Front Tire Size on MkIV Roadster w/17" wheels

[caesarmascetti]

Hi all I'm going to need new tires next season and just noticed my fronts are 275-40/ 17's I was wondering what sizes you guys are running. Also, I think I want to go slightly smaller maybe 255 or 265 just for the esthetics the 275's look too wide to my eyes. Thoughts and opinions please

[Jeff Kleiner]

Go to 255/40-17

Jeff

[Avalanche325]

I run the same as Jeff says. I am running Nitto NT05. A great do it all tire (street, autocross, and track)

[caesarmascetti]

Go to 255/40-17

Jeff

thanks Jeff

[caesarmascetti]

Nitto or Summitomo ? I just do some spirited driving no autoX or track days

[Jeff Kleiner]

Nitto 555G2. I had Summitomos about 12 years ago and the best thing that can be said about them is that they are black and (kind of) round.

Jeff

[emoore924]

No contest. Nitto. I could spin the sumitomos at pretty much any speed. And I'm not saying that's a good thing. Because its not.

[steno]

What Jeff said... I love my 555g2’s!

[caesarmascetti]

Nitto 555G2. I had Summitomos about 12 years ago and the best thing that can be said about them is that they are black and (kind of) round.

Jeff

Thanks again everyone

[Peeker]

Go to 255/40-17

Jeff

I was just looking on FFR site and they recommend 245/45R17. Just wondering why you recommend the 255/40? I ask because I’m getting close to my tire order myself. Thanks

[Jeff Kleiner]

I was just looking on FFR site and they recommend 245/45R17. Just wondering why you recommend the 255/40? I ask because I’m getting close to my tire order myself. Thanks

I think a 245/45 is kind of stretched on a typical 9" front rim and you'll often find that the wheel lip actually sticks beyond the tire's sidewall. The extra width of a 255/40 doesn't do this and by going to the 40 aspect ratio vs. 45 it results in the same overall tire diameter.

Jeff

[GoDadGo]

If you are running 315/35-17 on the back, then the 255/40-17 are just a tad shorter and Look Great!
The 255/40-17's will give you a little rake since the front tires will be about 1/2" shorter than the 315/35-17 rears.
As for me, I'm okay with the 245/45-17's on the front, but am I'm running 285/40-17's on the back.
Just know I was trying to emulate 15's with my combo for a street look like Shelby's CSX-3178.

CSX #3178
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo16/monterey/lots/r194-1965-shelby-427-cobra-csx-3178/380123

Redbone
https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

Also, my car is an overpowered cruiser that will NOT be Raced or Auto Crossed.
Well Maybe Occasionally But Nothing Like Sir Jeffski Or Other Hard Core F-5 Family Members!

[Peeker]

Thanks Jeff