I have been considering buying 17" wheels for several years but have not been able to find the tires that I want to use with them. All of 17" performance tires that I can find seem to be 35 or 40 series, IE. 275/40/17 or 315/35/17.

I would like to get a set of 17" tires that are at least 28" in diameter and at least 275 wide. The only ones I have been able to find seem to be truck tires with a 40,000 to 60,000 mile tread warranty. I doubt they are very sticky. I would buy drag radials in this size if I could find them but it appears no one makes them.

They are for a street car but I need all the traction I can get. Does anyone know of any sticky tires of this size.

The closest thing I have found so far is a Nitto 450 in 275/50/17. I have heard good things about Nitto 555s, but nothing about the Nitto 450s. Has anyone tried them?

Thanks, Joel

I'm running BFG's KDWS 255/50'17's. It's the new Impala SS replacement and comes in at 27" tall. Nice tire!

JD

The Firestone Firehawks are nice. Also the Bridgestone Potenza tire.

Are any of these available in a 275 or 285 or 295/50/17 size? The 255/50/17 might work well as a front tire but I want/need a wider rear tire.

Look at Pirelli. They have the most odd sizes, and they make the one i was looking for (a 235/40/ZR17). A bit pricey, but they may make it. I couldn't find anything but a 45 profile or higher in a 235. They might make a 275/50.
Tyler

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I've don't know about Pirelli, but I've yet to see a 17" size taller than 27" from B.F.G. or Goodyear.

JD