Bigs 'n' Littles?

[mykturk]

I've made a half hearted search here and haven't seen this directly addressed. Is anyone here running different size tires front and back? You know, old fasioned bigger/taller back tires than front? (For looks of course) If so, is it causing any problems with the ETS or ABS? Any advice? The car is nearing a rubber replacement and I'd like to step up the rear size a notch or two... Thanks!
Later
Mike

[Gimli]

The problem you'll most likely encounter will be with the brakes. By jacking up the back you put more weight on the front and the brakes will be strained a lot more.

Your 99 will also most probably give you a low tire pressure light since the front wheels will be turning faster than the back ones.

[cavingman]

mfuller did this is think, ask him

[mfuller]

Originally posted by cavingman
mfuller did this is think, ask him
'Fraid not....'twas not me......Dr_Kyle was running 17's in front and 18's in back for a time, but I think he may have swicthed back to the same size all around. As long as you keep the rolling diameter of the front all the tires about the same, you'll be fine...if not, the ABS sensors will tell the BCM that you have low tire pressure (because of rotation speed difference). Regardless, there is no functional benefit to doing this; moreover, you're adding weight to an already overweight vehicle.

Here's an idea, Mike.....
Pick up a set of lowering springs; Eibach, H&R, and Intrax are the most popular brands, and the ride comfort penalty is pretty minimal with either brand. They tend lower the front of the car a bit more than in back (.25-.5"), so you'll have that "raked" look you're after. Plus, you get better handling to boot.

[cavingman]

oh yea, musta been kyle, my bad

[Dr_Kyle]

Yep, it's me. I am running 225/45R17 in the front and 235/40R18 in the back. I have had no problems thus far and I think it looks great too. Here's a pic:

http://www.doctorspeed.com/tempfiles/17-18.jpg

It just looks more 'balanced' to me to have bigger wheels in the back. Sure it'd make more sense on a RWD car...:rolleyes: hehe

[mykturk]

Thanks, that's the answer I was looking for. I'm guessing your 'low tire pressure' warning light is still functioning, right? That was a big selling point for the car as my wife drives the car to work daily (70 miles round trip, evening shift) and the warning light has been a welcome device on more that one occation. ( I had changed a few trashed tires late at night, in the middle of no place, on our old GP and it aint fun. BTW, I'm looking for a kit that will add a 'low tire pressure' warning for my Big Car, the BonnEvil, if anyone knows of an aftermarket item like that...) I'm thinking the tire speed sensors have to have some variables built in, all 4 tires don't always spin at the same speed under normal driving conditions, corners speed up the outside wheels for one example. So far, the warning has only gone off when there IS something wrong. As long as it's not a radical difference in size, I don't see how it could hurt... And like you said, the car will LOOK better with a little larger rear tire. From a performance point of view, a taller tire offers less rolling resistance, and since the back wheels are only along for the ride as it is... Why not make them spin a little easier? I still welcome other comments on this, so chime it if you have experiances pro and con, please. I'll be running the stock GT wheels, but I'm thinking of painting them a matching white. Thanks!
Later
Mike

[Dr_Kyle]

Actually, I don't have the Low Tire Pressure light. I believe that was only on the 99's. As for your other car, I know you can buy those systems from tirerack.com. I'm pretty sure they'll be able to make a recommendation.

[mykturk]

Thanks Doc! (Bitchin ride, btw!) Okay, so, Do any '99 GT owners have any experiance with oversized rear tires and the 'low tire pressure' warning light? I'm trying to figure out a way to keep the warning light and run a size or two larger in back from stock. Anyone? Not all at once now... Thanks!
Later
Mike

[mykturk]

Well, after the wife hit a pothole the other day, the car needed a new front wheel, and since it was near time to put tires on it, I went ahead and mounted up a set of 225/50's on the front and stepped up the back to 245/50's. So far no problems with the 'check tire pressure' warning and the rear fender wells are filled up MUCH better. Pictures to follow...
Later
Mike