Going From 265 Tire To 285?

Tylerz71 · November 15, 2007

Right now, I am running 265/75-16 on my 2000 Sierra Z71, 5.3.

I would like my next tire to either be a 285/70-17 or 285/75-16.

Im currently trying my best to save up for 17" wheels.

But here are my questions:

Will there be a fuel mileage loss?

Any power loss?

Clearance issues (all stock)?

Is the added agressiveness worth the extra cost?

Will there be improved/handling or mud performance?

Thanks to any responses!

VMax2007 · November 15, 2007

I had a 2000 GMC Sierra 5.3 with 3.73s. I went from stock 265/75/16s to 285/75/16s and noticed no difference in power or mileage. In fact, my speedo was only off by about 2-3 mph at 65-70mph. I had NO rubbing issues ever and mine was also completely stock.

Go for it!!!

redvett · November 15, 2007

Right now, I am running 265/75-16 on my 2000 Sierra Z71, 5.3.
I would like my next tire to either be a 285/70-17 or 285/75-16.

Im currently trying my best to save up for 17" wheels.

But here are my questions:

Will there be a fuel mileage loss?

Any power loss?

Clearance issues (all stock)?

Is the added aggressiveness worth the extra cost?

Will there be improved/handling or mud performance?

Thanks to any responses!

Larger tires will hurt fuel economy.

Larger tires will hurt performance

Clearance probably will not be compromised.

Improvement? Not really

Some but at a cost in economy,performance.

Larger tires without lower gears to keep the engine in the power band will put undue stress on the drive line.

Tylerz71 · November 15, 2007

I had a 2000 GMC Sierra 5.3 with 3.73s. I went form stock 265/75/16s to 285/75/16s and noticed no difference in power or mileage. In fact, my speedo was only off by about 2-3 mph at 65-70mph. I had NO rubbing issues ever and mine was also completely stock.

Go for it!!!

Thanks, that sums it up!

My dad said that my fuel mileage might drop 2-3 MPG and that had me worried.

I think I will go with the 285's. Just got to decide on either a 16 or 17 wheel version.

Tylerz71 · November 15, 2007

Right now, I am running 265/75-16 on my 2000 Sierra Z71, 5.3.
I would like my next tire to either be a 285/70-17 or 285/75-16.

Im currently trying my best to save up for 17" wheels.

But here are my questions:

Will there be a fuel mileage loss?

Any power loss?

Clearance issues (all stock)?

Is the added aggressiveness worth the extra cost?

Will there be improved/handling or mud performance?

Thanks to any responses!

Larger tires will hurt fuel economy.

Larger tires will hurt performance

Clearance probably will not be compromised.

Improvement? Not really

Some but at a cost in economy,performance.

Larger tires without lower gears to keep the engine in the power band will put undue stress on the drive line.

Hmmm... ok, but a Wait4me tune would compensate for that and more, wouldnt it?

VMax2007 · November 15, 2007

285/75/17's could rub. My 285/75/16's didn't rub, but they were TIGHT!! Came within 1/4" in some places.

The loss in mileage might be 1/2 mpg at most, and that will be made up for in the fact that you won't be racking up as many miles on the odometer as you are really driving.

BlackonBlack · November 15, 2007

Ran 305/70-16's on an 02 Z71 for years, never had any issues. granted my t-bars were raised, but no issues with alignment, rubbing, cv joints, etc.

Just think of how much better the larger tires will look!

Tylerz71 · November 16, 2007

285/75/17's could rub. My 285/75/16's didn't rub, but they were TIGHT!! Came within 1/4" in some places.

The loss in mileage might be 1/2 mpg at most, and that will be made up for in the fact that you won't be racking up as many miles on the odometer as you are really driving.

What about 285/70/17's?

And a Wait4me tune will more than compensate for the lost power and MPG's, right?

Ill get a tune once I get my tires (so that it can be re-calibrated).

Mabye if I go a little easier on the gas, the MPG's will be made up.

And yes, BlackonBlack, the looks are the main reason I want the bigger tires. I want it to look like a truck should!

97whitez71 · November 16, 2007

Here's my experience: '97 Z71, 3.42 gears w/285/65/17's. Lost anywhere from 2-4 miles per gallon and was a dog going up hills. How much you lose in MPG will depend on your current gear ratio. It will look good though.

Tylerz71 · November 17, 2007

Here's my experience: '97 Z71, 3.42 gears w/285/65/17's. Lost anywhere from 2-4 miles per gallon and was a dog going up hills. How much you lose in MPG will depend on your current gear ratio. It will look good though.

Ouch, that does not sound good.

I bet a lot of that had to do with the 3.42 gears.

If I could just take off slower, Id probably save 2-3 mpg's. Mabye Ill try that.

Any more opinions?

Thanks!

Wingnut · November 17, 2007

I've put 285/75/16's on several trucks that came with the 265s (and 3:73 gears) and while you lose a tad of bottom end...It didn't hurt any of the trucks one bit. I could still get over 21 mpg on the highway in my '02 Z71 if I stayed at 65 with the AC on, as well as tow a 6k lb boat cross-country. Highway mileage might actually improve due to the tire size lowering the final drive ratios a bit...But my in town mileage wasn't really affected that much either.

Tylerz71 · November 18, 2007

I've put 285/75/16's on several trucks that came with the 265s (and 3:73 gears) and while you lose a tad of bottom end...It didn't hurt any of the trucks one bit. I could still get over 21 mpg on the highway in my '02 Z71 if I stayed at 65 with the AC on, as well as tow a 6k lb boat cross-country. Highway mileage might actually improve due to the tire size lowering the final drive ratios a bit...But my in town mileage wasn't really affected that much either.

Thanks!

I think I have decided to go with 285's for sure.

The hard decision now is wether I should go with a 16" or 17" wheel.

The 17's are a good bit more but Id like the look of more rim/less tire.

HELP!

Bobslob · November 18, 2007

Here's my experience: '97 Z71, 3.42 gears w/285/65/17's. Lost anywhere from 2-4 miles per gallon and was a dog going up hills. How much you lose in MPG will depend on your current gear ratio. It will look good though.

Well theres yer problem