Max width for STOCK rear wheels 16"

[QC97Z]

Hey all-

I'm going to keep my stock 16" chromes (use a 245/50/16), but will probably replace the tires, especially since my upcoming build will be around 600+ rwhp. I'm planning on using stock size tires up front, probably Nitto 555's. Probably going to go with Nitto 555R's on the back.
My question is this: can I go with a wider tire on the rear on the stock wheels? like a 275/35 or something of the sort?
I know I'll probably get a bunch of posts saying to get some different wheels, etc....and I may SOMEDAY, just not for a couple of years at least. I'm putting my money where it counts...into the drivetrain. Plus, keeping the stockers will make it even more sleeper-ish:secret:

[jaysz2893]

i am pretty sure you need a minimum of 9 inches wide to put a 275 on.

[KissMyWhtSS]

I wouldn't consider putting anything bigger than a 255/50/16 on a stock 16x8" wheel.

I believe they used that size on C4 Corvettes with 16" Wheels.

[harner]

I wouldn't consider putting anything bigger than a 255/50/16 on a stock 16x8" wheel.

I believe they used that size on C4 Corvettes with 16" Wheels.
+1

I'm running 255/50/16's on my Iroc wheels - BFG DR's actually. They fit alright but I wouldn't go any wider for your own safety.

[Chris]

Worry more about getting a good sticky tire rather than width on a stock wheel and drop the tire psi when you go to the track

[QC97Z]

Worry more about getting a good sticky tire rather than width on a stock wheel and drop the tire psi when you go to the track

Okay, what would you recommend? For fronts and rears? I'd like a DOT legal drag radial, that will still give me decent traction in rain (won't drive in rain unless I get stuck in it).

Fronts:
Nitto NT555 - doesn't show any favorable 16" sizes on Nitto's website
Any suggestions?

Rears:
Mickey Thompson ET Street Drag Radials P255/50/16
Nitto NT555R P245/50/16
Nitto NT555RII - No sizes in 16"
Nitto NT05R (new) - No sizes in 16"

Any thoughts on these? Looks like I'm pretty limited as far as using stock size (or close to). :(

[KissMyWhtSS]

Okay, what would you recommend? For fronts and rears? I'd like a DOT legal drag radial, that will still give me decent traction in rain (won't drive in rain unless I get stuck in it).
A bunch of people swear they can get around in the rain on NT555R's just as well as with any performance street radial. Personally, I wouldn't chance it. Either have a second set of wheels with drag radials you can switch out at the track (I actually did this when I had DR's on my '97 SS... except I put the street tires on anytime there was rain remotely in the forecast) or have a DD and don't drive your car in the rain.

Front: 245/50/16 NT450
Rear: 255/50/16 NT555R

[QC97Z]

A bunch of people swear they can get around in the rain on NT555R's just as well as with any performance street radial. Personally, I wouldn't chance it. Either have a second set of wheels with drag radials you can switch out at the track (I actually did this when I had DR's on my '97 SS... except I put the street tires on anytime there was rain remotely in the forecast) or have a DD and don't drive your car in the rain.

Front: 245/50/16 NT450
Rear: 255/50/16 NT555R

I've got an '06 Grand Prix for my DD. The camaro is a nice weather only/weekend driver, and stored from November 1-March 20-ish. Won't see much as far as road trips, just around the city and at the track every once in awhile. So if I get stuck in the rain with DR's, I won't be going too fast or too far. I definitely like the idea of picking up an extra pair of wheels for the rears with some street tires, just in case it heads onto the highway for some miles.

Anyone else have any suggestions for tires? Looks pretty limited, so I'll probably stick with the Nitto's. Just curious about some other options.

[SexyTransAm]

i am pretty sure you need a minimum of 9 inches wide to put a 275 on.
u can go as small as a7.5 in wheels with a 275. i know cause i had some 275/50/15 on some 15x7.5 wheels

[Chris]

It also depends on the tire mfg.

For the fronts I know I can say stay away from Fusion tires they suck.

I had some goodyear widetracks that I liked. MY favorites so far have been sumitohmos

I would just grab a decent treadyear all weather for the front and 555r for the rear imho

[jaysz2893]

what i do not understand is lets say different companies make a 315 wide tire. 315 is supposed to be the tread width in milimeters. Then why do Sumi or Nitto tires tend to be smaller than say Goodyears. They are all supposed to be 315's right? I see that as false advertizing...

Anyway if you are in doubt on min and max tire size to wheel fitment, the TireRack.com has a great breakdown of all the tire specs and wheel requirements.