Looking for a particular size tire and rim...

[Tony_SS]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

Why would braking ability suffer? The height of the tire is what changes your braking aspect, not the wheel size. The 275/60/15 tire is the same diameter as the 275/50/17, the difference is the sidewall exposed. The exposure of your brakes is easy to control with dust shields (Front and back wheels) and they can be purchased just about anywhere. Besides that, you could paint the disc brake caliper and make them stand out, rather than hide them.

The size of the wheel does matter and it directly effects braking ability. Even thought the tire diameters are the same, the braking ability will diminish when you increase the rotational mass from a 15" wheel to a 17" wheel. It's night and day difference and when you experience it first hand you'll see. That's also why Corvette's run 13-14" brakes behind 19" wheels.