experience/knowledge with this type of thing? Will the 1/2 inch matter that much? What do you guys think? :confused:

vader86

I dont think that will look right at all. What about 275s all around?

VetteNoob

you could also buy 2 9.8" rims for the front and then you can go 285 all around. i wouldnt go 285 on 8.5" wheels. imagine shoving some 335s on 9.5" wheels or something. :crazy:

rubyred93

Yeah, I think you guys are right, it's not a good idea. I'd consider buying two 9.5" rims for the front, but I just bought the two 8.5" sawblades that are on there now, and they are in perfect condition.

Oh well. Thanks for the responses, I think I'm going to stick with the stock tire sizes. At least it'll be all new rubber just in time for Spring. :) Thanks again. :D :seeya

Snackdragons

I have 285s on the rear and 275's up front. i hear 285's fit upfront, but i'd need another set of rims, the stock rims fit 275's no problem.

rubyred93

I have to make a correction here (I've been looking at too many numbers, and didn't have things exact) as I went back and checked TireRack.com once more for appropraite rim sizes.

The 285's require a minimum of 9.5 and the 275's would need a 9" rim minimum. That does not seem to help my cause, but it is a clarification. I'm still off by .5" on the front. I thought about the 275's up front, but TireRack says no. ??

I like the wider rubber, even if it's only 10mm, but asking it to hug a narrow rim may not be a good idea. :steering:

jackdaroofer

:cheers:

I went to Y2K wheels which I believe are 17 X 8.5 on the front and used my 275's (from my old '88 wheels) with no problem. I have run them at reasonably fast autocross track for many consecutive laps and had no problems

FWIW :D

:steering: [ I love that Lil Guy! ]

Snackdragons

275's fit fine on the 8.5" rims. I have many road race and autoX's under my belt. However the 9.5" rims would put less stress on the tires sidewall. I notice no sidewall bulging at all with the 8.5" rims. so i doubt the different is significant.

_freakmonkeydogboy_

:withstupid:

flubuyu2

I have a '93 as well and it came with 9.5's in the front...yours didn't? or were the ones you bought smaller? anyway I've pushed the limits of the rim size before seeing as I don't race (offically at least) and am interested in the looks.....yes yes I'm one of those guys with 315's on 9.5" rims alittle squishey around the curves but in a straight line traction like no other!

Lichen

93's came with 8.5's in the front

_freakmonkeydogboy_

unless it was z07/z51, they had 9.5" all around :D

*89x2*

I have 285's on my 93 convertible at all 4 corners (only EMT run flat tire I see is avail- unless I missed something) 9.5" wheels all 4 corners :thumbs:

TravisD

Keep in mind that the smaller rim will effectively pull in the sidewalls, reducing your contact patch - the wider rubber may not do you any good from a performance perspective. It's just wasted money assuming that the 285's are more expensive than the 255's

86_RedRider

what's the benefit of having a wider tire in the front anyways? visually there is none because you really don't see the front tire's width and as far a performance it's not like it's a front wheel drive car. i guess your cornering would be a little better, but for like a 1/4 mile track, does it really matter?

Snackdragons

the whole point of a vette is the handling, so wider is better up front. however, if you just wanna drag race get a pony/muscle car like a mustang/fbody.

TowerMan

Yo I have a 91 with 93 faced polished wheels. 8.5 in front - 9.5 in back. I have 275 firehawks on all - no problems. I know at least one other that put 275s on 93 wheels. The firestone specs give the range with for 8.5 to 9.5 for the 275s. :cheers:

flubuyu2

I didn't know it came w/ 8.5's I guess the orig. owner swapped them.....I did however take a look and both my rear wheels say right rear on the inside of the rim ....does that matter I have no left rear ??
I do only have 275's in the front will a 285 rub w/(again) a 9.5" rim?
Learning about this subject is soooo much fun! :seeya

FASTAZU

Your wheels should say right side and left side.. They also have the rim size stamped in them..

rubyred93

TowerMan -

How do the sidewalls look on the 8.5" rims? Does the sidewall bow out more than the 9.5" rims?

When I called TireRack yesterday, I was told that a 275 will fit an 8.5" rim. When I presssed the sales rep. for any performance drawbacks to putting the 275 on the 8.5" rim, he did say that the sidewall would bow out more. That's what I had figured.

What do you think about how it looks? Is it possible for you to post any photos of the front wheels/tires? Thanks. :)