mattygritt

Hi guys, I bought my Firebird (1998) about 2 months ago. I'm wanting to get a nice new set of wheels for it. I am loving these Corvette style rims I seen on oewheels.

http://www.oewheelsllc.com/Wheels_3/...2#.UjokRMasiSp

Now, I am very new to doing things with cars so please excuse my lack of knowledge. I am posting this here to get a straight forward answer.

I am wanting to get my tires separately from oewheels for pricing and brand. Now, the thing I have trouble with is knowing what kind of tire will fit the wheel and the car. I don't want to do any sort of fender rolling/trimming, and I don't want it to rub! The sort of tire I was told by OEWheels that would be good would be a 245/40/17, but I don't really know what these numbers mean. Also, the wheels are 17".

Basically, I want to know if these rims will fit that type of tire (or if there is one better). And if it will be a good fit.

Again, any help will be appreciated. I hope I posted this in the right spot, I figure you guys will be the best help!

DemonicZ

245 is the section width, not counting any raised lettering or side wall rim protector
40 is the aspect ration, meaning that the side wall height is 40% of the width
17 is obviously the rim diameter....

you definitely will not rub. The only time that modification is almost a must is running 315/35/17s and larger or 295/35/18 and larger. that usually includes BFH, possible fender rolling, bump stop cutting.

personally I would try to find a 17x9 or 17x9.5 and run a 275/40/17 a pretty decent selection of tires in that size and you get added traction and handling.

It also depends on your driving style and needs. if its just a daily driver and cruise car you won't need that wide of tires. and you would be fine with 245/40/17s.... just my $0.02

mattygritt

Thanks for the great reply man! This is my first car so I'm just trying to make sure I get everything right and understand it.

Yeah it's just a daily driving car for me. If you don't mind I have one more question. If I go with a tire like these. Do you think they would be a good choice to go with the wheels?

DemonicZ

it depends on your year round climate... I live in an area where I get snow for 4 months and the rest of the time its pretty nice weather. If you get snow I would keep your stock 16s and put some winter tires on there and I haven't ever had falken tires personally but heard decent reviews on them for summer driving.
Nexen N3000 are good tires as well. Also I would run a 245/45/17 instead of 245/40/17, you'll get a taller sidewall and a bit softer more comfortable ride. You should be able to find a N3000s at most tire places except tirerack

Are you looking for a budget tire or a decent tire worth spending some extra money on?

cmurphy9900

Here is a good site that I used to figure out what tire size meant

http://www.thetirechoice.com/learnin...tire-size.aspx

I have 18" C5 Corvette Z06 rims on my car. The size of the tires are front: 275 35 18 and rear: 275 45 18. I do not have any problems with there rubbing on the front or the rear. I ended up having to replace the two front tires recently and they were around $220 a piece. Price is one of the major downsides to going with a wider tire.

Since you plan to daily drive the car, it would probably be cost effective to go with a 245 45 17 like DemonicZ said. The cost will be much easier on the wallet because they aren't as wide and they are much more common.