I have been running 245/40ZR17 up front and the 275/40ZR17 in the rear in B-Stock on my non-CR AP2 for years now. I just went to order a fresh set for the season and noticed the new 275/35ZR17 size. The overall diameter would go from 25.5" on the 40 profile to 24.7" diameter on the 35 profile. I realize any potential gearing advantage would be a course dependent issue but just wanted to see what the opinions are for B-stock.

I suppose this could possibly change things on the front axle for some folks as well. I am already rubbing the 245s some - probably due primarily to the wider offset of the OZ wheels so i doubt I would be able to make this work up front. I am considering it for the rear though. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

I wonder how this would work for the front. Maybe it would take some of the numbness out (or make worse) of the steering, help with fender liner clearance, etc. Im sure some will try it.

-Marc

 

This has me wondering if the 275 square will work for us standard ap2 guys.

 

I am wondering the same thing but I figure I would probably need a narrower offset than the OZ wheels to make it work.

Jeff, you try it first and let me know if it works! HaHa!

 

I wouldn't use this size on the rear simply because the AP2 gearing is short enough and has no clearance issues in the back.

-Marc

 

I might try it Steve, I'm still on a set of OEM wheels so thats one less problem I might have. I'm with Marc too, I'd stick with the 275/40 out back, I don't want to run out of 2nd gear any faster than I do now.

So whats to be gained? Although significantly wider, what is the end result width of tread after being pinched down on the 7" wheel? How do the 3.79" sidewall (275) and 3.86" sidewall of the 40 series compare in driveability? Is the slightly shorter height negated by the additional cupping of the tire?

hmm, maybe I won't bother trying.

 

I might try it Steve, I'm still on a set of OEM wheels so thats one less problem I might have. I'm with Marc too, I'd stick with the 275/40 out back, I don't want to run out of 2nd gear any faster than I do now.

So whats to be gained? Although significantly wider, what is the end result width of tread after being pinched down on the 7" wheel? How do the 3.79" sidewall (275) and 3.86" sidewall of the 40 series compare in driveability? Is the slightly shorter height negated by the additional cupping of the tire?

hmm, maybe I won't bother trying.
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I guess I will stay with the same old staggered setup. If you decide to try it, I am definitely interested to hear how it works out. You have a good point that the shorter sidewall will make the tire pinch even worse that the 40 series, which is already getting pinched down a bunch to get a 275 on a 7" wheel.

 

If you are a baller I suppose people could have two sets and choose between each depending on how fast the course will be. A tight course that kept the speeds under 61mph may be faster with the shorter tire due to less rotating mass and a more favortable gear ratio. On the other hand as some noted the pintching the the shorter sidewall tire may cause "issues".

 

I might try it Steve, I'm still on a set of OEM wheels so thats one less problem I might have. I'm with Marc too, I'd stick with the 275/40 out back, I don't want to run out of 2nd gear any faster than I do now.

So whats to be gained? Although significantly wider, what is the end result width of tread after being pinched down on the 7" wheel? How do the 3.79" sidewall (275) and 3.86" sidewall of the 40 series compare in driveability? Is the slightly shorter height negated by the additional cupping of the tire?

hmm, maybe I won't bother trying.
[/quote]
I guess I will stay with the same old staggered setup. If you decide to try it, I am definitely interested to hear how it works out. You have a good point that the shorter sidewall will make the tire pinch even worse that the 40 series, which is already getting pinched down a bunch to get a 275 on a 7" wheel.
[/quote]

Maybe, maybe not. The bead may be larger to allow the tire to sit further out on the wheel with the smaller sidewall ... or it may be shorter and pinch the tire more. Back in the day, I noticed my v710s has a smaller inner bead on the 275s than made it pinch more on the 8.5" wheel compared to the 275 A6s. We wont know until someone tries this. In general, Hoosier makes these tires to fit smaller wheels. Some more than others.

-Marc

 

Ok, another quick thought. Right now, the only thing keeping me from running the 275/40 up front is the spring rate, whereas a CR has enough. Is -.2" in height enough to make up that difference?