[V8] tire size for 17's

[J123fs at aol.com]

I have been running 255/40/17's for two years on my 91 V8 with no issues  
here in New England on 17 x 9 ET35 rims.....I had 235/45's Michelin Pilots  AS's 
before and can say the el-chepo Kumho Escata's I bought are  better in every 
respect (especially price!!)- they are HR rated not ZR- (I'm not  ever driving 
over 90 mph with kids, responsibilities and  potential tickets and what not) 
and ride much better than the VR Pilots. 
I also have not killed any rims, unlike the Michelins which sacrificed two  
wheels to the pothole (Audi?) gods driving on the same roads. Methinks much  
stiffer sidewalls are too blame.
The grip level is also much better- tread rating is 360 IIRC- got 30+k on  
them and it's time for new ones- the Michelins got to 45 k before being  worn 
out, but anecdotally, where much noisier at the end them the Kumho's. And  at 3 
x the price, the Michelins where not worth it for the slightly extra  wet 
weather grip and mileage.
Just my BTDT.
Happy New Years to all!
Jack
 
 
 
In a message dated 12/29/2006 6:44:29 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
v8-request at audifans.com writes:


Woah!  Dave, I think you mean 45 series vs 60 series.   There is NO  
WAY you're running 45 mm sidewalls on 17" rims.   That would be less  
than 2" !!!  I don't recommend 17s at all  for pot-hole-ridden roads,  
though I haven't put the winters on the  V8 yet with this relatively  
balmy weather.  I wouldn't go more  than 235/45 series tires for 17"  
wheels - even then you'll have a  little rubbing on full turn lock.   
I've heard the Ur S-car guys  run up to 255/40 series  rubber.

Best,

Ingo