I have recently acquired a set of 17" Revolver rims for my 2005 4.2 XK8 with a view to getting a more comfortable ride on long-distance Autobahn journeys (1000 miles+). As others have reported here many times, getting 245/50 r17 tyres in the UK is a pain unless you love Pirellis at £1000+ a set (hmmm), Bridgestone run-flats at £650 (better, but with some bad reviews regarding tyre noise) or General Altimax Sports at aound £400 a set (don't know much about these at all).

245/55 r17 will give me around 2% increased circumference compared to my existing 255/40 r19's (rear) which I think I can live with, but does anyone have any practical experience of using the larger-than-specified profile tyre on the XK?

 

255/45 R 17 (Dunlop Sport Maxx) with no problems at german HU (MOT),
and better look.

 

With an XK8, I'd also vote for 255/45's. Shorter is better unless you have an R and then taller gives more traction.


55 series only goes on SUV's in the US, not performance cars.


In the US, Sumitomos are $85/Tire + shipping and have good reviews


Continental Extreme Contact DW are good tires in this size, also. I have these on my 5.0 Mustang (but 275/40R19). good traction, handling and ride.