275 tire up front. Does it matter what size wheel?
 

Been talking lots about wheels. This one is for tires. Looking to keep it square, and looking for everything to not only fit right, but also look right. I know there are several different 17" wheels where people are running 275 on all four corners. Assuming the same overall diameter of right there about 25.75" ish, and the right offset/backspace, would it matter if the wheel was a 17" or 18" Not worried about tie rods or brakes. Thinking about tires and rubbing. I can't see that it'd matter.

Re: 275 tire up front. Does it matter what size wheel?
 

A 18" tire will be more "square", so its possible it would rub before a similar 17" setup. Either way, I don't see it as a big deal with either size. I would think 18" would have more options for tires.

Re: 275 tire up front. Does it matter what size wheel?
 

The overall diameter of a 275/40/17 and 275/35/18 are the same. The widths are the same for the tires, though wheel (not tire) widths may differ if you go 9", 9.5", etc. The more you stretch the sidewalls, though, the shorter the diameter will become.

Depending on the wheels, the 18s may have more open space for suspension bits to clear vs. the 17s.

Re: 275 tire up front. Does it matter what size wheel?
 

For a 275 tire, you want to use a 9.5" or 10" wheel - although you can run a 9".

As a 275 is 11" wide, you might notice a difference comparing a tire on a 9", 9.5", or 10" wheel - but none will ever look "stretched". There is a limit however of how much you can stretch a sidewall on a wider wheel and no, it won't decrease the diameter as the sidewalls themselves cannot be folded flat.

Re: 275 tire up front. Does it matter what size wheel?
 

Go with the 18's. As the OP said you have more tire options and can controll the height of the tire by the sidewall height. I also think it looks more modern with the 18's :burnout:

Re: 275 tire up front. Does it matter what size wheel?
 

Go 18. I went 17 and as soon as I mounted them on the car I wished I had gone 18. The clearance between the tie rod end and strut housing is a concern to address on the 17" rims at 9-10" wide. I've heard 16 and 17 diameter wheels are the sweet spot on these cars but I'm not going to do any road racing and the auto cross I do will never be on a national competition level.

Re: 275 tire up front. Does it matter what size wheel?
 

I have rear c5 vette rims on the front of my car. Thats an 18 inch 9.5 rim running a 275/35/18. There is a tiny bit of rubbing on the inside of the fender well, only at full lock though. So basically when parking or making a U turn. Im sure with a bit more spacer I could get no rubbing at all, but its so minimal I just left it alone. The car has soooo much front end grip, I wish i could say the same for the rears... Also with the 18 inch rim, the outer tie rod sits inside the rim. I think if you had a 9.5 17 inch rim, the tie rod would hit the inside lip.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...194b9f196.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...811a35a42.jpeg

Re: 275 tire up front. Does it matter what size wheel?
 

Mine is probably between 1/8-1/4" Its tight. Wish I had gone 18s.

Re: 275 tire up front. Does it matter what size wheel?
 

mgg4591 .....wow, that looks sharp! ...that's the second time in as many days you've impressed with me with your car! ...love that exhaust too.:thumbsup:

Tibo....yeah...from a purely cosmetic point of view, I'm still 50/50, but Soooooo many practical reasons to go 18. I'm comin' around.

Re: 275 tire up front. Does it matter what size wheel?
 

Tell ya what, if you really want 17 x 9.5 on all four corners I might be able to sell you mine so I can get some 18s.