275 or 285

[PamAndJim]

I am now saving up for my next "big" purchase which will be a set of wheels and tires. After a lot of thought and research, I've settled on a square set up consisting of the 20x10 SVE GT 350 replicas. They are much more budget friendly than a lot of the other options out there, and I like the fact that I can run a square set up without worrying about spacers, etc. For tires I have decided on the Firehawk Indy 500 based on the reviews I've read here and elsewhere on the intarweb. Originally, the plan was to go with 275/35/20 all the way around. But, in comparing the prices, I realized I can get 285/35/20 for about $12 more per tire. So, I have a few options which I would love to get everyone's opinions on. The options I am considering are:
- Run 275's all around
- Run 285's all around (will they fit)
- Run 275's up front and 285's out back.
A little about my car - it's lowered on Steeda progressive springs. It is my daily driver and I don't ever track it, or have any plans to do so. I'm more about straight line performance, but do like a twisty road every now and then. I do like the idea of being able to rotate my tires, but it is not a deal breaker. I do worry a little bit that if I do run staggered tires that I may not be able to get the same tires when it's time to replace there rears (I've read that you typically replace the rear tires in about half the time of the fronts and I don't want to have mismatched tires). I also like the look of a meatier tire (that I'm assuming the 285 would give me) and the idea of having a little extra protection around the wheel is nice, especially on a daily driver. I'd appreciate any advice you all have to share.

BTW, Tirerack has this deal going, which seems like a good deal. If they're still available when I have the cash, I may go this route.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...0&rearWidth=255/&rearRatio=40&rearDiameter=17

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[Paul@PKAUTODESIGN]

You can run either or sizing square without issues at all for the fitment.

Personally I like a wider fitment.

 

[BmacIL]

If you don't track it, save the money and get 275 square. Less tramlining, slightly better fuel economy (and I mean slightly) and better hydroplaning resistance.

 

[Grintch]

285. It a powerful and heavy car. It needs a lot of tire.

 

[PamAndJim]

285. It a powerful and heavy car. It needs a lot of tire.

I guess that's one of the questions I have. Would there even be a noticeable difference between the two? I mean, we're talking 10 mm of tread width and an additional 3(ish)mm of sidewall, right?

 

[Quackfoo]

I guess that's one of the questions I have. Would there even be a noticeable difference between the two? I mean, we're talking 10 mm of tread width and an additional 3(ish)mm of sidewall, right?

None that you'd probably notice on the street. I run the 275 on my summer wheels on all 4 corners, works great for me.

 

[SWETRID]

Any complaints of tramlining with these size tire options? I have same wheel setup and cant decide on what tire size also.

 

[Grintch]

I guess that's one of the questions I have. Would there even be a noticeable difference between the two? I mean, we're talking 10 mm of tread width and an additional 3(ish)mm of sidewall, right?

Every little bit helps. Feel free to go bigger. But >285 up front starts getting complicated. And could also use a wider wheel.

 

[Paul@PKAUTODESIGN]

Every little bit helps. Feel free to go bigger. But >285 up front starts getting complicated. And could also use a wider wheel.

285 is a sweet spot.

 

[stang9779]

I was thinking about this same setup only. 265/35r20 up front and 285/35r20 rear.

 

[jbailer]

I had the same decision and was convinced to go 285 square. But what [MENTION=10281]BmacIL[/MENTION] said has me thinking. I don't track and never will but I push it HARD in corners so I'm still not sure.

 

[BmacIL]

I had the same decision and was convinced to go 285 square. But what [MENTION=10281]BmacIL[/MENTION] said has me thinking. I don't track and never will but I push it HARD in corners so I'm still not sure.

I'm planning for 285 square but will be autocrossing/tracking the car occasionally on the same tires. If it were just a spirited daily with no track use I'd get 255 or 265 with a good summer compound. It'd lack some forward grip compared to a 275 or 285 but would be a better tire from a practical standpoint.

 

[jbailer]

I'm planning for 285 square but will be autocrossing/tracking the car occasionally on the same tires. If it were just a spirited daily with no track use I'd get 255 or 265 with a good summer compound. It'd lack some forward grip compared to a 275 or 285 but would be a better tire from a practical standpoint.

The wheels I'm getting are 10" wide though. I don't really want to run anything less than 275s on them.

 

[BmacIL]

The wheels I'm getting are 10" wide though. I don't really want to run anything less than 275s on them.

Then yeah, go 275 unless the 285 is very comparable on price. For the Indy 500 it's $30 more a tire.

 

[wildcatgoal]

Whichever one you can get the tire for the cheapest... you won't notice all that much handling improvement from the 285 on a 10" wheel.

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