I have a 87' GN w/ 8" weld prostar rims. They have a 3.5" backspacing.Looking to put the widest tire I can put on without rubbing. I know the BFG 275-50-15's will work, but I'd like to go a little wider if I can. Will BFG 295-50-15 radials work? Has anybody tried them on an 8" rim(3.5"bs)? Any other suggestions? Is 275's the limit?
Dave, for safety reasons I would not consider trying the 295 on the 8 inch rim. A general side wall rule is not to go over 1.4 or 1.5 inches of section width bulging on each side of the rim. If you were to mount the 295 on, you would have 1.8 inches of section width bulging on each end of the tire. It puts more stress on the bead and the side wall and would fear of a blow out if you hit a pot hole and I even heard of a blow out hitting a curb. In my opinion, it is not worth the extra 1 inch on that rim, the 295 fits better on the 10 inch. Bigger bulges are ok for slicks, not street tires. later
I have a 1987 GN-which I plan to install 16X8 centerlines. BF Goodrich indicates that 225/55-16 is the max size-but is it possible to install 245/50-16 without rubbing-or what about 265/50-16?
I would like to have the option to keep the tires the same size for rotation(front-rear). I'm surprised that 275/50-15 doesn't rub-guess BF Goodrich is conservative
If you want to go with 295/50's for more traction, 275/60 will fit a lot easier and will provide more traction than a 295/50. You can also get them in a drag radial that will provide WAYYYY more traction than a regular 295/50.
Emil,
Both 275/50's and 275/60's fit fine with no modifications, using stock t-type wheels. GN wheels are 1/8" closer to the frame and may rub more in hard cornering. On some cars they fit fine, on others they rub a little. Aluminum drums will help a little, too.
For 16" wheels, I have 255/50ZR16 on my '86 pontiac grandprix, with no fenderwell mods and no rubbing, but a T-R would need a little massaging of the front inner fender well and likely the wheel opening moulding to get that size to work. If you have to rotate, 245/50 is your best best. If you don't have to rotate, 255's on the back is better.