Front vs rear wheel sizes for best handling

Best handling and best grip aren't necessarily the same thing. On a stock suspension, best handling will likely come from lower traction tires that don't load up the suspension too severely and have predictable break-away characteristics.

IIRC, these cars plow first (understeer) so while you can probably run a 275 in the rear and a 235(?) in the front, you might do better going with a square set of 235 all around...not that anyone would like the looks of that.

Best grip will likely require some modern 18"+ diameter wheels...which almost always look like utter hell on these cars (IMO)...though there are a few exceptions.

273 said

The problem now days is the best tires come in larger rim size. 17 was considered the best compromise between diameter and weight but offers a limited tire selection. Width and compound is more important.

PS. Larger over all tire diameter reduces brake and gearing.

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I agree with all of this...especially that last part about diameter. Whatever tire you pick, try to maintain the same outer diameter. There are plenty of tire size calculators out there that will help though there is some variation (up to ~.5") between brand/model even though this is supposed to be a standard. In any case it should get you in the ballpark.

Folks keep saying that tire sizes for 17" wheels are becoming limited...which just sucks. While I haven't been looking at tires yet, I had been keeping an eye out on a deal for 17" Mustang Bullitt wheels (SN95 generation) but now I'm thinking that just sticking with old 15" wheels might not be any worse.