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Old 07-30-2018, 09:32 PM   #1
Yellow Jacket
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275/40r17 or 315/35r17 which is better for overall performance on rear?

Hello all, I've been running Sumitomo 315/35r17s on the rear with stock size tires up front on my Mach for several years and am not really thrilled with the performance of the rear tires.

I've noticed there are few tire choices for that size, but lots more if you drop down to 275/40r17. I'm tempted to spend the money on Goodyear F1s and stick with the big fatty tires on rear, but I've also read that our cars may actually perform better with a 275/40r17 since it is so light, and that the fat tire may actually hinder performance.

I have stock rims up front and Mach 1 AFS clones in back that are 17x10.5.

I appreciate any educated opinions y'all can offer.

Thanks in advance!
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Old 07-31-2018, 01:12 PM   #2
AlloyPony
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Re: 275/40r17 or 315/35r17 which is better for overall performance on rear?

I think tire selection is more important than tire size.

I ran 315/35 Mickey Thompson Street Comps on my '01 and they would spin like crazy unless it was a 90 degree day outside. Hated those tires.

Now I'm running 315/35 Nitto Motivo on the Mach and they hook up regardless of temperature. They just grab the road and go. The width seems to help grab the pavement. On the 245/45 tires it would spin and squeal a lot. Now it squats and takes off.
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Old 07-31-2018, 03:22 PM   #3
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Thumbs up Re: 275/40r17 or 315/35r17 which is better for overall performance on rear?

Quote:
Originally Posted by AlloyPony View Post
I think tire selection is more important than tire size.

I ran 315/35 Mickey Thompson Street Comps on my '01 and they would spin like crazy unless it was a 90 degree day outside. Hated those tires.

Now I'm running 315/35 Nitto Motivo on the Mach and they hook up regardless of temperature. They just grab the road and go. The width seems to help grab the pavement. On the 245/45 tires it would spin and squeal a lot. Now it squats and takes off.
Thanks very much for the input, that is a tire I hadn't considered.
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Old 08-01-2018, 07:24 AM   #4
HAEG
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Re: 275/40r17 or 315/35r17 which is better for overall performance on rear?

FYI, In my opinion the good year F1 tire is terrible. Had them on my 2011 Shelby and all they did was spin and never hook up. M&H makes a drag radial I've had a lot of luck with and has more tread then the ET streets. The ET Streets worked well for me but I was only using them at the track. M&H makes a factory size drag radial 245/45 I believe they are, no issues in the rain.
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Old 08-01-2018, 08:48 AM   #5
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Re: 275/40r17 or 315/35r17 which is better for overall performance on rear?

I like my 315/35-17 NT555R. My car only sees 1-2K miles per year though, so I can't speak to tread life.
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Old 08-01-2018, 10:21 AM   #6
311-420
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Re: 275/40r17 or 315/35r17 which is better for overall performance on rear?

how much power do you make and what are your suspension mods?
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Old 08-09-2018, 04:18 PM   #7
Yellow Jacket
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Re: 275/40r17 or 315/35r17 which is better for overall performance on rear?

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Originally Posted by 311-420 View Post
how much power do you make and what are your suspension mods?
Good question, thanks for asking.

My car put down 320+ hp and 345+ t. (mods: intake and exhaust, and a really good tune)

I have zero modifications to the suspension and since it only has 36,500 miles on it, the original stuff isn't worn out.

I welcome any suggestions you might have.

Thanks!
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Old 08-09-2018, 04:32 PM   #8
mikeracing
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Re: 275/40r17 or 315/35r17 which is better for overall performance on rear?

What are you using the car for. Drag and just launches, 315, handling 274/40 all the way around
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Old 08-24-2018, 05:40 PM   #9
Yellow Jacket
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Re: 275/40r17 or 315/35r17 which is better for overall performance on rear?

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What are you using the car for. Drag and just launches, 315, handling 274/40 all the way around
Just for fun. I'm not serious about drag racing and don't autocross or road race, but I'd like more traction all year long because I drive it all year, but generally not in inclement weather unless I get caught out somewhere and it starts raining.
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Old 08-24-2018, 07:42 PM   #10
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Re: 275/40r17 or 315/35r17 which is better for overall performance on rear?

245-45-17 Nitto NT555 G2
315-35-17 Nitto NT555R (these can go 10k miles if you're nice to them)

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