Which front tires on a 17x9 rim?
 

I have a set of '03 cobra rims that are 17x9. The fronts have 255/40's on them. I don't like the way they look. It looks like the tire is too small for the rim...the edge of the rim sticks out too far past the sidewall.

What size would be better? Would getting a pair of 255/45's be better? What size came stock on the '03 cobra's?

thanks[sm=americanasmiley.gif]

RE: Which front tires on a 17x9 rim?
 

255/45 won't help you much

275/40-17 came stock on the 03 cobra.

RE: Which front tires on a 17x9 rim?
 

Thanks for responding. I've seen pix of 255's that don't look as bad as mine. I have Hankook Ventus HR's...do you know if they usually run a little thinner and/or lower?

RE: Which front tires on a 17x9 rim?
 

Are you talking about the hankook ventus'? We don't carry that tire so I can't say of it runs a little smaller. Sorry.

RE: Which front tires on a 17x9 rim?
 

OK..THANKS COLIN...a few more questions... I think I'm going to go with a 265/40 tire for my fronts. I've heard that wide front tires like to "track" over bumps and potholes. Is that true and if so, are any specific brand tires better than others in this respect? Any more advice would be appreciated.

I have a '96GT...'03 cobra rims (17x9). Stock suspension. I'm adding Tokico HP shocks and struts...and might lower the front 1 inch.

RE: Which front tires on a 17x9 rim?
 

Yes, wider tires may track more. Directional tires tend to track more than asymmetrical.

The amount that you are lowing should not cause an issue for you with the 265/40. That size is wider than what we list for a 96 GT for the front by about 2 tenths of an inch. The largest we list is a 255/45.

RE: Which front tires on a 17x9 rim?
 

I've actually recently seen some pictures of 255/40's that look good...I think my Ventus tires just might run a bit small (only have a tread width of 8.7"). Can you tell me which brands in a 255/40/17 might run a bit wider...maybe I'll just try that...since I don't like the feeling of tires that "track". How are the Sumtimo's?

Thanks again for your help.

RE: Which front tires on a 17x9 rim?
 

I would not recommend sumitomos unless you wanted an inexpensive set for roasting.

The bridgestone RE750, kumho SPT, or avon M500 or dunlop DZ101 may be worth considering. The avon is asymmetrical and has a tread width of 9.4"

RE: Which front tires on a 17x9 rim?
 

I can put in a good word generally for the RE750's, as I have a set of those on one of my cars. They're a very good 3-season tire that's not really intended for snow/ice. But they will work in light snow if driven with a little care. For reference, I'm in South Jersey.

Colin - I should probably submit a review on those (Chad was my salesman IIRC).


Norm

RE: Which front tires on a 17x9 rim?
 

All reviews are helpful, thanks