1 FMF

iTrader: (1)

right now i have 275/40-17 goodyears that came with my SS, they are on the factory 10-spoke painted wheels which are 17x90 with 50mm offset.
I am considering getting a 17x8.5 rim, the C5 style 5-spokes, and firestone wide oval indy tires in 255/45-17.
My goal is a smooth, quiet, comforable ride. I don't drive the car hard, so I'm not looking for ultimate traction or anything like that. I am thinking that by going to a thinner rim, and with a smaller tire, I'll be saving some weight which would give a better ride. And with a slightly less wide tire, that's less tire hitting the road, which might be quieter?
Only thing I am not sure of is how a 255 tire will look, will I notice an inch less tire width?

therealcreeper

iTrader: (37)

depends on your taste, but the y2k wheels have less offset and sit "in" a lot further than most wheels, plus with the thinner tire it won't look as aggressive

the thinner tires all around will help the car pull less with ruts in the road though

whytryz28

iTrader: (28)

Doubt you will notice the drop unless you're looking for it.

Latch

iTrader: (8)

275 to 255 is nothing. I went from 245s on 16" wheels to 275s and 315s on 17" wheels and didn't notice any difference in ride.

nascarnate326

iTrader: (1)

I had some mint 225 and 245 on my ten spokes. Freeking hated them. Looked goofy, felt like it drove goofy.

Put 275 on and the car feels right like it should now.

joblo1978

iTrader: (14)

Might be a little better on the front, but I wouldn't put that on the rear.

StuntmanMike

iTrader: (2)

My 275/40/17 Nittos are dead quiet.

It's not the width that will really affect the ride, it's sidewall height.

So what you would need to do is drop down in wheel diameter to a 16, or even a 15, with a tire of the same height as you have now. The smaller wheel diameter will give you a larger sidewall, which is what will help soften the ride.

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

If you really want a softer ride then get some factory 16 x 8's 5 spokes and put 255/50/16 tires on them.

hot93rod

iTrader: (6)

I am interested in this as well, b/c i have 275/40/17s now, and the front seems to follow the road imperfections so much it drives me crazy. My 195/60/15s feel beautiful on the front, turns so nice, nothing binds (I believe that is mainly caused from tru-trac gears in rear??) and feels like a smooth ride. I am going to look for some 255s to fit on the 17x9's or whatever they are, instead of going w/a smaller wheel (I don't need 3 sets of wheels, lol).

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

I went from the 16s to the 17s, and the difference was very noticible, IMHO....

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

If I would downsize to that it would just be the front.

Camarosteve44

iTrader: (8)

You wont notice nearly any difference imo

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I say learn to live with it. Honestly, it shouldn't be that bad.

rudytirerack

Its only an inch and a 1/2 inch on each side. Shouldn't be too noticeable.