xraydoc99

I am looking to replace the RE92's and loved the Potenza RE730's on my 99SE-L.

According to Tirerack.com the rim specs for the 255/50ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE730 Gen. 2 tire are 7"-9". I really like the idea of staying in spec on the rim width but was kind of scared at the thought of a 255mm wide tire on the 7" rim even though it says it will be within the manufacture recommendations.

I checked the tire calculator and it shows 4.6% too slow - speedo reads 60 when going 62.7 - that I can live with if the tire will do O.K.

Anyone have thoughts on this. Help appreciated.

max'n out

I would not do it for 2 reasons. one it may fit, but it would be very close to the omg stage of risk. 2. THe side wall would be massive, suv like sidewall. I would not do it, with anything less than an 8" wide wheel with 40-45 sidewall.

CBass69187

iTrader: (4)

I have pics of my 8" wide wheels with 245/45 on them if you would like to see. Personally, I would never put 255 on a 7" wide wheel.

My .02

asu174

iTrader: (11)

It will look like complete crap.

jjs

Not discussing the rim width aspect....

I don't think there would be anything wrong with the look of the tire. If you look at spec's the overall diameter would only be 1.1" greater than a stock RE92. That comes out to a visual increase in sidewall of only .55" on any given 'side' of the tire.

limsandy

iTrader: (1)

I wouldnt recommend putting 255/45 tire on the stock wheels. The widest tire I would put is 235/45.


~limsandy

y2kse

iTrader: (1)

He's not considering a 255/45 tire, limsandy. He's considering a 255/50. And interestingly, a 255/50 is in-spec on a 7.0"-wide rim while a 235/45 is not. Just goes to show you how much of an impact the aspect ratio has on rim width requirements.

xraydoc99

Thanks y2kse for pointing out again that the 255/50 IS within the manufacture specifications on the 7" wide rim. It is the ONLY wider than stock Brigestone RE730 size that is in spec on the stock rim (which I really like and want to stick with)

In reading through all the previous post the 255/50 size is really never mentioned and I was trying to figure out why this doesn't seem to be a viable alternative as a replacement tire.

What I can't figure out is why lots of the 235 and 245 series are "too wide" for the 7" rim and the 255 series is o.k. according to Brigestone.

I don't think the added diameter would make that much of a difference on a car that hasn't been lowered. Essentially .5 inch higher off the ground and .5 inch less wheel gap.

I am just trying to see if this might be an option that won't look absurd or cause any safety problems.

ducky

I saw 255/55/R18's on a LandRover this morning.. the sidewall is *HUGE*.. I hope you like the 4x4 look..

jjs

You do realize that the diff between a 255-50/17 and a 255-55/18 is about 2.1"?? Not quite a direct comparison.

ducky

well it was close enough to use my imagination as to how 255/50/17 would look..

max'n out

DOn't forget that a 255, with the stock off set will be further in than an aftermarket wheel with different offset and same size tire.