superloaf

so i have 4 255/40 tires but my front wheels are only 7" wide and just wondering if anyone has ever mounted 255's on 7" wheels? the tire companies usually all say that 255's should be on 8-10" wide wheels or something like that. i'm assuming that the 255's will be ok but just wanted to make sure. also, is this a good set up for a 951? i figure the added front width will be nice but then ultimately, the car will still have more grip in the rear due to the wider rear wheels (rears are 9" wide so i'm NOT trying to use 7's all the way around!)

thanks for any insight

pa951

no... that would look way wrong. Besides it is to wide for a 7j wheel. The tyre wil hang over the edges. Not a good thing for the grip. On a small wheel like that you would normally use a 205, 215 or max 225 tyre

TX951

What spec tire, and diameter? Look it up on the manufacturer website.

I know from experience there are some track/DOT 255's that are manufacturer approved for 7" wide 16" diameter wheels.

Regardless of fit, I agree with pa951 that it wouldn't look right. Better to just pick up some 225/45s and keep the extra 255s since you'll need them anyway. Or sell, trade, etc.

Edit (1): just re-read the title.... 17" diameter.

superloaf

well, it's pilot sport cups so it's not just a matter of buying the right size as they are ridiculously expensive. i'm not too worried about "looks" as i don't think it would even look unusual. however, i would be interested in hearing from anyone else who might have done this--surely, i can't be the first person to attempt it.

or failing that, if there is anyone out there who wants to trade a single 8x17 cup 1 wheel for 2 7x17 cups that i have, please let me know. so that is you will get two 7x17's for a single 8x17.

Willard Bridgham 3

There's always another person who made the same mistake, but that doesn't mean it's the right idea. Michelin recommends 8.5-10" wheels for this tire.

Running a tire this large on a 7" wheel will decrease your handling from the recommended tire width.

jmj951

The max you should run on the 7x17 is a 225/45.

9x17 is the minimum you should use for the 255's and they should be very easy to come by, but I don't know how well that will fit within the front wheel wells.

docwyte

9x17 ET55 fits very nicely in the front. I run them with 275-40-17 race tires and -3.2 camber. Fits fine, no rubbing.

KuHL 951

I ran 255-40/17 in front on my 951 but I had 9" width and a 245-40 would have been better; IMO 7" is just too narrow and you will suffer accelerated edge wear and vagueness at limit. Any tire can 'fit' but I'd go for the best width/tire combo you can since handling is what these cars are about.