You guys crack me up. I don't think a 1/2" makes a damn bit of difference on a street car. You are talking a 1/4" per side. Even at 1" you are only talking a 1/2" per side.
I understand the whole "pulling the sidewalls in" idea, but a 1/2"??? Really? I wouldn't worry about it. Adjust the air pressures and forget about it. I've done this for many years and never experienced any ill affects, car drives fine, no center tread wear, and personally I like some sidewall on my cars anyway, gives me some curb rash protection
A track car is a different story. The "ONLY" time I really prefer a wider rim on my 275's are on my drag radial car, because in that instance, I lower air pressures at the track and want the most contact patch I can get for a small tire car making big power. There's a reason you see them mounted on a 10"+ rim in the 275 radial classes, although I don't care for the look, but you work within the rules of the class.
Hang on, I'll post a pic of my fathers car that will stir the pot some more
