Following on from my other thread about camber, I was wondering if I could 'upgrade' my rear tyres to a slightly wider version.

The OE size is 285/30; could I maybe go for a 295 or 305/30 on the same rims without them stretching or compressing too much (and without affecting the overall rolling circumference too much)?

I like fat tyres

 

Not sure, but I asked this a while back and got no response that I remember of....

 

I have a Mustang as a fun weekend car and spend some time on the Mustang forums.
All the racers / tuners want the widest tire on any given wheel.
a 10" wide wheel can go upto 305mm wide BUT will it clear. The standard tire as stated is a 285-30-x20 trying to get a tire installation company to mount ultra wide tires can be difficult.
I went to 275-35-18's on my XJR normal width 255-40x18" and the tire company had a hell of a time getting them on due to low sidewall flex on 35 tires.
So your question may best be answered by calling your local friendly tire store and asking if they can mount a 305 tire on your rims. THEN it's a question of will it clear, depends on bulge amount over the side of the wheel.

Remember a 305 tire is a full 12" wide on a 10" wide wheel that's 2" difference
285mm is 11.22" wide on a 10" rim that's 1.2" difference
I recommend tirerack info pages for an explanation of this:

Tire Tech Information - Tire Specs Explained: Section Width

 

Thanks for you input. I found this useful tyre size calculator which kind of answers my question, although it would be nice to hear some real-life experience from an XK owner who has actually fitted wider tyres.

 

You can use 295/30 with ease. I am actually using larger tire diameter, 255/40/20 and 295/35/20, gives a bit more comfort and fills the arches nicer imho.

 

Interesting. According to the tyre calculator, 295/35s give a 5.3% increase in wheel diameter over the standard tyres. Doesn't this pose problems when it comes to the MOT?

 

I'll have another set of wheels for that ;-)

At least the speedo is now spot on.

 

295/35 on the rear might, but 295/30 seem OK which is what I am running. Not sure about 305/30 though.

Jim

 

I think I will go for 295/30s, particularly as - for some strage reason - they seem to be cheaper than 285/30s. Economies of scale?

 

I'm running 285/30s in back myself. Working fine but would have liked them a little wider.

 

I am running 295/35 on mine. works fine, look great!

 

Any chance you could post a picture? I am particularly interested in seeing how they look from the side with the extra bit of profile.

 

This is the best picture I have for right now. I am out of town.