Front Tire choice: 255 or 275?

JohnnyC · 07-22-04, 07:49 PM

I just wanted some other thoughts on this. I currently have Goodyear 275/40Z17 on the front. I will be getting new tires very soon. I found the OEM tires for the front are 255/45Z17. Can someone explain the reasoning to me, as to why a previous owner would have a larger tire in the front than OEM?

And secondly, would a narrower tire help with ride quality, handling and turning?

Thanks,
John

kenwa · 07-22-04, 08:02 PM

I think with the Z51 handling package, you get 275/40ZR17's all around.

Tuna · 07-23-04, 11:31 AM

Howdy,

This is getting to be a common issue. The base and selective ride C4s from 93-96 came from the factory with different tires and wheels front and rear. Only the Z51/Z07 cars came with the same size tires and wheels all around (although the turbine wheels are specific left and right).

A lot of owners didn't seem to understand the reasons for that and perferred to have tires that they could rotate. So, when they changed tires, they went to the same size all around- sometimes without changes wheels to match the tires.

The smaller width front tire reduces 'wander' on rough and wavy roads and this increases understeer. This makes the car more suitable for the average buyer that never max performs the car. For those that want the best in handling, the Z51 or Z07 option is for them and they get the bigger front tires - they also get a little more 'wander'.

Check your wheels for size. If they are the original wheels, they will be marked on the back as to size. For a base suspension or selective ride 96, the front wheels should be 17x8.5x56mm and the rears should be 17x9.5x56mm. If your car has all 4 wheels the same size and they are 9.5 wheels, then stay with the 275 or 285 size. If you car has 2 8.5 and 2 9.5 wheels, you might be better off going back to 255 tires for the front and keeping 275 or 285 tires on the rear.

Make sure the tire store understands this or you may find a 275 on an 8.5 wheel and a 255 on a 9.5 wheel. Not the smartest thing to do but I see it all the time.

Hope this helps

Edmond · 07-23-04, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuna

Make sure the tire store understands this or you may find a 275 on an 8.5 wheel and a 255 on a 9.5 wheel. Not the smartest thing to do but I see it all the time.

OMG!!! You have got to be kidding?

Tuna · 07-23-04, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edmond

OMG!!! You have got to be kidding?

No - I'm not kidding!!!!

Edmond · 07-23-04, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuna

No - I'm not kidding!!!!

I swear that we need to start up a list of shops to avoid!

boulderlt4 · 07-23-04, 05:38 PM

I just put 17x9.5 275s in the front with 17x11 315s in the rear.

Handling was much improved over the stock 255/285 setup.

Turn in is much cleaner with the wider front tires, but I will attest to the fact that they wander. They are doing some road construction out here in CO, and they have grooved about a 5 mile stretch of highway. Man is it a challenge...but it is worth it!

FX GS · 07-23-04, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boulderlt4

I just put 17x9.5 275s in the front with 17x11 315s in the rear.

This is the size set up that came on the '96 Grand Sport coupes.
I know a few individuals who have gone to the 17x11 315's in the front also.
Talk about putting some meat on the road!

JohnnyC · 07-24-04, 10:51 AM

I should have mentioned this earlier, I do not have the Z51 option. My rear tires are 285/40Z17. These are not the original tires. Previous owner must have replaced the stock front tires to 275 in front to improve performance. I know he drove it pretty hard.

I want to reduce road wander. I use this as the daily driver and commute on some terrible NJ roads (eg, route 130). I also want best possible ride quality and ease of driving. I know my car can get up and go when i need it to.

I'm planning on going with 255's in front, unless any objections.

Now, to decide what type of rubber to get. Argh.

Thanks for the help.
John

Edmond · 07-24-04, 12:37 PM

John,

Check out www.tirerack.com for those tires. Firestones SZ50's are darn good tires. The Goodyear tires are good but you can get something just as good that is less expensive.

IMO, Goodyears are kind of overrated. I've also heard good things about Kumho's and Yokohamas.

I run SZ50's and they're

Paid $186 a piece for 275/40 ZR17's.

Tuna · 07-24-04, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyC

I'm planning on going with 255's in front, unless any objections.

Now, to decide what type of rubber to get. Argh.

Thanks for the help.
John

Sounds like a good plan.

I've warmed up to the new GY Eagle F1 D3. It is the replacement tire for the GSC and has very good all season performance. As already mentioned, check tirerack.com for prices.

reefdiver · 08-22-04, 03:48 PM

I finally decided to put new front tires on my 94. I ordered 2 255/45zr17 Goodyear Eagle GS D3's. Got em for $199 a tire. I'm running Goodyear GSC 285/40zr17's on the rear. Rear tires have lots of tread left,thats why I opted for only front tires now. Does anyone think I screwed up by only getting the front tires? Will I have any problems with running 2 different tires?

kenwa · 08-22-04, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefdiver

I finally decided to put new front tires on my 94. I ordered 2 255/45zr17 Goodyear Eagle GS D3's. Got em for $199 a tire. I'm running Goodyear GSC 285/40zr17's on the rear. Rear tires have lots of tread left,thats why I opted for only front tires now. Does anyone think I screwed up by only getting the front tires? Will I have any problems with running 2 different tires?

You won't have any problems. In fact, with the slightly stickier tires up front, you'll have more neutral steering (less understeer).