Need Tire Size Help

[vodapas]

Bit of a newb here...

 

Well, I just picked up a 2001 Silverado 1500 and like many one of my first mods (after the holidays) will be to add a new set of wheels and tires. As of right now I am strongly leaning towards the Sovereign SR6's in a 20x8.5" I'll be picking them up from The Tire Rack. So while I was there setting up my wish list I figured might as well just buy the wheels and tires at once.

 

The Tire Rack recomended 285/50/20's with a 20" wheel. So just out of habit I went to the tire size calculator here: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

Assuming what The Tire Rack says the stock tire size on my truck is is correct, (it's raining like hell outside so I ain't checkin), it looks like 285/50/20's would increase my tire diameter 1.3" over the stock 235/75/16's.

 

Now, keep in mind I'm coming from the sport compact world. So, in my past experience I've learned to try to keep the total tire diameter as close as possible to stock when increasing wheel size. If not you can run into nasty problems with the ABS system, hurt acceleration because sport compacts have no torque to overcome the increased unsprung weight, and obviously make the speedo/odometer readings incorrect.

 

However, newb that I am, I do realize a truck's suspension is a lot different than a sport compacts and losing that much sidewall will make for a nasty ride. That's why I'm assuming The Tire Rack recomends the 50 series tires. Now is this the only factor or am I missing more important details? I also realize that by today's standards tires that low profile on 20" might look somewhat odd.

 

Other things to consider are that I am planning on lowering the truck 2"/3" with a combination of Beltech springs/shackles and Toxic Shocks which will hopefully help keep the harshness of the drop and 20's to a minimum. I'll also be installing a 8 pot Wilwood BBK in front and larger rotors (Baer) in back to help compensate for the increase in unsprung weight.

 

So, I would really appreciate the input of anyone who has dealt with this same decision. Any other inputs/opionions on my choice of wheels, suspension, brakes, etc. is also welcomed. Sorry for the length, just trying to include all the info.

 

Thanks,

 

Lang

[vodapas]

Bump.

[Nick99Chevy]

If you're going to lower it, use 275/45-20's. They're close to factory diameter.

[01Burb]

If you're going to lower it, use 275/45-20's. They're close to factory diameter.

 

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I run 275/45-20s with no problem.

[vodapas]

Great, thanks for the info. guys. Would either of you mind posting side pics of your ride so I can get an idea of what the sidewall size of the tires looks like? It looks like I'd be safe with either 275/45/20 or 285/45/20 as the size difference on the sidewall is less than 1/10th of an inch.

 

Thanks!

[vodapas]

If you're going to lower it, use 275/45-20's. They're close to factory diameter.

 

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I run 275/45-20s with no problem.

 

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So, how's the ride quality/comfort compared to stock?

[vodapas]

Ok, thanks to the inputs of you guys and some research I did online I think I've got my tire size figured out. I'm going to run 275/45/20 in front and 295/45/20 in back. As for the brand I'm thinking General Grabber UHP's. Probably not the best tire on the market, but they get good reviews and the price is nice.

 

Any thoughts?

[SierraCrewGuy]

I've got 285/50 Goodyear Eagle GT II's and think tey look the best. IMO that is.

[vodapas]

I've got 285/50 Goodyear Eagle GT II's and think tey look the best.  IMO that is.

 

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Cool, would you mind posting a side pic of your truck to give me an idea of what the 285/50's look like on the truck?