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debate on tire pressure...

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Old 02-20-2001, 04:22 AM
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Jza
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debate on tire pressure...

What is the optimum tire pressure for daily driving on a set of 275/40ZR17's?

I've heard everything between 34 and 42 psi. The sidewall says max. load 44psi, so I'm guessing 38-40? The tire shop that mounted 'em set them at 35.

Checked archives, only came up with 7 or 8 hits for "tire pressure" amazingly...
Old 02-20-2001, 07:35 AM
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Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Take some chalk or tire chalk and make a thick line across the face of the tire. Drive straight across a parking lot or down a road. A short distance is all that's needed. Get out and look at where the chalk is worn off. If more is gone from the center then the tires are overinflated. More from the edges and it's underinflated.

The "max" pressure is just that. Maximum safe pressure. Pumping the tires up that much will give a hard ride and wear of the center of the tread. Typical radial tires operate at 32 -35 psi but it depends on tire construction and weight of the vehicle.
Old 02-20-2001, 09:19 AM
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32-35psi sounds good,anymore and you get a terrible ride.The chalk idea as mentioned above is the best way of doing it, and usually all four tires take a differant psi to get even wear.and check pressure everytime you get gas.

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~mike~86 IROC-Z
Old 02-20-2001, 10:24 PM
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Jza, not to toot my own horn, but as a tire specialist at where I work, set the pressure in those tires at 30psi max. Like Stephen87Iroc said, too much air in those tires and you'll be buying tires again in 3-5 months guaranteed. Unless your going to the track and racing, then set your tire pressure to 15-20 psi and then refill to 30 afterwards. Our 3rd gen cars all take 30psi given the tire size is stock or a proper plus sizing is done. Racing slicks are the exception to this fact. If you look at the tire pressure on the new Trans Ams and SS camaro's with the same size tires you have , you'll see that they take only 30psi. Any other questions just ask.

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