FastKat

iTrader: (10)

I have a 4000lb 1985 Jaguar XJ6 that is getting an LS1. I have been looking for something to replace the 5.75" wide stock rims. (hahaha) The backspacing is a little tricky but 17"x9.5" C5 corvette rims and older C4 ZR1 rims will fit, however I don't think I can safely squeeze in the 11's on the rear.

How much of a traction difference am I going to see between the 11's and the 9.5's 1.) jumping on it from a stoplight(also 1/4 times) and 2.) holding the road around bends The finished product will have about 550ft/lb of torque and 625hp... it's a turbo setup.

Thanks, -Dave

ls2 bait

iTrader: (11)

0.not worth it--its mostly for looks. u want a taller tire if u want traction.

SSCamaro99_3

iTrader: (1)

It depends if he wantsd to go straight, turn, or both.

FastKat

iTrader: (10)

So how does this work... when is a wider tire better, and when is a taller tire better?

ArcticZ28

iTrader: (14)

Wider is better for turning, taller is better for traction going straight.

FastKat

iTrader: (10)

Okay, so am I going to see an overall significant difference between the 17x9.5's and the 17x11's on the rear, assuming the tire height is the same?!?!

777

iTrader: (21)

Yes. You cannot deny the fact that you are putting a considerable amount of tire on the ground that you previously did not have. More contact = more traction (given same rubber compound) How much more I don't know, is it worth it I don't know. But it will provide better traction. I know I get TONS better traction with my 315/35/17's than my friends 275/35or30/18's. I know that is a big difference in tires size, but the traction difference was huge. I couldn't even get on it in first because you would start sliding. I don't know how much power he was making but he was running mid 13's @108 or so. I'm making 385rwhp and should be running a lot better than that.

FastKat

iTrader: (10)

Are your tires wider or taller or both? I'm not that quick with the tire sizes. I understand how the numbers work but can't work that into wheel widths and tire heights.

ls2 bait

iTrader: (11)

if u want straight line traction your main goal is going to be more sidewall--u want the wrinkle effect. (but of course not like an et drag) for instance 2 tires the same hieght--1 17 inch--1 18 inch--the 17 should hook up better.

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

FastKat, I'm assuming you have money for good tires that wear quickly?

If money is not tight, I would check out the Nitto 555RII in 275/40/17. Is that the size you are looking for?
http://www.nittotire.com/tires_555r2.asp

It's a great tire, but lasted me only 5K miles. I can't afford them. This is the tire that will give you good acceleration, cornering and braking and work well in the rain. When they start to get bald, they still stick good on wet roads, but puddles need to be avoided.

Tally TransAm

iTrader: (17)

tire selection is going to make a much bigger difference that tire width