S197 width and offset question

Ford_Dude · 12-09-2007, 11:02 PM

I'm planning
295/50-17 rear and 245/60-17
what rim width and offset should I go with
and which tires (I hope nitto makes some in the rear size or I'll redo my calculations)

Norm Peterson · 12-12-2007, 12:19 PM

Are you sure that you want tires that are over 28" tall?

FWIW, I only get one hit on your two sizes combined at Tire Rack (245/60-17).

Norm

Ford_Dude · 12-12-2007, 02:16 PM

what I want is 295 rear and 235~255 front
and for the front and rear to have very close diameter
and I want to do it on 17's

Norm Peterson · 12-12-2007, 03:04 PM

Tough order.

I can find either 245/50-17 or 255/50-17, both at about 27" tall (same as OE) with no close rear match in 17". I am assuming that you don't want the front tires to be visibly larger diameter than the rears.

Also 245/45-17 front with 285/40-17 rear at 25.67" and 25.95" tall.

Couldn't find any 295/xx-17's except in competition models (295/35-17 at 25.3", 295/40 at 26.1").

Norm

Ford_Dude · 12-12-2007, 08:06 PM

It looks like I'll have to step up to 18's
can you suggest a set?

Norm Peterson · 12-13-2007, 08:07 AM

That 295 number is still a sticking point - you'd probably want a 295/40, but all I can find is 295/45 (28.4") and 295/35 (26.1"). I only looked at Tire Rack this time, but if you can't find a given size there now you may have trouble finding it at all next time around.

Something like the GT500 setup (255/45 & 285/40) except on 9" front and 10" rear wheels may give you the look you're after. 10.5" rears will make the 285's measure a little wider still if the available offsets will let that fit. Maybe 245/45's up front on 18 x 8.5's if you're looking for a little more of a "big-n-little" look (there's not much diameter difference between 245/45 and 255/45).

Norm

Ford_Dude · 12-13-2007, 08:45 PM

well I want to go the widest possible
and from what I've read its hard to fit wider than 295 rear on the s197

and I know if I compromise on the size I'll be less satisfied