Just like it says, I'm looking at new tires for my 1997 XK8 and saw there are more options for less money. I know overall height is one inch shorter, but I figure it would be ok. Just worried it'll look stupid at standard height

 

And before I catch too much flack, I did do a search but got tired of reading about 18-20" rims!

 

I run these on all four corners... for very perculiar reasons. Not by choice but necessity.

I wouldn’t run this set up by choice but have very particular reasons due to the extreme climate in the Arabian Gulf. It’s hot here, really hot during the summer desert heat.

Due to RWD and heat, sun and humidity, tyres don’t last much beyond 2 or 3 years max. I went with non standard 245/45 on my Revolver wheels so I can rotate the tyres. Non stock choice but needs must. Best I found are Pirellis for reducing road noise and good grip in the cold ( relatively speaking).

In in terms of appearance there’s a noticeable gap on the rears from top of tyre to wheel arch, but needs must.

 

I don't know if I understand exactly. Why couldn't you rotate the 245/50r17's?

 

When I first had the car, my 245/50/R50 were bald. I did offer up new 245/50 replacements, but there wasn’t a sufficient top gap at the front. Maybe the springs had sagged or been modified.


That is the new gap on 245/45/R17.

To the “beady” eyes of the Forum members, this gap is now different from front and rear with 245/45/R17. I also have a slight front downward stance, so maybe the PO had done a modification as car came with bald 245/50 but I didn’t notice the lean when I was given the car.

When I test drove the car with 245/50, when I hit a pothole or speed bump, the front suspension tended to ******/bang.

So on my summer To List, is to check out front shocks. I note from this forum the XK8 is hard on front suspension. As I’ve the base 1999 XK8 na, I’m looking for GT comfort so am not too concerned about the look of 245/45 tyres rather than 245/50.

 

Ah ok now I understand 😊 Hopefully it's something simple with your front!

 

When I first got my 2000 XK8 it had 245/45/17 tires. They did not look very good, the diameter is off quite a bit from a 245/50. When I looked at the 245/50/17 tire selection it was pretty poor. I finally went with 235/55/17 UHP summer tires. They fit the stock rims and fill the wheel well pretty good. My car in normal ride height. The speedometer is dead on as the diameter is very close to the 245/50 diameter. The selection of tires in the 235/55 size is very good.

 

I ended up just ordering some Falken 245/50's on walmart.com. They are 45k mile tires for $93/tire. So not bad really

 

When I replaced tires a couple years ago I went from 245 45 to 245 50 17 General G Max AS-03. This brought the height up to proper measurement.