FIRESTONE SZ50 Tires....

[Bill McNeil]

I've got a place lined up that has a good deal on this series of tire. Either in 255/45/17 or 274/40/17. They are supposedly a medium compound tire that heats up nicely, yet doesn't lose tread quickly when hot. I really only "need" front tires, but it depends what size I go with.

They are $200 per tire for either szie. I was told they were made by Bridgestone in Japan. Also, that he has several customers who have street raced with these tires, and get very good traction with them.

Any thoughts, recommendations?

[fast Ed]

Bill, those are excellent tires made on a Bridgestone carcass in Japan ... I have a set of them on my old Cougar. Check out the reviews on Tire Rack ... nice tires, especially for $200 each !! That tire would usually sell for about $300 to $325 CAN in that size.


cheers
Ed N.

[Bill McNeil]

Thanks Ed.

What should I do about the sizes? If I put the 275 (40R/17) on the rear, they are approx 25.7" diameter, whereas their 255 (55R17) is 26.1"" in diameter. Will that be an big issue?

The tires are over about a year old, but new off the shelf.

Please advise...

[fast Ed]

The variance is small enough that it shouldn't cause any trouble. Ideally, 245-45-17 matches up with 275-40-17 for rolling diameter, or 255-45-17 with 285-40-17.


cheers
Ed N.

[Jason Wild]

Bill thats the tires I have on my car I like them a lot vary good all around tire even in the rain. I got a mine in a 225/60/16 size for $125 with instalation plus tax so thats was a good deal I know any other size was around $250 and up

[Bill McNeil]

Thanks again Ed.

What are your thoughts on running the 255s out front, and 275s out back?

Bad handling?

[tbirdsc357]

Bill, when I had my 255/45/17 Nittos in the front the handeling was poor. I went to 245/45/17 and it felt much better.

Anyone else had this??

[Bill McNeil]

I think I might just buy the 275s for the rear, and wear out the used Goodyear 255s that are on the front now before replacing them for no reason.

If anyone wants in on this tire deal, let me know.

Ed, question still pending about front/rear size variations.

Thanks everyone.

[fast Ed]

For best handling, our cars should have the same size tires at all 4 corners, since they are a bit front heavy ... if anything, we need a bit larger tires on the front, but that would just look silly. :rolleyes: :p

Having said that, on the street, I doubt you would notice much of a handling difference with staggered front / rear tire sizes vs. the same all around, in most situations.



cheers
Ed N.

[Bill McNeil]

Ed,

So if I only buy the 2 rear, which would you recommend? 255 or 275?

Here is a pic of the tire tread
http://www.bridgestonetire.com/dpp/glamour/tirephotos_full/SZ50.jpg

And here is a nice write-up on the tire itself: FIRESTONE (http://www.bridgestonetire.com/CA_EN/dpp/index.asp)

[fast Ed]

Bill, the 275-40 size should really be on a wider rim than an 8-1/2" ... and the SZ50 is a very chunky tire in that size. I'd suggest staying with the 255 size ... the 20 mm difference overall, when it's squeezed on to the minimum recommended rim size, isn't going to help you much for traction ... you might prefer the look of the bigger tires though, that's your decision.



cheers
Ed N.

[Bill McNeil]

Ed,

Thanks, that's the recommendation I was looking for.

The 275 is supposed to be on a 9.5" rim according to Firestone, and I really don't think it will give me much beter traction.

I'm going by the place today and I will compare the 2 sizes before purchasing.

Thanks again Ed,

[sabbySC]

Bill how wider are your rims? A wider rim will indeed net you better traction when used with a wider tire.

I've got 9" rims on my truck, with 255's I get a wider contact patch than my buddies mustang that runs 305's, he has a narrower rim than I. It's all in matching the rim to the tire, and buying a tire with a nice flat wider tread profile.

[fast Ed]

Seb, Bill has my old 17x8-1/2" ROH ZR wheels ...


cheers
Ed N.

[sabbySC]

Those are nice rims, I would suggest a 275mm wide tire at most on those. I myself am looking to find some wheels that are 13" wide. Ideally a set of viper wheels, as they bolt up and are of the corect backspacing, those would allow me to run 335's in the rear :cool: