Larger Tires on a 2004 XLR

[XLR-V Husker]

My XLR has P235/ZR50-18 tires all the way around and was wondering, can I put a wider tire on the car. A P245/ZR50-18 is about a 1/2 wide and about the same diameter. Any thoughts?

 

[WB6BBZ]

My XLR has P235/ZR50-18 tires all the way around and was wondering, can I put a wider tire on the car. A P245/ZR50-18 is about a 1/2 wide and about the same diameter. Any thoughts?

k9husker, I run the Michlin P255/45 zr18 99w on my front which are a wider thread but smaller diameter than the stock P235/50 zr18 97w on the rear.
The front tires ARE NOT RUN FLATS but they bulge out wider than the Chrome 7 Spoke rims which help eliminate Curb Rash and give me a little shorter stopping distance over the stock run flats. They are about 5% more expensive than the stock tires but they really plant the front end of the car.

Hope this helps.

 

[Stella]

That bulge will definitely help and probably looks better too. Jack saw you have a home brewed spoiler on your list of modes. Do you think you can take a pic. Thought about a rear spoiler something factory looking like some cts's I've seen. But we all know nobody makes anything so it's pretty much trial and error. Thanks

 

[XLR-V Husker]

So they do not rub on the fender well when you turn? What about the rears?

 

[Uintah]

Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position

I just installed a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position on stock 18 inch rims with no rubbing. They look much better on the rim and the ride/handling is exceptionally nice. I will never go back to run flats.

Since they are not a run flat I bought a GM tire inflation kit, fits perfectly in the cubby hole in the trunk, designed for the Chevrolet Silverado SS. It was about $100 on Ebay. I also have towing/flat repair through my State Farm Insurance Policy, just in case.

Uintah

 

[GizmoQ]

I just installed a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position on stock 18 inch rims with no rubbing. They look much better on the rim and the ride/handling is exceptionally nice. I will never go back to run flats.

Since they are not a run flat I bought a GM tire inflation kit, fits perfectly in the cubby hole in the trunk, designed for the Chevrolet Silverado SS. It was about $100 on Ebay. I also have towing/flat repair through my State Farm Insurance Policy, just in case.

Uintah

Nice tire, but what size did you choose?

 

[Uintah]

Nice tire, but what size did you choose?

Yes you caught me, 255/45/18, to maintain the same diameter. Also, they are more of a touring tire rather than a performance tire. The next day my wife got caught in a snowstorm, weather channel blew that forecast, and they did just fine. Also take into consideration the speed rating for the tire (W=168 mph).
They come with a mileage warranty, I think 40,000, but have a directional tread so must be rotated front to back only. I believe this tire is about the maximum width to be used with the stock rim.

Uintah