Own a 2005 Mote Carlo LT with Winner Circle Appearance Package. It came equipped with 16 inch Diamond-Cut cast aluminum wheels. The SS model offered an optional 17 inch chrome finished Diamond – Cut cast aluminum wheels. Found a set in a salvage yard. Contemplating purchasing them to dress my Monte Carlo up a bit. Other than changing to a 17 inch tire, is there anything else that might need to be changed out or modified such as recalibration of speedometer? Any recommendation for tires would also be helpful. Thank you.

 

What matters for the speedometer is overall tire height which is dictated by the tire size you pick. Typically when people move to a larger wheel, they also go with a lower profile tire aspect ratio to end up with an overall package the same height. Aspect ratio is tied to tire width, so changing tire width while doing this can have an impact also. But we'd need to know what tire size you plan to run to be able to tell you how far off (if at all) it will be, or you can look it up directly on the tire manufacturers website.

As for suggestions on what tire to run:
-What climate do you drive in (is a summer tire ok, do you need snow capability)
-What is most important to you? Low cost, longest life, highest performance (wet/dry). One person could think the best tire is the cheapest thing that holds air, while someone who races their car may think the best tire is the one with the best traction, even if the tire wont last much past a single oil change. So you'll get opinions all over the map without clarifying.

 

My only suggestion: Dont get Douglas tires from Walmart, they drive horribly. The sidewall flex while turning, I would call dangerous if youre pushing your car. First time pushing the car in an area (private) im familiar with, rear end started sliding out on me. Absolutely terrifying.

All season Falken Sincera tires are my go-to. Decent, but more importantly, reliable/predictable grip because of a very stiff sidewall. I think the ones I get have an 80k mile estimation and they feel great. Quiet and smooth. They also have the rim protection lip. Cant remember what its called.

Ive used P-Zeros. Those are not bad but wear out much quicker.

If you just want us to tell you a size that would fit without issue. 225/55/17 is what came on my 2005 SS with the 17s. I put 235/55 on and it rubbed slightly at full lock but nothing bad enough to need corrected. After that, I put 235/50 and that looked silly.

235/55/17 is the stock size for those wheels.

 

Appreciate your quick response. Prefer to keep everything OEM Stock where possible so would stay with 225/55/17.

Do not want the rub issue whatsoever that mention with 235/55/17.

Will check out the Falken Sincera you cited.

This vehicle is a Houston, Texas Garage Queen. Only drive her on good clear weather days and an occasional trip up home to Virginia every other year. Currently have Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring and really like the softer ride. Since Goodyear purchased Cooper and these tires have been discontinued.

Currently considering:

Mastercraft Courser Quest Plus 65,000 Mile Warranty

Mastercraft SRT Touring 50,000 Mile Warranty

Cooper Endeavor Plus 65,000 Mile Warranty

BFGoodrich Advantage Control 75,000 Mile Warranty

Kelly Edge Touring A/S 65,000 Mile Warranty

Leaning towards BFGoodrich Advantage Control and Kelly Edge Touring A/S.

Appreciate any further advice you can pass along.

Thank you.