They are nice lumps of metal, but 17x9 is not a good size for availability of tyres. I have 265/40s fitted now - and they suit the rims beautifully, but they are a full 1 inch smaller in radius than the standard 225/70/15s (25.3 inch diameter vs 27.4)- which means 1 inch less ground clearance (tricky on a lowered car) and they just don't fill the arches properly, too much free space.
There's nothing on the market I can find in 265/50/17, which would be the exact same 27.4 inch diameter as standard, but there are a few brands that make a 255/50/17 (27.0 inch diameter), which will do the job. This size gets discussed on Trans Am forums is the USA.
Most popular seems to be a Michelin rebrand known as Riken Raptor which is a nice 255/50/ZR17.
Overall choice/availability in this size seems to be:
- Riken Raptor - but I just can't find any supplier in the UK
Nitto NT555 - can't find in UK and seems to be too much of a budget brand
Yokohama ADVAN ST V802 - available in UK but made for performance 4x4s, might do the job but not ideal
Kumho Ecsta SPT (KU31) - seem to be available in UK - but they are Kumhos!
Has anybody come across a UK seller of Riken Raptors, or an overseas seller that will ship them to the UK?
Has anybody come across another solution to tyres for the 17x9 snowflakes to give a good overall diameter?