need more side wall, how tall can I go?
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need more side wall, how tall can I go?
I have a stock 2000 ws6/w firestone firehawk 275 40 17's, how tall can I go? my aim is to smooth out the ride a bit.
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275-40-17 is the correct size to run with these cars, they dont even make a 275-45-17 or 275-50-17 because no car runs it. the next option would be a 275-55-17 which is a tire for a light performance truck such as a Dakota R/T or a Ford Lightning. Those tires won't even come close to fitting and will look like ***. I would say run a softer more comfortable tire or look into new shocks/struts as these will be your only options. Remember a mushy soft tire will make your Firehawk handle like a schoolbus tho...
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if everything else is stock then you should not have a hard ride. look into new shocks.
or get some 16" snowflakes and they had a 245/45 or 50/16 tire. but like said above the softer you go the crappier it will steer.
or get some 16" snowflakes and they had a 245/45 or 50/16 tire. but like said above the softer you go the crappier it will steer.
Last edited by cookba; 05-05-2011 at 08:32 AM.
#6
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it's not that it's a stiff ride just harsh over expansion cracks and rail crossings. still need some solid advise, I don't want to spend money for nothing, however if you can assure me that better shocks will help I will spend what it takes. what shocks do you recommend?
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Smooth ride = shitty performance. So if you want a smooth ride stick with OEM shocks. All the good shocks are going to be stiffer than OEM because they are geared towards performance.
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#12
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Imo, sounds like you need a reality check, If you have a friend/s with lowered F-body take a ride in their car some time and see if you still have the same opinion afterwards.
BTW, 25psi is actually to low, 30 front an 28 rear at least.
Do you drive on really bad roads a lot, if so the best solution is better shocks and stock 16 x 8" wheels with 255/50/16 tires
Good luck!
BTW, 25psi is actually to low, 30 front an 28 rear at least.
Do you drive on really bad roads a lot, if so the best solution is better shocks and stock 16 x 8" wheels with 255/50/16 tires
Good luck!
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Because by good ride you mean smooth as an old school Caddy, which doesn't jive with sports car. Performance suspension is stiff, it doesn't feel like your riding on a cloud like you want to roll. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
#16
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I'd start with new shocks, bilsteins are a good option. If that doesn't solve your problem then go with a different model (higher model) or brand of tire.
#17
well you could go with a tire that isnt as wide, a 245/50/17 should fit and there would be less contact on the street so should be a better ride. but like a few other people said if you are going for a better ride the stock 16 inch wheels should be a little better ride then the 17's. also have your local tire shop check spin your wheels. could have a bent wheel or a possible bad tire.
#18
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You've got 2 or 3 options. #1 is the cheapest and easiest...come to an understanding that you've got a "performance" car, they don't ride like Cadillacs, and live with it. Option #2 isn't cheap, but a set of GOOD shocks will help out a lot. I say "isn't cheap" because a set of Konis, which are the best, will run you around $950, plus installation, if you can't do it yourself. Option #3 is also a little costly...16" wheels, with either of the OE sized tires, 235/55/16 or 245/50/16. They have a little more sidewall to cushion the ride, but still maintain the stock OD, so your car's computer will be happy.
The choice is yours.....
The choice is yours.....
#19
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thanks I can't help but think it's more the tires than shocks, IDK maybe I"ll try new shocks, so you think the konis would help to take out the road feel? if so what model or part # konis?
#20
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The least expensive route is to swap wheels/tires with a friend that has a F-body (for a maybe a few hours at most) preferably with 17s and make sure the tire pressure's the same. If you plan on staying at stock height a set of Bilsteins would still be a great upgrade over the factory shocks. The thing is without actually trying a set of different brand/model of tires on your car you never know for sure if it will ride better, or worse!
If you want/need to stick with your 17's you could fit a taller 285/40/17 tire( no larger than this size) on your 17" x 9" wheels, but your tire selection is a lot smaller, and more exspensive than a 275/40/17 tire.
Good luck!
Last edited by 99Bluz28; 05-08-2011 at 12:58 PM.