275 tire question

[Turbo6Smackdown]

I have 275 bfg drag radial 2's on stock rims. When you're looking down at the tire, they bulge out quite a bit (at least in my opinion) from the rim. I'd like the tire to be as in line with the rim as possible. I heard that going to an 8" rim width, would help that bulge. Though, when switching to an 8 incher, would that screw with my frame rail clearance whatsoever? I'm guessing that the bulge would be less, but then now my rims wider... Sort of like taking 1 step forward, then another back.
Are the 8 inchers what I'm looking for?

 

[BarbeeT]

I have 275 bfg radials on an 8-1/2 inch rim and it looks fine in my opinion. Doesnt bow out really at all. So to anawer your question I think a wider rim is what you need, and to the frame concern I have just enough clearance to where it doesnt rub. hope that helps.

 

[toofastforyou]

I have 275 bfg drag radial 2's on stock rims. When you're looking down at the tire, they bulge out quite a bit (at least in my opinion) from the rim. I'd like the tire to be as in line with the rim as possible. I heard that going to an 8" rim width, would help that bulge. Though, when switching to an 8 incher, would that screw with my frame rail clearance whatsoever? I'm guessing that the bulge would be less, but then now my rims wider... Sort of like taking 1 step forward, then another back.
Are the 8 inchers what I'm looking for?

"Turbo6Smackdown", I had the same exact problem as you several years ago. I did try some 275-60-15's on the stock GN 7" wide rims and it seemed as if the sidewalls of the tires were "squeezing in" because the rim wasn't wide enough. What I did was to have some 8" wide GN rims made (with a rear spacing of 3.5") and, using the same tires, this helped the overall appearance...but after a few years, I still wanted the rear wheel openings to look a little more "filled up", so...
...last fall, I ordered some aftermarket 10" wide rims (rear spacing of 4.5") on which I again re-installed my 275-60-15's on them and this time, it's P-E-R-F-E-C-T (for my taste at least...) Here are some pictures for you to see the differences in appearance when going to 8" and then 10" wide rims... The first two pictures are using the 8" wide rims and the two last, using the 10" wide rims... Keep in mind that the tires are the SAME!...)

Hope this helps you in making a decision!

Claude. :wink:

 

[2QUICK2B6]

This is how 8.5 rear wheels look with 275/50/15's .... your framerail clearance will have alot to do with how centered your rearend wasinstalle from the factory.

 

[Turbo6Smackdown]

2quick, i have the 50's on 7 inchers, and they look identical. So im guessing that the 8 inchers will do nothing for me? I'm guessing it's the lower profile that's making it stick out like that. Ahh well, I'm going to try 8 inchers anyways. Gettin me some lightweight aluminum alternatives to my stockers. Mind as well get the wider rims. Thanks for the help and good photos guys. keep 'em comin if you like.

 

[Turbo6Smackdown]

How will 275/50's mount on 10" rims? Will it look normal? Finally got the car to where it needs more traction now, and about to pull the trigger. Any pics of people running this combination?

 

[87geeinn]

275/50/15 ET Streets on 8" Aluminum stock repro wheel. Keep in mind when going to a 8" rim, you will need to account for backspacing for the fit to be correct. One inch spacers on the front hubs really helps handling and fills out the front. Gets rid of that sunken in look.

 

[Mr.Spool]

the 255/60/15 are the perfect tire on the stock rim,its a little taller at 27 inch but hooks good and looks great.

 

[earlbrown]

If the back spacing is the same you can get 30" wide rims and the gap to the frame will be the same.

If your body is true with the frame and the axle is centered there's a little room there. When I got my stock rims widened I put an extra 1/4" of backspace in. that way the rim only moved out 3/4". On a good dip at speed the sidewall will hit the fender lip. It's worse if I have a bunch of beers, digging tools, and a body or two in the trunk.

 

[GNICETRY]

the 255/60/15 are the perfect tire on the stock rim,its a little taller at 27 inch but hooks good and looks great.

Agreed. That is what I had before I went to my 10" GN's

 

[rag231]

when I got to the point of needing more tire, I went taller instead of wider. The 275/60 is were I am at right now. It doesnt have as wide as a footprint of the 275/50 but I did roll the fender lips when I lowered the car to get rid of some fender well. Rims are 8.5 Centerline Convo Pros. At the speeds obtained with the 275 drag radials , I dont think that I will ever have a need to go bigger.

 

[Mr.Spool]

It depends on the size of the bug that bites youI'm rolling on 30 inch tires.these cars love sidewall.

 

[1987GNASTROROOF]

the 255/60/15 are the perfect tire on the stock rim,its a little taller at 27 inch but hooks good and looks great.

So that size is the biggest you can use on the rear on a stock GN rim? I love the tough look a bigger tire gives the car.


Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[Mr.Spool]

There is no drama with that tire.see it starts with the bigger tire then a wheel spacer here or there the long wheel studs,rolled lips and can go on from there.

 

[Phoneguy]

when I got to the point of needing more tire, I went taller instead of wider. The 275/60 is were I am at right now. It doesnt have as wide as a footprint of the 275/50 but I did roll the fender lips when I lowered the car to get rid of some fender well. Rims are 8.5 Centerline Convo Pros. At the speeds obtained with the 275 drag radials , I dont think that I will ever have a need to go bigger.

The 275/50 and the 275/60 are exactly the same width, just different sidewall height, one is 26" tall and the other is 28" tall.

Bryan

 

[Mr.Spool]

The 275 50 has a 10.5 tread width while the 275/60 has 9.5 on the tread width,belly to belly the 275 is 11.3 while the 275/60 is 11.0,the rollout is 5 inches greater in favor of the 275/60.

 

[rag231]

That's what I was thinking on the footprint sizes.

 

[2QUICK2B6]

275/60/15 I still will need a wider taller tire to put the hp down

275/5015 stock wheel






275/60/15

 

[2QUICK2B6]

I got 1.55 60fts with a te60 turbo mid 11's

 

[2QUICK2B6]

the 275/50 were dead hook or blow them off = why I went 275/60