9.0/28.0-15 Tires

Also Written As: 9028015, 9.0 28.0 15

The 9.0/28.0-15 tire is a bias-ply specialty size associated with drag racing and other competition-focused applications built around a 15-inch wheel. Its numeric racing format points to a purpose-built tire rather than a general passenger-car replacement size, and the tall overall profile is part of what gives this size its familiar strip-ready stance. For period-minded race cars and specialty builds, bias-ply construction also aligns with the feel and appearance many vintage competition setups used. Before choosing this size, buyers should confirm wheel width compatibility (8.00 inches), available clearance, and the actual load demands of the vehicle and intended use.

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Best 9.0/28.0-15 Tires for Sale

The 9.0/28.0-15 size is offered in 1 product from 1 brand. Buyers should compare construction type, sidewall style, and load suitability against the wheel and vehicle setup being used.

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Drag Race

M&H Drag Slick | 9.0/28.0-15

M&H Racemaster · Drag Slick


SidewallBlackwall
Rim Diameter15 in
Rim Width8 in
Weight19 lb
Max Load—
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9.0/28.0-15 Tire Dimensions & Specifications

The 9.0/28.0-15 size measures 9.0 inches in section width and fits a 15.0-inch wheel, with bias-ply construction in a specialty racing format.

  • Section Width: 9.0 in — This is the dimension to check first against fender lips, suspension components, and brake clearance.
  • Rim Diameter: 15.0 in (381.0 mm) — This must match exactly — 9.0/28.0-15 cannot be mounted on any other rim diameter regardless of how other dimensions compare.
  • Rim Width: 8.00 in — A wheel that is too narrow causes the sidewall to bulge inward; one that is too wide splays the tire flat and distorts the profile.
  • Construction: Bias Ply — Construction type affects ride feel, sidewall flex, handling behavior, and period-correctness for restoration.
  • Tire Weight: 19 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 9.0/28.0-15 tire sizing, fitment, compatibility, performance, maintenance, and replacement options.

Size Basics & Dimensions

What does 9.0/28.0-15 mean?

The 9.0/28.0-15 size uses a specialty numeric format. In this code, 9.0 refers to the nominal section width in inches, 28.0 refers to the tire's overall height in inches, and 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches.

Unlike a modern P-metric size, the 9.0/28.0-15 does not spell out a metric width, an aspect ratio, or a radial construction letter in the code itself. Buyers read this format mainly for racing-style proportions: width, overall height, and wheel size. That makes it easier to compare stance and wheel-opening fill, but it also means you still need to confirm actual wheel fit, clearance, and the construction type of the tire you plan to use.

What size wheel does the 9.0/28.0-15 tire fit?

The 9.0/28.0-15 fits a 15.0-inch wheel, which is 381.0 millimeters in diameter. The wheel diameter must match exactly, because a tire built for a 15-inch bead seat cannot mount correctly on any other wheel diameter.

Wheel width matters too, not just wheel diameter. In this size, the available product is built for an 8.00-inch rim width, so buyers should confirm that their wheel matches that specification before installation. A mismatch in width can change the tire's profile and footprint, which is especially important on a drag racing or specialty application where sidewall shape and contact behavior are part of the setup.

How wide is the 9.0/28.0-15 tire?

The 9.0/28.0-15 has a section width of 9.0 inches, which is about 228.6 millimeters. Section width measures the widest point of the inflated sidewall, not the width of the tread that actually contacts the ground.

Clearance checks should be based on section width because that is the dimension most likely to interfere with wheel tubs, leaf springs, shocks, or outer body panels. Tread width is usually narrower and does not tell the full fitment story. On a specialty or drag setup, a small difference in sidewall bulge can also affect how centered the tire sits on the wheel, so wheel width and backspacing still need to be checked alongside the width figure.

Is 9.0/28.0-15 the same as 9028015?

Yes, 9028015 is simply an alternate written form of the 9.0/28.0-15 size. It refers to the same basic specialty tire format, with punctuation removed for search, catalog, or shorthand use.

Alias formats like 9028015 and 9.0 28.0 15 are useful when searching older paperwork, race notes, or online listings, but they do not change the actual dimensions the tire is built around. Buyers should still confirm the full size, wheel diameter, construction type, and intended use before treating two listings as interchangeable. A shorthand alias can help you find the right size, but it is not a substitute for checking the complete specification.

Does the 9.0/28.0-15 tire need a tube?

The 9.0/28.0-15 is commonly a tube-type fitment. Even so, tube use is a wheel-and-tire-system question rather than a size question, so the final decision should be confirmed against the actual tire and the wheel it will be mounted on.

Race-oriented sizes and older inch-based formats often lead buyers to assume the answer is automatic, but wheel design, bead configuration, and manufacturer guidance still matter. If the wheel condition, sealing surface, or intended use raises any doubt, confirm the setup with a qualified tire professional before mounting the tire. A tube decision should match the complete combination, not just the size printed on the sidewall.

How much does the 9.0/28.0-15 tire weigh?

The 9.0/28.0-15 weighs 19 pounds in the available product. That figure refers to the tire alone, without the wheel.

Tire weight affects more than shipping or handling. It contributes to unsprung weight, which influences how quickly the suspension reacts and how much rotating mass the drivetrain has to move. On a drag racing or specialty build, small weight differences can matter when balancing traction, gearing response, and overall setup. Buyers comparing this size to other racing tires should look at weight alongside wheel width requirements, overall height, and construction.

Tire Compatibility & Fitment

What kinds of vehicles or builds use the 9.0/28.0-15 tire?

The 9.0/28.0-15 is mainly a specialty drag racing and competition size rather than a broad everyday replacement fitment. Its numeric width-and-height format and bias-ply construction place it in the kind of setup where buyers are choosing around launch characteristics, overall height, and wheel diameter instead of matching a modern passenger-car size code.

Fitment depends on more than whether the tire can physically mount to a 15-inch wheel. Buyers should compare wheel width, backspacing, body clearance, suspension travel, and intended use before treating this size as a workable substitute. On older performance builds, it may also be selected for a more authentic competition-style look, but originality and actual fit are still separate questions.

What rim width works with the 9.0/28.0-15 tire?

The available 9.0/28.0-15 product is built for an 8.00-inch rim width. That wheel width should be treated as a key fitment requirement, because it affects the tire's sidewall shape and the way the tread sits on the ground.

An incorrect wheel width can change the tire's stance and how much sidewall bulge appears inside the wheel opening. On a drag or specialty application, those changes can affect clearance to wheel tubs, suspension parts, and quarter panels. Buyers should confirm the actual wheel width, not just the nominal wheel diameter, before mounting this size. Checking backspacing at the same time helps avoid a tire that technically fits the rim but not the car.

Is the 9.0/28.0-15 a good choice for a period-style race build?

The 9.0/28.0-15 can suit a period-style race build because it uses bias-ply construction and a traditional specialty numeric format that matches the look many vintage competition cars used. For builders who want an older drag-strip appearance and feel, those details matter as much as the basic measurements.

Appearance alone should not make the decision. Buyers should still compare the 28-inch overall height, 9-inch nominal width, and 15-inch wheel fit against the actual body and chassis they are working with. A tire can look right for the era and still create clearance or setup issues if the wheel width, backspacing, or suspension combination differs from the original race configuration.

Performance & Driving Experience

How does the 9.0/28.0-15 bias-ply construction affect driving feel?

A 9.0/28.0-15 in bias-ply construction will generally feel different from a modern radial because the carcass is built with angled body plies rather than radial cords. That usually changes sidewall flex, steering response, and the way the tire reacts under load compared with a typical street radial.

Driving feel depends on the whole vehicle, not the tire alone. Suspension geometry, alignment, tire age, wheel width, and inflation all influence how a bias-ply tire behaves. On a specialty or competition-oriented setup, buyers should expect the tire to be chosen for its intended use and proportions first, not because it will mimic the road manners of a modern daily-driven replacement tire.

What does the 28-inch height of the 9.0/28.0-15 change on a vehicle?

The 28.0 figure in the 9.0/28.0-15 size identifies the tire's overall height, so it directly affects stance and wheel-opening fill. A tire of this height can also influence effective gearing and speedometer behavior compared with a shorter or taller substitute.

Vehicle setup is where those changes become important. On a drag-oriented build, overall height may be part of the combination used to balance launch characteristics and rear gearing. On any specialty vehicle, buyers should compare quarter-panel clearance, wheel tub space, and suspension travel before changing overall height. Even when the wheel diameter stays at 15 inches, a different outside diameter can alter the whole look and fit of the car.

Is the 9.0/28.0-15 intended more for specialty use than everyday road driving?

Yes, the 9.0/28.0-15 is best understood as a specialty size associated with drag racing and competition use. Its format, construction, and product type point toward a purpose-built application rather than a general replacement tire for routine mixed driving.

Road behavior should be judged with care whenever a tire is selected from a racing-focused size category. Buyers should consider the vehicle's alignment, weight, suspension condition, and intended mileage before expecting the manners of a normal street tire. If the vehicle will see regular road use, confirm that the tire's construction, operating expectations, and overall dimensions suit the way the car is actually going to be driven.

Tire Brands & Quality

What brands are available in the 9.0/28.0-15 size?

The 9.0/28.0-15 is available from M&H Racemaster in the current product selection. That makes construction details, intended use, and wheel compatibility more important than comparing a long list of brand options.

When a size has a narrow brand field, buyers should focus on whether the tire matches the build's purpose. In this case, that means checking the bias-ply construction, drag-oriented application, 15-inch wheel fit, and 8.00-inch rim width requirement. A specialty size should be evaluated on sizing accuracy and application suitability first, because there may be fewer alternate products to correct a mismatch later.

What should buyers look for when judging quality in the 9.0/28.0-15 size?

Quality in the 9.0/28.0-15 size starts with the basics: correct construction type, consistent dimensions, proper wheel fit, and suitability for the intended use. On a specialty bias-ply size, a tire that matches the application matters more than chasing generic ideas about what makes one tire universally better.

Buyers should examine how well the tire's 15-inch wheel fit, 9-inch nominal width, and specialty purpose align with the actual vehicle setup. A good choice in this size is one that mounts correctly, clears the body and suspension, and supports the kind of use the vehicle will see. For a matched pair or full set, consistency in size, construction, and usage category is usually more important than small cosmetic differences.

Does the blackwall style matter on the 9.0/28.0-15 tire?

Yes, the blackwall appearance matters if the goal is to match a straightforward competition look. On the 9.0/28.0-15, that plain sidewall presentation fits the stripped-down visual character most buyers expect from a drag racing or specialty tire.

Style should still follow fitment and function. A sidewall appearance can support the right period feel on a race-inspired build, but it does not override wheel diameter, rim width, clearance, or intended use. Buyers choosing this size for a vintage drag-style vehicle often want the blackwall look specifically because it keeps attention on the tire's stance and proportions rather than adding a passenger-car trim treatment.

Maintenance & Longevity

How should the 9.0/28.0-15 tire be inspected over time?

The 9.0/28.0-15 should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, air loss, and uneven wear. Because it is a specialty bias-ply size, condition matters just as much as remaining tread, especially if the vehicle is used hard or stored between events.

Inspection should include the sidewalls, bead area, and tread surface, along with the wheel itself. Specialty tires can spend long periods parked and then be asked to work immediately, so buyers should check them before every event or long drive rather than relying on appearance alone. Age, storage heat, sunlight, and ozone exposure can all shorten useful life even when the tire has not accumulated many miles.

How should the 9.0/28.0-15 tire be stored when the vehicle is not in use?

The 9.0/28.0-15 should be stored away from heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or battery chargers. Clean, dry storage helps preserve the rubber and reduce the chance of surface cracking or flat spotting while the vehicle sits.

Collector and specialty vehicles often spend more time parked than driven, so storage conditions can matter as much as mileage. If the vehicle will sit for an extended period, keep the tires properly supported and inspect them again before putting the car back into use. Bias-ply tires can change shape during long storage, and any signs of cracking, distortion, or persistent air loss deserve closer evaluation before driving.

How should buyers confirm tube use for the 9.0/28.0-15 tire?

The 9.0/28.0-15 is commonly a tube-type fitment, but tube use still needs to be confirmed from the actual tire and wheel combination. Size alone is not the final answer because wheel design and manufacturer guidance can change what is appropriate.

Tube decisions should be made with the full wheel-and-tire system in mind. Buyers should look at the wheel's sealing condition, bead area, intended use, and the tire's own mounting guidance before assuming a tube is or is not required. If there is any uncertainty, especially on an older wheel or a specialty setup, a qualified tire professional can help verify the correct approach before the tire is put into service.

Safety & Regulations

What safety checks matter most before using the 9.0/28.0-15 tire?

The most important checks for the 9.0/28.0-15 are condition, wheel compatibility, and clearance. Buyers should inspect for cracks, bulges, cuts, and air loss, then confirm that the tire is being mounted on the correct 15-inch wheel and the specified 8.00-inch rim width.

Specialty sizes deserve extra attention because they are often chosen for specific setups rather than broad factory replacement use. Before any extended drive or event use, check sidewall condition, wheel integrity, and space around the body and suspension at full travel. If the vehicle has been sitting, inspect again before returning it to service. A tire that looks acceptable at a glance may still need closer evaluation because of age or storage conditions.

When should the 9.0/28.0-15 tire be replaced even if the tread looks usable?

The 9.0/28.0-15 should be replaced when age or condition raises concern, even if tread remains. Cracking, bulges, repeated air loss, damage, or signs of structural deterioration are stronger replacement signals than tread depth alone on a specialty bias-ply tire.

Low-mileage use does not stop rubber from aging. Heat, sunlight, ozone, and long periods of storage all work against tire life, especially on collector or race-oriented vehicles that spend time parked. Buyers should inspect the entire tire, not just the contact patch, and should be cautious about returning an older tire to active use after years of inactivity. When condition is questionable, replacement is the safer decision than trying to stretch service life.

Is the 9.0/28.0-15 automatically street legal or suitable for every road use?

No, the 9.0/28.0-15 should not be assumed to be automatically street legal or appropriate for every kind of road use just because it physically fits a wheel. Buyers should review the current sidewall markings, intended use, and local requirements before using a specialty tire outside its expected setting.

A racing-oriented size calls for more verification than a common replacement passenger size. Local inspection expectations, the tire's own markings, wheel condition, and the vehicle's actual use all matter. If the car will be driven on public roads, buyers should confirm that the complete combination meets their needs and that the tire's age and condition support the trip. A qualified tire professional can help when the intended use is unclear.

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