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275/55 r17

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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 01:57 AM
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Default 275/55 r17

Has anybody run a 275/55 r17 rear tire on a 98-02 f-body? I am currently running 255/50 r17s on my 02 Camaro A4 with a 4.11 gear. You can almost run as fast as my first gear. And fourth gear is a bit higher in RPMs than I'd like on the highway. I have no problem tuning it to adjust for the tire size. I'm just concerned if there will be any rubbing. My fenders have been rolled. I do have an adjustable pan hard bar and have run 315s, but nothing as tall as the 275/55 r17. My current rear tires are about 28" tall and I believe the 275/55 r17 are about 29". It's a street car that sees the drag strip every once in awhile. I did try a search and saw a different tire sizes but not this particular size. I was looking at these;

​​​https://www.discounttirezone.com/lionhart-lh-five-27555r17-109v-p-16031.html?srsltid=AfmBOoq3b8vePrDowO1TbYvaNDaPCS0 z7UMiZi0nFmupPOJVPGAxa-bi

Last edited by TedsB4Csled2; Jan 27, 2025 at 02:06 AM.
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 07:09 AM
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You're looking to upgrade your rear tires to 275/55R17 on your 02 Camaro A4.

Since you've already rolled your fenders and have experience with larger tires (315s), you're on the right track. However, it's essential to ensure that the new tire size won't cause any rubbing issues.


The 275/55R17 tire is approximately 29" tall, as you mentioned, which is only about 1" taller than your current 255/50R17 tires. Given that you've already cleared the fenders for the 315s, the additional 1" height might not be a significant concern.
To be cautious, consider the following:
1. Check the tire's section width: The 275/55R17 tire has a section width of approximately 11.2". Compare this to your current tire's section width to ensure it won't cause any issues.
2. Verify the wheel's backspacing: Ensure that the wheel's backspacing is suitable for the new tire size. You can use online wheel and tire calculators to double-check.



3. Inspect the suspension and steering components: Make sure that the suspension and steering components, such as the control arms, steering links, and panhard bar, have sufficient clearance for the new tire size. If you're still unsure, consider consulting with a knowledgeable friend, a suspension expert, or a reputable tire shop that has experience with modified F-bodies. In terms of performance, the slightly taller tire will affect your gearing, as you mentioned. You'll need to adjust your tune to compensate for the change in tire size. Keep in mind that you might experience a slight difference in acceleration and top speed due to the changed gearing. However, this can be mitigated with proper tuning.
Overall, it seems that the 275/55R17 tire size might work for your application, but it's crucial to double-check the clearances and suspension components to ensure a proper fit.

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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 02:24 PM
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Originally Posted by garadyy
You're looking to upgrade your rear tires to 275/55R17 on your 02 Camaro A4.
Thanks for repeating what I just wrote it needed clarification.

Originally Posted by garadyy
Since you've already rolled your fenders and have experience with larger tires (315s), you're on the right track. However, it's essential to ensure that the new tire size won't cause any rubbing issues.
Amazing insight!

Originally Posted by garadyy
The 275/55R17 tire is approximately 29" tall, as you mentioned, which is only about 1" taller than your current 255/50R17 tires. Given that you've already cleared the fenders for the 315s, the additional 1" height might not be a significant concern.
To be cautious, consider the following:
1. Check the tire's section width: The 275/55R17 tire has a section width of approximately 11.2". Compare this to your current tire's section width to ensure it won't cause any issues.
2. Verify the wheel's backspacing: Ensure that the wheel's backspacing is suitable for the new tire size. You can use online wheel and tire calculators to double-check.
Thanks for clarifying the tires are 29" tall.and that I already rolled the fenders.

Originally Posted by garadyy
3. Inspect the suspension and steering components: Make sure that the suspension and steering components, such as the control arms, steering links, and panhard bar, have sufficient clearance for the new tire size. If you're still unsure, consider consulting with a knowledgeable friend, a suspension expert, or a reputable tire shop that has experience with modified F-bodies. In terms of performance, the slightly taller tire will affect your gearing, as you mentioned. You'll need to adjust your tune to compensate for the change in tire size. Keep in mind that you might experience a slight difference in acceleration and top speed due to the changed gearing. However, this can be mitigated with proper tuning.
Overall, it seems that the 275/55R17 tire size might work for your application, but it's crucial to double-check the clearances and suspension components to ensure a proper fit.
I have upgraded the suspension and inspected everything. Thanks for letting me know I need to change the tune, I almost forgot. As far as asking a knowledgeable friend or expert I will do that now.
Is there anybody that has any actual experience in taller tires with an f-body?
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Old Jan 28, 2025 | 11:19 AM
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Is your car lowered? I ran a 275/50/17 and it cut the tire up and rubbed the inner wheel well slightly. My car is lowered 1.25" with UMI springs and the isolators were removed. I did not have my quarters rolled and never added any clearance with a BFH to my inner wheel wells.

What is your goal by running the larger tire? Smoother ride? More traction? Looks?
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Old Jan 28, 2025 | 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by ws6-formula
Is your car lowered? I ran a 275/50/17 and it cut the tire up and rubbed the inner wheel well slightly. My car is lowered 1.25" with UMI springs and the isolators were removed. I did not have my quarters rolled and never added any clearance with a BFH to my inner wheel wells.

What is your goal by running the larger tire? Smoother ride? More traction? Looks?
My car is not lowered. I have Moog springs which actually raised it a little bit for daily driving. I'm just trying to bring the RPMs down in overdrive as well as having a taller gear in first. I'm not looking for anything dramatic just a slight improvement would be great.
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Old Jan 28, 2025 | 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by ws6-formula
Is your car lowered? I ran a 275/50/17 and it cut the tire up and rubbed the inner wheel well slightly. My car is lowered 1.25" with UMI springs and the isolators were removed. I did not have my quarters rolled and never added any clearance with a BFH to my inner wheel wells.

What is your goal by running the larger tire? Smoother ride? More traction? Looks?
I forgot to ask if they were rubbing on the inside or outside? If they're rubbing on the inside I don't think I'm going to try it. My 315s would rub on the inside.
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Old Jan 28, 2025 | 05:02 PM
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They rubbed on both if I recall correctly. It was only slightly on the inner but the sidewalls got chewed up quite a bit. You could probably get away with a 275/50/17 if you're not lowered
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Old Jan 28, 2025 | 05:45 PM
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Originally Posted by ws6-formula
They rubbed on both if I recall correctly. It was only slightly on the inner but the sidewalls got chewed up quite a bit. You could probably get away with a 275/50/17 if you're not lowered
Thank you!!!
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Old Jan 30, 2025 | 10:16 AM
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275/55/17 is huuuuge on an f body, even if they did fit would look goofy as hell
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Old Jan 31, 2025 | 06:24 PM
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I am going to go with a 275/50 r17 instead of the 275/55 r17. It's only 0.8" taller. Any suggestions for brands? I am looking at the Nitto 555 G2s possibly.
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