Anyone with a 2nd gen Firebird

[Pancho79]

I'm looking into 17"x9" wheels and 235/40/17 and 275/40/17 tires, but I need to know what offset works so I'm not rubbing anything or if I need to get mini tubs.

Does anyone have any experience with these?

[Paul Huryk]

235 on a 9" wheel is possible, but will look "stretched" and the rears won't.

I would suggest a 255 up front or even a 275 would look and work best.

[Zyman]

I am running a 17 x 9 wheel with "0" offset. 1970 Firebird Formula 245/45/17 Front, 285/40/17 rear. lowered on PT F-body full GT kit. No rub issues. Mytires are about 26" tall which is the height of the optional 15" tires when new. Depending on the year of your 2nd gen, tire height was 26 to 27 inches. The tires you list are only 24.4" and 25.7 high front to rear.

[Pancho79]

Ok, so 235 will not work with a 9" wheel. That's fine, and I'm surprised a zero offset with such a wide tire will work.

[Paul Huryk]

The only issues up front would be the wheel barrel hitting the upper control arm (aftermarket less of a chance). I had a set of our 17" x 9.5" 3rd gen wheels on an early 2nd gen and they just barely fit without rubbing (also 0 offset). So a 9" would work - that is probably why they sell them in 9", assuming you don't go too wide a tire up front.


Ok, so 235 will not work with a 9" wheel. That's fine, and I'm surprised a zero offset with such a wide tire will work.