235 or 225/45 on 7.5?
 

Hey guys
Finally got new rims and but thinking if i should but 225 or 235 on. I read that 235 does not suffer from sidewall flex but has no gain over traction compared to 225 on 7.5 rim. The only reason why im contemplating is that 235 is 10 dollar cheaper per tire. Any help will be appreciated

Go with the 235. 40 dollars is 40 dollars

225/45 will feel much crisper. a 235/45 will be a big tire. You need 235/40 if you want to go that wide.

What's the price on a 215 tire? 215 would be my choice on a 7.5 wheel.

If the stock is 7inch wheel and fits 215 i think 225 would be a better fit on 7.5. From what i have read there is no negatives to running 235 to 225 but the not much benefit either. I live in australia and 235 is uncommon tire compared to 225 or 215 hence the reason it being cheaper im guessing

Tires can accommodate a range of wheel widths.

225/45/17: 7-8.5"
215/45/17: 7-8"
235/40/17: 8-9.5"

With a 7.5 wide wheel, you're only in the medium range of the 215 tire range. One of the benefits for wider tires is heat capacity. More rubber means the ability to take on more heat. Most people won't have this issue unless they take their cars to the track.

The slimmer tire will also stiffen the sidewall of the tire. More stiffness means quicker turn-in response. A tire that's wider will have a bit of slop due to flexing of the sidewall.

225/45 on a 7.5 - if going 235, i agree with the 40 ratio sidewall.

215 on the stock wheel is already a little streched.

But I guess. Stance YO!

If it's performance you're interested in, keep the tire's tread width within +/- 1" of the wheel width. In that range, a narrower tire on a wider wheel will generally perform better. Tire tread widths can vary quite a bit in a given size, so you'll want to make sure to look the width up - http://www.tirerack.com makes that easy.

All tires are made differently even if the tires are rated the same.

e.g., stock 215 will look "stretched" but a 215 Hankook RS3 will look just fine.

I am getting a 7.5in wide rim as well and wrapping them in Michelin Pilot Super Sport at 225/45-17. This car is nothing but a DD for me and no AutoX or track time. I chose this thinking I am going to be more comfortable driving the car compared to 215/45-17.

Definitely advice me if I am not thinking right here. I would love to save some money and get the 215/45-17s if it makes no difference.

It's not going to make a huge difference either way when it's going to be a DD. 7.5 is the "standard" rim width for a 225/45/17 tire size, but it's not going to make any real world difference. Personally, I'd get the cheaper 215 tire and stiffer sidewall.

I have decided on 235/40 to keep the diameter as close as factory. Its doesn't hurt to try it as i rather save cash now as ill will upgrade the tires later on the track. Its a daily for me but i was trying to maximize grip for some spirited driving. I haven't heard any negatives for people on nasoic commenting use on autoX or tracking with this size on 7.5 inch rim some even recommend it so who knows

Thanks for the help guys

The 45 aspect ratio will have a much greater effect upon the comfort you experience than will the tires' tread width.