[DevoBuzz]

I'm running 275/50/15's on an 8 inch rim in the back on my 72. I think I have only 2 choices since 275's aren't made anymore - 255/60's and 295/50's. I'm concerend that the 255's would be too tall to match up with the 235/60 fronts and the 295/50's will roll over the rim when turning. Any suggestions? How do the 295/50's handle with the 8 inch rim??

[b-man]

The 295 can be run on an 8 to 10" wide wheel, it's 26.7" tall. A wider rim is always better if you like to corner, but the 8" wheel is fine.

The 255/60s are 27.1" tall, so there's really not a lot of difference there between the two. Your 235/60s are 26.1" tall and would look fine with either tire.

I'd run the 255/60s.

Unfortunately when you're running 15 or even 16" tires there aren't as many size choices as there used to be. Guys still running 14" wheels have it even worse with very few sizes to choose from.

Moving up to 17" wheels opens up your tire size choices in a big way, it might be worth considering especially for a corner-carver.

[marauder]

I have some 295/50s on 15x8 Rally IIs that seemed to work just fine.

[hobbygto65]

Why not 275/60's.

[Blowd]

275/60's are really tall by comparison. 295/50's would prolly be a good choice in most cases. Mickey makes a 12 x 26.00 -15 in their SR style that's a bit closer to the 275/50 diameter-wise.
On my parts chaser, I had snugged up my 275/50's on the inside with some custom offset wheels and carried a 235/60 spare because I run a clutch type posi. 295's just wouldn't quite clear. I found some off brand 265/50-15's for now (i bought 3 of 'em just in case they get dicontinued) but I'm still in search of a better solution (read new wheels)

[72blackbird]

The 15" low profile rubber is not in demand as much as it once was, back in the 90's before the 17", 18" and up sizes became more popular. If you think about all of the ricers and euros out there running 18", 19", 20" low profiles, it's easy to see why 15" speed- rated low profile rubber is no longer being made. I used to run either V-rated 235/60's or 265/50's- now BFG and Pirelli no longer make those sizes in a speed rated tire.

Unfortunately you need to upgrade to a 17" or 18" wheel to get V or Z-rated rubber now. But at least Year One now has the 17 x 9 snowflakes out- those with a 275/40R17 will look nice on any Firebird (maybe even on a GTO).

Geno

[smellmygas]

are you talking about a specific tire? I run a 275/50/15 MT drag radials, purchased a little while back....are you saying when i burn these up that Im not gonna find another?
I had a hell of a time fitting mine to the wheel well/lip, i had to do some grinding and what not so it wouldnt rub the lip wouldnt rub the tire.
I couldnt imagine going to a 255 and 295 would rub for sure.

[Blowd]

Good point SMG, the drag radials are still available, at least from BFG and Nitto. With soft compound and only 5/32 of tread out of the gate they get a little pricey for a driver...