tripleblack

Just did the same thing to my 02 GT vert. Bought 2 295/35 W18 Firestone Firehawks from www.tiresavings.com for $189 each, also 2 275/35 W18 Falkens for $169 each. Be advised they DO NOT STOCK these sizes, so you're looking at about 2 week wait for them to ship. Shipping was $57 total. Best overall deal for the tires I could find - but service is S-L-O-W. Website says "most tire ship in 24 hours". DO NOT BELIEVE THIS. If you need 'em fast, shop elsewhere. If you need 'em cheap, and have the time, ok...

Love the wheels and tires, by the way - I'll post some pics soon as it stops raining...

I was surprised at how much the wide tires on the rear changed the way the car handles. Odd transitions on aggressive turns just went away, and it STICKS like mad! My modified gt (cai, accufab 75mm, c&L, diablo tune, etc, etc) suddenly scoots instead of spinning wheels!

The Firehawks are oe size/speed rating for the new Corvette - they can run all day at over 160mph, and they are good looking tires, too. But I have to admit I bought them for price. Only thing I regret is that they don't come in 275 size - had to go with another brand for the front tires.

As to clearance, no problem on the rears, and my car has Steeda springs and is lowered 1.2". Depending on the offset of the wheels, you may have to reverse the rear quadshocks - no big deal. 275's should clear up front as well. Both tire sizes look great on the rims, and are good choices - I have seen guys running up to 315's on the back, but that is pretty much the max, and I suspect reversing the quadshocks is a given, if not getting rid of them altogether.

I like the Steeda springs (progressive rate), though Maximum Motorsports has good units too. For quality and performance, I really believe the Bilsteins are superior - and cost a superior price. Best bargain (combo of performance and price) I've seen was on this (MT) site for their adjustable KYB's.

Keep the lowering as close to 1 - 1 1/4" as possible - this is a good compromise. If your car has some miles on her, replace the springs isolators, and avoid the temptation to elminate them to lower her further. OE rubber isolators work fine, while polyurethane will stiffen things up just a little. Your ride will be firmer as a result of these changes anyway, so be cautious with the speed bumps and curbs until you get used to the new ride height and spring rates.

My car's handling was transformed by these changes.

Best of luck with yours!

tripleblack