Tire type/quality vs sizing?

[INTMD8]

I'm at the point where I need to buy some tires. I need them to be close to 29in tall so they look correct on the car (57 Cadillac). It will be around 5000 pounds and utilizing a Roadster Shop chassis with front/rear sway bars.

It's not going to be raced but handling is definitely a concern.

This is what I'm considering.

Michelin Pilot super sport

Front- 245/45/20 28.7 diameter

Rear- 315/35/20 28.7 diameter

Now I would rather not have so much width difference between the front and rear but these are the only 2 tires in this model that are enough/same height.

I could tighten up that difference by using Continental Extreme Contact DWS.

Front- 255/45/20 29 diameter

Rear- 295/40/20 29.3 diameter

Any thoughts on this? I'm thinking that even with less than ideal widths the car might still work better on the PSS's over the DWS's of what I consider better sizing.

[FETorino]

I've run the Conti Extreme Contacts on my last two commuter cars for 200k mi.

I find they wear well, grip well and break away in a very predictable manner. For all out grip they may or may not be as good as the pilots but their predictable nature at the limit makes them a great tire. JMO

[RENN SCHNELL]

What is the load rating on the tires? 5000lbs you'll need some tires off a Range Rover.

[INTMD8]

Thanks for the input Rob.


As for the load rating, all of the above tires are "XL" and max weight per tire is higher than some SUV tires so no issues there.