1972 Pontiac Lemans tire size

[LS2Saab]

So I’ve been researching this topic. I want to go with the US Mag Bandit U109 17x9 on all 4 corners, Which has a 5.25” backspace. From what I have read a 275/40/17 will fit the front. I was thinking going with a 285/40/17 in the back. I would like to run a 285/40/17 on the front too, But I’m not so sure it will fit.

The car has:
UMI upper and lower rear trailing arms.
UMI upper and lower front control arms with tall ball joints.
UMI 2” drop springs front and rear.
UMI non adjustable drop shocks.
2 1/8” front GTO sway bar
Hellwig rear sway bar.

[Schwartz Performance]

All the 285’s I’ve seen are designed for 9.5-11” rim width. Not so sure the 17x9 is the best choice for that. Im sure it’ll squeeze on there but you will have more sidewall deflection with the 285 than the 275.
If it were me I’d go up to 10 in the back and run a 295 and keep a 275 up front.

-Dale

[c4racer2]

I just put 275/295 on my Camaro. Subtle but significant size difference. I used 10s all around. But 275 also work on a 9-9.5” rim

[Interceptor5588]

I believe the only 295 available in 17" is a 35 series -- too short for an A-body. 275 square or 275/285 40R17 is probably the best bet.

[c4racer2]

yes true - I couldn't find much bigger than a 275 in a 17"

I am running 295-35-18 rears which are 26.1" tall

[LS2Saab]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I ended going 275/40/17 and 285/40/17 Nitto 555G2's. Went with US Mag 17x9 on all for corners. I don't have them on the car yet but will in a few days and I'll get some pics up.

[LS2Saab]

162074
162075
162076
162073

[Interceptor5588]

Looks perfect. No rubbing on the fronts?

[LS2Saab]

Looks perfect. No rubbing on the fronts?
Looks good. Haven’t had a chance to drive. It’s cold and lots of snow on the ground. But I did fire it up and turn the wheels to lock to lock, plenty of room in there. I think a 285 would be pushing it though.

[Interceptor5588]

So Nitto does not publish their tire size specs, and everyone says "they fit narrow" for their sizes. Whats the actual full section width mounted on 17x9"s for the 275 and 285's? My Pilot Sport 275's are about 11" of actual tread on the road, and 11.25" tire width mounted on 17x9's. They look gigantic from the rear, but once they are worn down they're only 25" tall.

[andrewb70]

Nitto specs:

https://www.nittotire.com/passenger-tires/nt555-g2-ultra-high-performance-tire/

Andrew

[c4racer2]

I just installed NT05's and the published specs are exactly what I measure. 275/35/18 is 10.8" wide on a 10" rim - they spec it on a 9 or 9.5 FWIW

And true - the Nittos are slightly narrower than many other tires of the same size. But there were so few options for a 285/295 rear tire for me even in a 18" for a 200TW tire so that's what I went with.

Those look fantastic on that Lemans btw!! Nicely done.

[cdrod]

LS2Saab:
Tell me about your PMD center caps. How do the center caps attache to the rim? Did you make a special retainer or is there an off-the-shelf piece for this application? I have the same Bandit wheels on my Olds 442 and I want to use the stock Olds SS1 center caps. I would love to know how you did yours!
BTW, for tires, I'm running 245/45/18 on the front and 285/40/18 on the rear on 18x8 and 18x9 rims.

Rodney