9.00/28.0-17 Tires

Also Written As: 90028017, 9.00 28.0 17

The 9.00/28.0-17 tire is a bias-ply specialty size associated with drag racing, slick applications, and other competition-focused setups. Its proportions reflect a purpose-built format that emphasizes rim diameter and nominal width rather than the fuller dimensional detail found in modern passenger sizing. For buyers working with vintage race cars, period-style competition builds, or specialty rear-tire combinations, this size carries the look and construction character expected from an older racing format. Before choosing one, confirm wheel diameter, actual wheel width compatibility, body and suspension clearance, and the vehicle's load demands, while also verifying whether your wheel-and-tire combination should be run with a tube.

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Best 9.00/28.0-17 Tires for Sale

The 9.00/28.0-17 size appears from 1 brand with 1 product currently represented. Buyers should compare construction type, sidewall configuration, and load suitability against the vehicle's intended use and wheel setup.

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Drag Race

Phoenix Rear Slick | 9.00/28.0-17

Phoenix · Phoenix Rear Slick


Sidewall—
Rim Diameter17 in
Rim Width—
Weight25 lb
Max Load—
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9.00/28.0-17 Tire Dimensions & Specifications

The 9.00/28.0-17 measures 9.0 inches in section width and fits a 17.0-inch rim, which equals 431.8 millimeters at the wheel diameter.

  • Section Width: 9.0 in (228.6 mm) — This is the dimension to check first against fender lips, suspension components, and brake clearance.
  • Rim Diameter: 17.0 in (431.8 mm) — This must match exactly — 9.00/28.0-17 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: 25 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 9.00/28.0-17 tire sizing, fitment, compatibility, performance, maintenance, and replacement options.

Size Basics & Dimensions

What does 9.00/28.0-17 mean?

The 9.00/28.0-17 uses a specialty numeric racing format rather than a modern passenger-car code. In this size, 9.00 refers to the nominal width in inches, 28.0 is the secondary dimensional figure used in this format, and 17 identifies the wheel diameter in inches.

Unlike a modern metric radial size, the 9.00/28.0-17 does not spell out section width in millimeters or give an aspect ratio in the familiar slash-and-letter format. Buyers should treat it as a specialty size code that still requires checking the actual tire construction, wheel specifications, and vehicle clearance before installation, especially on race or vintage applications where small dimensional differences can affect stance and working room.

What size wheel does the 9.00/28.0-17 tire fit?

The 9.00/28.0-17 fits a 17.0-inch wheel, which equals 431.8 millimeters. Wheel diameter is the one dimension that must match exactly, so this tire belongs only on a 17-inch rim.

Wheel width still matters even when the diameter is correct. Since this size's represented product details do not include a wheel-width range, buyers should verify width suitability from the actual tire's specifications and compare that against the wheel being used. Race-oriented tires can be especially sensitive to wheel profile and sidewall shape, so diameter alone is never the whole fitment story.

How wide is the 9.00/28.0-17 tire?

The 9.00/28.0-17 has a section width of 9.0 inches, or 228.6 millimeters. Section width measures the tire at its widest inflated point from sidewall to sidewall.

Tread width is usually narrower than section width, which is why section width is the number to watch for clearance. Fender lips, inner wheelhouses, springs, shock bodies, and frame rails all care about the tire's widest point. On a drag or specialty setup, even a modest change in wheel width or sidewall shape can alter how that 9-inch section actually sits in the car.

Is 9.00/28.0-17 the same as 9.00 28.0 17?

Yes, 9.00/28.0-17 and 9.00 28.0 17 are notation variants of the same size. The same is true for the compressed version 90028017 when it appears in catalogs or search results.

Spacing and punctuation often change across older racing and specialty tire references, but the important part is that the dimensional sequence stays the same. Buyers should still confirm the actual tire category and construction because matching the printed size code does not automatically mean every tire in that format serves the same use. Slick, street, and restoration-oriented tires can share similar-looking size notation while behaving very differently.

Does the 9.00/28.0-17 tire need a tube?

The 9.00/28.0-17 is commonly a tube-type fitment and is often set up with a tube. Tube use is still a wheel-and-tire-system question, so the final decision should be confirmed against the actual wheel and the exact tire being used.

Wheel design, bead-seat condition, and the tire's own construction all affect whether a tube is appropriate. Older specialty wheels and race-oriented combinations do not always follow the same assumptions buyers make with modern passenger tires. Before mounting the 9.00/28.0-17, inspect the wheel carefully and confirm the recommended setup so the tire, tube, and rim are working together as a complete assembly.

How much does the 9.00/28.0-17 tire weigh?

The represented 9.00/28.0-17 product weighs 25 pounds. That figure reflects the tire alone, not the wheel, mounted assembly, or any tube and flap combination that may also be used.

Tire weight matters because it contributes to unsprung weight and can influence how quickly the vehicle reacts to bumps, launches, and suspension movement. On a specialty or drag application, weight can also be part of the overall tuning picture. Buyers comparing this size across different constructions or brands should always compare tire weight alongside diameter, section width, and the intended use of the vehicle.

Tire Compatibility & Fitment

What kinds of vehicles or uses typically suit the 9.00/28.0-17?

The 9.00/28.0-17 is most closely associated with drag racing, competition, and specialty-use vehicles rather than ordinary passenger-car replacement service. Its format and bias-ply construction point to a purpose-built application where tire choice is tied closely to the vehicle's setup and intended use.

Buyers should think of this size as a starting point for fitment research, not a universal replacement answer. Rear wheelhouse room, suspension travel, wheel offset, and the rest of the tire package all matter. On older race cars and specialty builds, the same nominal size can be selected for stance, launch behavior, or period appearance, so the complete wheel-and-body combination needs to be checked.

How important is wheel diameter when fitting the 9.00/28.0-17?

Wheel diameter is non-negotiable with the 9.00/28.0-17 because it is built for a 17-inch rim only. Even if another wheel seems close in width or overall tire height, the bead seat diameter must match exactly for proper mounting.

Beyond diameter, buyers should verify the wheel's width and offset against the actual tire being considered. A specialty bias-ply tire can sit differently on the wheel than a modern radial of similar nominal size, which affects sidewall shape and working clearance. Careful measuring around the quarter-panel, suspension, and inner structure is especially important on competition and custom builds.

Is the 9.00/28.0-17 a good choice for a period-style racing or specialty build?

The 9.00/28.0-17 can be a strong fit for a period-style racing or specialty build because its bias-ply construction and specialty numeric format align with the look and character many vintage competition vehicles used. It suits buyers trying to keep an older race-car presentation rather than modernizing the tire package.

Authenticity still has to be balanced against how the vehicle will actually be driven and displayed. Judged vehicles, nostalgia race builds, and street-driven specialty cars may each call for different compromises in construction, dimensions, and setup. Before settling on the 9.00/28.0-17, compare the tire's physical proportions with your wheel, body clearance, and the overall stance you want the vehicle to show.

Performance & Driving Experience

How does the 9.00/28.0-17 bias-ply construction affect driving feel?

The 9.00/28.0-17 uses bias-ply construction, which typically gives a different feel than a modern radial. Buyers can expect more sidewall flex and a more period-authentic response, with behavior that is shaped heavily by the suspension, alignment, load, and the intended competition or specialty use.

Steering response and straight-line stability are not determined by size code alone. Vehicle weight transfer, chassis setup, wheel width, and tire age all influence how this tire behaves. On a vintage or purpose-built setup, the bias-ply character may be part of the appeal, but it also means the driver should expect a different road feel than a modern everyday radial replacement.

Is the 9.00/28.0-17 meant for normal everyday highway driving?

The 9.00/28.0-17 is associated with drag racing, competition, and specialty use, so buyers should not approach it the same way they would a routine daily-driver replacement size. Its intended use and construction place more emphasis on the specific vehicle setup than on general-purpose street service.

Road behavior depends on more than the printed size. Tire age, inflation, suspension condition, wheel choice, and the exact tire design all matter before any longer street or highway use. If a vehicle will spend meaningful time on modern roads, inspect the tire carefully, review its sidewall markings, and make sure the complete wheel-and-tire combination matches the way the vehicle is actually driven.

How can the 9.00/28.0-17 affect stance and clearance on a specialty build?

The 9.00/28.0-17 can influence both stance and clearance because its 9-inch nominal width and specialty proportions shape how much space the tire takes up inboard, outboard, and vertically. On a race or custom build, those changes may alter wheel-opening fill and how aggressively the vehicle sits.

Clearance should be checked at ride height and through suspension movement, not just with the car parked. Inner wheel tubs, leaf springs, shocks, and quarter-panel lips are common trouble points. Buyers considering this size for a visual effect or a competition setup should measure carefully and account for real-world sidewall movement rather than relying on the printed size alone.

Tire Brands & Quality

What brands are available in the 9.00/28.0-17?

Phoenix is available in the 9.00/28.0-17 size. Even within one size, buyers should still compare the actual tire category, construction details, and intended use rather than assuming every version serves the same purpose.

Brand selection in a specialty size is usually less about broad name recognition and more about how closely the tire matches the vehicle's job. On a competition-oriented fitment, the important questions are whether the dimensions suit the wheel and body, whether the construction matches the build, and whether the full set will behave consistently as part of the vehicle's overall setup.

What should buyers look for in a quality 9.00/28.0-17 tire?

A quality 9.00/28.0-17 tire should match the intended use first, then the wheel and vehicle package. In a specialty bias-ply size like this, buyers should pay close attention to construction type, dimensional consistency, overall weight, and how the tire is meant to be used.

Quality also means selecting a tire that makes sense as part of a complete set of parts. Wheel diameter must match exactly, width and clearance need to be verified, and the tire's age and condition matter just as much as the brand name. On a race or nostalgia build, consistency from side to side can be as important as any single specification on paper.

Does bias-ply construction matter when choosing the 9.00/28.0-17?

Yes, construction matters a great deal with the 9.00/28.0-17 because bias-ply design affects how the tire feels, flexes, and supports the vehicle under use. It also shapes whether the tire fits the visual and historical character of an older competition or specialty build.

Buyers should choose construction with a clear goal in mind. A period-style race car may call for the older appearance and behavior that bias-ply tires deliver, while another build may prioritize a different road feel altogether. Construction should always be considered alongside wheel specs, clearance, and how closely the tire needs to match the era and purpose of the vehicle.

Maintenance & Longevity

How should the 9.00/28.0-17 be inspected over time?

The 9.00/28.0-17 should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, air loss, and uneven wear. On a specialty bias-ply tire, buyers should also pay attention to sidewall condition and any changes in shape that could point to age, storage damage, or wheel-related issues.

Routine inspection matters even if the vehicle sees limited miles. Competition and collector vehicles often spend long periods parked, and time can age a tire even when tread still looks usable. Before any event, test session, or road outing, check the full tire-and-wheel assembly carefully and make sure the tire still suits the way the vehicle will be used.

How should the 9.00/28.0-17 be stored if the vehicle sits for long periods?

The 9.00/28.0-17 should be stored away from heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources when the vehicle sits for extended periods. Long stationary storage can age the rubber and encourage flat spotting, especially on older-style bias-ply tires used on collector or specialty vehicles.

Storage conditions are just as important as tread depth when a vehicle is not driven often. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation for the setup being used, and inspect them before returning the vehicle to service. Owners who store race or show vehicles seasonally should treat age and storage history as part of the tire's service life, not just visible wear.

How should tube use be confirmed for the 9.00/28.0-17?

The 9.00/28.0-17 is commonly a tube-type fitment, but tube use still needs to be confirmed from the actual tire and wheel combination. Wheel construction, bead-seat condition, and the tire's specific design all influence whether a tube should be part of the assembly.

Specialty and older-style wheels can complicate the answer, which is why buyers should not rely on the size code alone. Examine the wheel closely, review the tire's sidewall markings, and consult a qualified tire professional if there is any doubt. A correct tube setup is part of the full wheel-and-tire system, not just a characteristic of the size itself.

Safety & Regulations

When should the 9.00/28.0-17 be replaced even if the tread looks usable?

The 9.00/28.0-17 should be replaced when age, cracking, bulges, repeated air loss, impact damage, or other visible deterioration raises doubt about its condition, even if the tread still appears acceptable. Specialty tires can age out before they wear out, particularly when they see limited mileage or long storage periods.

Visible tread depth is only one part of the picture. Rubber condition, sidewall health, and how the tire has been stored matter just as much on an older-style bias-ply construction. Before any serious road use or competition outing, inspect the tire closely and replace it if there is uncertainty about structural condition or service history.

Is the 9.00/28.0-17 automatically street legal everywhere?

The 9.00/28.0-17 should not be assumed to be street legal everywhere simply because the size exists. Specialty and competition-oriented tires can be subject to different road-use expectations, so buyers should review the tire's current sidewall markings and local requirements before using it on public roads.

Legal and practical road use are not the same thing. A buyer should confirm how the exact tire is marked, how the vehicle is registered, and whether the complete setup matches the intended driving environment. When a tire is associated with drag racing or specialty use, those checks become more important than the size code by itself.

What safety checks matter most before using the 9.00/28.0-17?

The most important checks for the 9.00/28.0-17 are tire condition, exact 17-inch wheel compatibility, air retention, and adequate clearance around the body and suspension. Buyers should also confirm whether the assembly should be run with a tube and make sure the wheel itself is in sound condition.

Before any trip or event, inspect for cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of prior damage. Specialty bias-ply tires depend heavily on the complete wheel-and-tire system being correct, so wheel width, bead-seat condition, and the intended use of the vehicle all deserve attention. If any part of the setup is uncertain, a qualified tire professional should review it before service.

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