17.0/36.0-16 Tires
Also Written As: 17036016, 17.0 36.0 16
The 17.0/36.0-16 tire is a bias-ply specialty size associated with drag racing, competition use, and other purpose-built applications that rely on a very wide footprint and tall overall profile. Its proportions place it firmly in the racing and slick category rather than normal passenger-car replacement sizing. For builders working with vintage competition vehicles or period-style race setups, this size supports the tall sidewall look and construction character many specialty builds call for. Before choosing one, confirm wheel diameter, wheel width compatibility, body and suspension clearance, and whether your wheel-and-tire combination is commonly set up with a tube.
Shop 17.0/36.0-16 Tires →Best 17.0/36.0-16 Tires for Sale
The 17.0/36.0-16 size is offered in 1 brand and 1 product. Buyers should compare construction type, sidewall style, and tire specifications against the vehicle's intended use and wheel setup.
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M&H Drag Slick | 17.0/36.0-16
M&H Racemaster · Drag Slick
17.0/36.0-16 Tire Dimensions & Specifications
The 17.0/36.0-16 measures 17.0 inches in section width and fits a 16.0-inch rim.
- Section Width: 17.0 in — This is the dimension to check first against fender lips, suspension components, and brake clearance.
- Rim Diameter: 16.0 in (406.4 mm) — This must match exactly — 17.0/36.0-16 cannot be mounted on any other rim diameter regardless of how other dimensions compare.
- Construction: Bias Ply — Construction type affects ride feel, sidewall flex, handling behavior, and period-correctness for restoration.
- Tire Weight: 49 lb — Heavier construction reflects a denser carcass and increases unsprung weight on the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about 17.0/36.0-16 tire sizing, fitment, compatibility, performance, maintenance, and replacement options.
Size Basics & Dimensions
What does 17.0/36.0-16 mean?
The 17.0/36.0-16 is a specialty numeric tire size that uses multiple dimensional values plus a wheel diameter in inches. In this code, 17.0 identifies the nominal section width, 36.0 is the secondary dimensional figure used in this racing format, and 16 is the wheel diameter the tire is built to fit.
Unlike a modern P-metric code, the 17.0/36.0-16 does not directly present an aspect ratio or the same style of service description on its face. Buyers need to read this size as a specialty competition format and then confirm the tire's actual construction, intended use, and wheel fit before treating it like a normal street replacement size.
What size wheel does the 17.0/36.0-16 tire fit?
The 17.0/36.0-16 fits a 16.0-inch wheel, which equals 406.4 millimeters at the bead seat. That wheel diameter must match exactly because bead fit depends on the rim's true seat diameter, not on the tire's overall height or width.
Wheel diameter is only one part of the fitment picture on a specialty size this large. Buyers should also confirm the wheel's width, bead profile, and intended use, because a competition tire can place very different demands on the wheel-and-tire system than a standard passenger-car tire does.
How wide is the 17.0/36.0-16 tire?
The 17.0/36.0-16 is 17.0 inches wide at the section width, which is the maximum sidewall-to-sidewall measurement of the inflated tire. That converts to about 431.8 millimeters, making it an extremely wide specialty tire by normal automotive standards.
Section width is not the same as tread contact width, and that distinction matters when checking fitment. Clearance around quarter panels, wheel tubs, suspension links, and inner body structure is judged from the tire's widest body point, so section width is the number most builders should compare first.
Is 17.0/36.0-16 the same as 17036016?
Yes, 17036016 is simply an alternate written form of the 17.0/36.0-16 size. The compressed version removes punctuation, but it refers to the same specialty size code rather than a different diameter or width.
Alias forms are common with vintage, racing, and specialty sizes because catalogs, sidewall molds, and searches do not always use the same punctuation. When comparing options, focus on the full size meaning, wheel diameter, and construction type instead of assuming a punctuation change indicates a different fitment.
Does the 17.0/36.0-16 tire need a tube?
The 17.0/36.0-16 is commonly a tube-type fitment. Even so, tube use is ultimately a wheel-and-tire-system question rather than a size-only question, so the actual tire and the wheel being used should always be checked together before installation.
Racing and specialty applications often involve wheels, bead designs, and use conditions that differ from ordinary passenger-car service. If there is any doubt, confirm tube guidance from the tire's current markings, the wheel design, and a qualified tire professional familiar with specialty fitments.
How much does the 17.0/36.0-16 tire weigh?
The 17.0/36.0-16 weighs 49 pounds in the available product offering. That figure reflects the weight of one tire by itself, without the wheel, hardware, or any mounted assembly components.
Tire weight matters on a specialty size because it affects unsprung weight, mounting effort, and how the vehicle responds under load. Builders comparing wheel-and-tire packages should account for the combined weight of the tire and wheel, especially when clearance and suspension behavior are already tight.
Tire Compatibility & Fitment
What kind of application is the 17.0/36.0-16 usually used for?
The 17.0/36.0-16 is generally associated with drag racing, competition, and other specialty applications rather than ordinary passenger-car replacement use. Its very wide section and specialty numeric format place it in a purpose-built category where traction goals and packaging concerns usually drive the tire choice.
Buyers should approach this size as a dedicated fitment decision, not just a diameter match. Clearance around tubs, frame rails, suspension parts, and bodywork needs to be checked carefully, along with the wheel's diameter, width, and the intended operating conditions of the vehicle.
How important is wheel fit when choosing the 17.0/36.0-16?
Wheel fit is critical with the 17.0/36.0-16 because the tire must match a 16-inch rim exactly and its 17-inch section width leaves little room for error elsewhere. A tire this specialized can be impossible to use properly if the wheel dimensions or body clearances are even slightly off.
Before mounting, verify the wheel diameter, wheel width, bead shape, and available clearance through the full suspension travel of the vehicle. Specialty tires should also be checked for how they sit in the wheel opening, because stance, sidewall shape, and sidewall-to-body clearance can change once the tire is installed and loaded.
Is the 17.0/36.0-16 a good choice for a period-style build?
The 17.0/36.0-16 can make sense for a period-style racing or specialty build when the goal is to preserve the look and behavior of a bias-ply competition setup. Bias-ply construction is often the more historically appropriate direction when a vintage race vehicle is being finished with an authentic presentation in mind.
Authenticity still needs to be balanced against the actual vehicle, wheel package, and intended use. A judged or highly detailed build may call for especially close attention to construction type, overall proportions, and the way the mounted tire fills the wheel opening compared with the vehicle's original competition-era appearance.
Performance & Driving Experience
How does the 17.0/36.0-16 drive compared with a modern radial tire?
The 17.0/36.0-16 uses bias-ply construction, so it will not respond exactly like a modern radial tire. Bias-ply tires typically bring more sidewall flex and a different steering and handling feel, which is part of why they remain relevant in vintage and specialty competition settings.
Driving character depends on more than construction alone. Suspension condition, alignment, wheel choice, vehicle weight, and tire age all influence how a specialty bias-ply tire behaves, so buyers should judge this size in the context of the full setup rather than expecting modern passenger-car road manners.
What does the tall, wide shape of the 17.0/36.0-16 mean for vehicle behavior?
A tire with the proportions of the 17.0/36.0-16 changes much more than appearance. Its very wide section can influence how the vehicle loads the suspension and uses available space, while the tall overall profile common to this format also affects stance and the way the tire fills the wheel opening.
Builders should evaluate the mounted package through steering movement, suspension compression, and the full weight of the vehicle on the tire. Specialty sizes can alter practical behavior simply because they occupy so much space, even before questions of tread design, compound, or exact race setup come into play.
Is the 17.0/36.0-16 intended for normal everyday road use?
The 17.0/36.0-16 is a specialty competition-oriented size, so it should not be approached like a routine everyday replacement tire. Its format, dimensions, and bias-ply construction point toward a use case where the tire is selected for a specific build goal rather than broad daily-service flexibility.
Anyone considering this size for road use should review the tire's current markings, intended service category, wheel compatibility, and the vehicle's real operating conditions. Specialty tires can behave very differently depending on surface, load, alignment, and age, so a race-oriented size deserves extra scrutiny before regular street miles.
Tire Brands & Quality
What brands are available in the 17.0/36.0-16 size?
The 17.0/36.0-16 is available from M&H Racemaster in the current product offering. On a specialty size like this, brand choice is often narrower than it is for common passenger-car sizes, so the emphasis shifts toward selecting the right construction and application type for the intended build.
A limited brand pool makes it even more important to evaluate the tire as a system choice. Buyers should compare wheel fit, use case, overall dimensions, and whether the tire's specialty design aligns with the vehicle's setup instead of assuming any same-size tire serves the same purpose.
What should buyers look for when judging quality in the 17.0/36.0-16 size?
Quality in the 17.0/36.0-16 comes down to sizing consistency, construction suitability, and how well the tire matches the demands of a specialty application. With a bias-ply competition size, the right question is not only who makes it, but whether the tire's design matches the wheel, clearance envelope, and intended use.
Serious buyers should look closely at the tire's dimensions, weight, construction type, and sidewall configuration alongside the vehicle's needs. A well-chosen specialty tire is one that fits properly, behaves predictably within its intended use, and matches the broader goals of the build instead of only matching the code on paper.
Does sidewall style matter when choosing the 17.0/36.0-16?
Yes, sidewall style can matter, and the available 17.0/36.0-16 product uses a blackwall sidewall. On a specialty racing tire, sidewall appearance is usually less about trim-level decoration and more about matching the straightforward competition look expected on a purpose-built setup.
Appearance still affects the finished build, especially on a vehicle where the tire is visually dominant. Buyers who want a cohesive look should consider whether a plain black sidewall supports the intended presentation and whether all four tires, or the full driven set, will match in style and construction.
Maintenance & Longevity
How should the 17.0/36.0-16 be inspected between uses?
The 17.0/36.0-16 should be inspected regularly for cuts, bulges, cracking, irregular wear, and air loss, especially because specialty tires often see demanding use conditions. A quick check before and after use can catch issues early, when the problem is still limited to a repair decision or setup correction.
Inspection should include the sidewalls, bead area, and the wheel itself, particularly on a large bias-ply tire. Specialty applications can place unusual stress on the assembly, so buyers should treat routine visual checks as part of normal ownership rather than waiting for obvious symptoms to appear.
How long can the 17.0/36.0-16 last if it does not see many miles?
Low mileage does not guarantee long life for the 17.0/36.0-16. Bias-ply tires can age out from time, heat, sunlight, ozone exposure, and storage conditions even when tread looks acceptable, which is especially relevant for specialty vehicles that spend long stretches parked between outings.
Stored vehicles should be kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, moisture, and prolonged heat, and the tires should be inspected before returning to service. Age-related cracking, hardening, or deformation matters just as much as wear depth when deciding whether an older specialty tire should remain in use.
How should tube questions be handled with the 17.0/36.0-16?
The 17.0/36.0-16 is commonly a tube-type fitment, but the final answer depends on the actual tire and wheel combination. Tube use should always be confirmed from the mounted system, because wheel design and the tire's own construction details matter just as much as the size code.
When planning installation, check the wheel condition, bead surfaces, and current tire markings carefully. A qualified tire professional familiar with specialty and racing fitments can help determine whether a tube is appropriate and whether the rest of the assembly is in suitable condition for service.
Safety & Regulations
When should the 17.0/36.0-16 be replaced even if it still has tread?
The 17.0/36.0-16 should be replaced when it shows cracking, bulges, impact damage, persistent air loss, or other signs that the structure has aged or been compromised, even if tread remains. Specialty tires can deteriorate from age and storage as well as from use, so visual condition matters as much as remaining rubber depth.
Before any serious use, inspect the full tire and wheel assembly closely and do not rely on appearance from a distance. A large specialty bias-ply tire deserves cautious evaluation because age, handling history, and storage environment all affect whether it remains suitable for continued service.
What safety checks matter most before using the 17.0/36.0-16 on the road or at an event?
The most important checks for the 17.0/36.0-16 are tire condition, wheel compatibility, air retention, and physical clearance under real vehicle load. Buyers should also confirm that the 16-inch wheel fit is correct and that the tire's specialty application matches the kind of use the vehicle will actually see.
A careful pre-use inspection should include sidewalls, bead areas, valve hardware, and any signs of rubbing inside the body or suspension. Because this is a purpose-built size, it is wise to treat every outing as a fresh fitment and condition check rather than assuming a stored vehicle is automatically ready to go.
Is the 17.0/36.0-16 automatically street legal or suitable everywhere?
No specialty tire size should be assumed to be automatically street legal or suitable in every location or driving situation. The 17.0/36.0-16 is associated with drag racing and competition use, so buyers should review the tire's current sidewall markings and local requirements before planning regular public-road use.
Rules, inspection expectations, and acceptable tire types can vary by state, event, and intended operating conditions. Checking the tire's actual markings, the vehicle's load needs, and the wheel-and-tire combination is a more reliable approach than assuming any same-size competition tire meets every road-use expectation.