What is an acceptable tire & wheel combination that will fit in the wheel wells of the Gen I Vipers that also will be compatible with the suspension and brake components. With the lack of 17″ tire alternatives available for the Gen I Vipers, I am ready to accept the fact that I will need new wheels. I would prefer to up-size to a Viper wheel of a later generation if possible. Also, I would like to do this once and not have to up-size once more in a few years when I need new tires. I would appreciate recommendation from the Tech Team. Thank You.
Answer by Dan Cragin:
The 17 inch tire dilemma is a big one. The rear tire sizes on the Gen 1 were unique and the tire manufactures just don’t want to support those sizes anymore. There are a few fresh tires still around, but they are far and few between. I believe some manufacturer will respond to this niche market, we will see.
The later 18 inch wheels will fit the Gen 1’s, even the 18 front 19 rear combo used from 2003-2016 will work. With the 18-19 combination the car cannot be lowered and must use no bigger than a 345 tire in the back. These later wheel sizes have a good selection of tires.
Hope this helps.
Answer by Alex Macevicius:
The 18/18 combo of the later years of gen 2 tires are starting to get harder to find as well, only a few selections. Best combo is the 18/19 as there are many available options.
Just a foot note by Chuck Tator:
If you go with the 18/19 combo, you will need to do a four wheel alignment because you are changing the “rake” on a GENI & GENII. There will be no alignment specs in any book for that combo! You will need to find someone that understands the geometry of the Viper alignments.
