[randy]

Planning to buy the BF Goodrich KDW in 285/40/YR-17 as they are the biggest tire size I can get for 17 inch wheels in BF Goodrich. Are they as good as the KD's? or should I buy the 275/40YR17's in KD's instead.

 

[Steve Jarvis]

The 275 KD's will give you more grip and fit better than the 285 KDW's. The W in KDW is for wet traction. They are more of an all season tire.

Later, Steve

 

[randy]

Steve,
What are my options with 17-10 inch wheels? I basically like the look of broad tires and also want maximum traction as I am having problems putting power down, as the car is too strong coming out of 1st and 2nd it fishtails and really screechs. What tire and size do you recomend? Tirerack will ship them to me!
Thanks!
By the way I currently have Dunlop SP8000. 255/40/ZR17 all round.

 

[Steve Jarvis]

randy,

The brand/model tire will have more of an effect on traction than the size. The worst tire for traction in one that is over 75% worn. Tires with this many heat cycles tend to get very hard and loss a lot of their grip. The KD's are your best bet even though they get pretty noisey as they get worn out. I would recommend a 275/40R17 G-Force KD. This assumes you have at least a 40mm offset. If you also need a recommendation for the front, let me know what size and offset wheel you have on the front.

Later, Steve

 

[Andi]

I second Steve's opinion.... 275/40-17 KD's fit perfectly on 17x10s and are the best gripping tire you can get.

Andi

 

[randy]

Steve,
Thanks for your advice! Im sorry to say I have no clue about offset but the 255s in front fit quite easily and have no clearance problem. The rear is fine with enough gap using 255s. Will there be a problem with using 275s at the rear?
How do I check the offset?
Also will Summer heat on tires damage them and make them lose their performance?

 

[Grant]

randy,

The worst tire for traction in one that is over 75% worn. Tires with this many heat cycles tend to get very hard and loss a lot of their grip

Later, Steve

KDs seem to take this very well, MUCH better than any other tires I've had (but I haven't had many).

 

[Steve Jarvis]

The offset and size information should be cast on the inside of the wheel. I really can't say what will or will not clear without the offsets.

Later, Steve

 

[randy]

Will check and get back to you!~