17x8 front, 17x9 rear wheels, what size tires?

[anguilla1980]

I'm going to buy this set of wheels for my 69 Firebird:

http://store.restoreamusclecar.com/p/62-Pontiac-Rally-II-Cast-Wheels-Full-Set.aspx

I'll be going with 17x8 in the front and 17x9 in the rear. What would be the optimal tires sizes for those 2 sizes of wheels? I'm NOT looking for the widest I can fit, but the *best* performing size taking sidewall flex, etc. into consideration. Another factor is what size would have the best choices for performance tires, which is why I am upgrading from the factory 14x6 (245/60/14) Rally II wheels in the first place, ****ty tires choices in that size.

Just totally spit balling I'm thinking 245/40/17 for the front and 255/40/17 for the rear. That sound about right?

Thanks! Alex

[Samckitt]

I have 17x8 & 17x9.5 on the Monte & running 245/45/17 front & 275/40/17 rear.

[astroracer]

Shoot for a 245/45 up front, a 275/45 in the back MAY work but the site does not list offsets or back spacing so that may be an issue. Ask them if they can give you those specs. I always want to know what those are when ordering rims.
The 245/45 offers a bit more sidewall height for a better ride up front. :)
Look at Nitto 450's or 555's, I have been using them for many years and am always happy with handling and performance both in the dry and when things get damp...
Mark

[Interceptor5588]

285/40R17 looks great out back too

[anguilla1980]

I'll look at 245 up front, that's what I have now and the tire BARELY touches the frame at full lock.

In the rear, I have about an inch (25.4mm) of room with my 245 currently, so I could go 270mm max, meaning a 265 tire realistically. As much as I'd like to run a 275, I don't ant to roll the inside fender lip or anything.

I'll reach out to the vendor and see what tires sizes they suggest, I guess they would know what really fits under what car since the wheels are made for very specific cars and years.

Far as a 45 sidewall, I'd rather go 40 and reduce flex. I'm working on a really awesome suspension system which includes VERY easily adjustable front shocks for going between track and street, so I'd rather the suspension do it's job than add more sidewall. Plus the roads where I live all very nice compared to most places.

The car is my daily driver and I'm thinking going with the Toyo R1R. I believe they have better treadwear vs the Nitto 555 they make. For the track I have M&H slicks, and for street racing I have M&H drag radials, both sets just on a super cheap stamped steel wheel. If it weren't my daily I would run R888.

[BMR Sales]

I've got 245 & 285s on my car

[KiwiStarChief]

Here's a tyre/rim size calculator that I found last week when I was going through the same exercise. In the end I went 245/45x18 on 8" rim for the front, and 255/45x18 on 9.5" rim on the rear, mainly because of available tyre sizes here down under. I also wanted a higher sidewall to cope with our not so great roads.

http://www.tyresizecalculator.com/tyre-wheel-calculators/tyre-size-for-rim-size-width-calculator