315/35/17 tires up front

[sr73bu]

Hey guys- I'm getting my car ready for the RTTS event in April and I looking into having my 17x9 soft 8's widened to fit 315/35/17 tires on all four corners. I've got a tire (of that size) lying around and it looks like its going to fit up front...73-77 chevelles/lagunas have what look like fender flares from the factory and can swallow huge tires.

My question is: is this really a benefit up front? I've heard it effects turning radius, scrubs speed out of the corners (not like i'm going to be any good at driving anyway)... I have a few weeks to make a decision, I just want to know any opinions on running such a wide tire up front. My thought is: wider is better, but IS there a too wide?

the alternative is 285/40/17 on all four corners without widening the wheels. or just widening the rears and running 315/17/35 on the back only.

I have a tight budget, so I've be focusing on the basics: lower car, lighten car, widest wheels/tires possible...

Besides RTTS (2 mile roadcourse), i'm most likely going to be doing autocross.

Any and All advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Sean

[coolwelder62]

My 69 sunoco camaro used an 18x11 w/315/30/18 up front and it turned great.A little tracky for street driving,but it worked great for autox & track day's.My new 72 camaro I am building will also run a 18x11 w 315/30/18 up front. I want as must grip as I can get. Narrow tires up front and wide rears can cause the car to have a push.Scott

[sr73bu]

Thanks Scott! Tracking on the street was another issue i forgot to mention... especially with a 12:1 steering box...

BTW: its funny, your Camaro is the reason why I was thinking of 315's up front... Bad Ass car!!! Good luck with your 72!

[pharmd]

As a side note to this question...you see alot of pro-touring/HPDE guys running a staggard fitment...Are they all tuning suspension to provide the optimum compromise on handling? I have heard both camps of running big fronts and rears, vs staggard (which IMHO looks better and better compromise for some daily driving)...What are the pro's and con's of each? should you just plan on 2 sets of wheels/tires (track and street)?

[Dragonsnake]

Im runnin 295x50 front and rear on my 76 Chevelle..works great at the track,and i have tried 235x60 and 265x50 before.With 295 up front,it has been gettin better grip and a lot better thread wear..im changin tires this season,but they have alot of abusing on the track the last 2-3 years,and around 6000 miles on the street.