I have the opportunity to pick up a set of 4 used firestone firehawks for $200 obo... 2 are like brand new and the other 2 are 50% tread left.

1. If these tires are in good condition would this be a good purchase?

2. what do these tires feel like on the road, as there not factory size (255 vs 245).

3. are these tires still in production?

I was thinking of using them on the rear of the car only and purchasing new 245/50/16 to use on the fronts.

I was really hoping to use the 50% on the fronts and newer on the back. Because $200 bucks is saving me having to buy new!

 

255/50-16 work on the rears with no problem. The fronts will rub the inner fender when turning sharpley.

Yes, 255's are still available.

 

I think i might pick them up because its a good price. Even if i just use them on the rear.

 

I've run 255/16s, on stock wheels on the front before, got no rubbing, not even after lowering the car.

I have 275s up front, on my 17" wheels now. Lowered (just a tad ) and they don't rub either.

 

thats good news!
im willing to take a chance and use 255 in all four corners.
I need tires and dont want to pay $900- $1100.

 

I dont see how. My 245 front Y2Ks rub the sway bar at full lock

 

Because I have wheels that fit & fit correctly, designed specifically for a 3rd gen. I did not use wheels from a different car, using adapters.

 

His GTA would have a steering box with internal stops that helped keep the 16" wheel cars from rubbing. Your steering box, while a direct swap, probably has lesser or no stops.

 

The A-arms have stops that hit long before the box internal stops hit. A-arms didnt swap for wheels after 83

 

My '88 WS6 (17,000 mile all original car including the factory Gatorback tires) & my '91WS6 had inner fender contact with the stock tires & wheels when backing up with the wheels turned. Not sure why your car does not touch.

For the original question, the 255's are minimally larger & will work fine.... just be careful backing up with the wheels turned sharply.