Will 275-40-17s fit an 8.5 inch wheel?

[Atl M3]

Time for some new competition tires for my 17X8.5 inch wheels. The 255-40-17 looks like the right size for the rim. But, like most of us, I want as much rubber under the car as I can get (without doing something stupid). The specs for 275-40-17s call for a 9.0" rim (smallest recommended rim). But, will this size fit on an 8.5" rim without issue? Anyone tried it?

[iamane30m20nut]

It would probably fit but it'd be just plain silly.

Personally, I wouldn't put 275/40 on anything smaller than a 10, but if you had to a 9 could work (like on the 964 Turbo).

You want the tire to be usable. There's no point in fitting a 275 if you can only get a sloppy 255's performance out of it.

245 should go on a 9"
255 should go on a 9.5" wheel
275 should go on a 10" wheel

You're limited to what your class allows but run the widest wheels and the widest tires and you'll be happy.

[Mooobunnny]

It will fit on the wheel with no problem, but you are probably much better of staying with the 255/40R17 size since that is already a lot of tire for a 8.5" wheel.

[Jim@tirerack]

It won't fit on the wheel no problem. The wheel is just to small. You may be able to get it on the wheel but that is like saying you can squeeze your size 12 foot into a size 11 shoe. After a while it is going to be a problem.
The other thing is that even if you get it to seat on the wheel you are not going to have all of the tread sitting on the pavement. You would have to pull the sidewall of the tire up to meet the rim so the outside tread blocks are pulled off the ground.