Tire size advice/opinion
 

Ok, so I'm going from stock to a 17x8 wheel. (Konig Hypergrams) I know the "default" size here would likely be 225/45 but what about other options?


I don't track or autox the car, just a bit of spirited driving here and there. It will remain at stock ride height as well.


I really like the look of a "beefier" tire, with a bit more sidewall (like my winter setup 16x6.5 with 205/55). and I wouldn't mind getting rid of that wheel gap a little bit also.


Should I consider going with a something like a 235/50? would there be any fitment issues or any real marked loss in handling performance? (keeping in mind it's just a daily driver for all intents and purposes)


I've looked through the forums at length, so forgive me if the answers to all my questions are already out there. If anyone is running a setup like the one I mention I'd love to see it.


Thanks in advance

No, a 235/50 is is way too large. If you want a little more beefier tire you need a 245/40/17 tire as that is very close to stock tire specs and will also keep your speedometer accurate. People have run that size on 17x8 without too much an issue. I havent had any personal experience with it, but im sure others who have done this can chime in

speedometer's reading change is of little issue, as even with stock tire size it lies (like for almost all not prehistoric cars, probably due some silent manufacturer agreement), and reads ~8% too high. So if anything, it would lie less.
What would matter to me, that with such tire size there change also gearing would be changed by 6.75%, and if car is still stock NA (under)powered, acceleration will suffer.

If you like a little more sidewall, why not go to a 225/50-16? Plenty of rubber to choose from in that size, wheels tend to be lighter, and tires comparatively don't really seem to gain much weight compared to the stockers. Plus the ride quality improves noticeably.

225/45/17 works best on a 17x8. Having run wider tires on an 8" wheel in the past; I do not suggest it.

Agreed on 225/45/17 with a 17x8. Bonus that you get a tiny bit more sidewall.

You could also just run 16s in the summer. We have 16x8 wheels available through BRAID.

- Andrew

Is running 245/40 on a 17x8 really that bad? What were your thoughts on it?

No, it's not bad. Just not best. 245/40's go on 17x9's for a great fit!


Steering feels better with a 225 on an 8" wheel than a 245 to me.

That being said, a 245/40 on an 8" wheel will have a little more of the 'fat tire' look OP is after. And it'll probably also be a little more comfortable, at the expense of more immediate response.

Ah ok i was definitely considering going 17x8 on 245/40s too, but maybe ill reconsider lol.

The car won't be near as fun to drive. You're going to mess up the handling for a look.

235/45 is also an option

The handling will be far from 'messed up'. The tire's response won't be as immediate as if it were on a wider wheel. It's still a huge improvement over stock, and I'd bet money that the difference would be negligible in real life.

Thanks for the replies, from what I read here the consensus seems to be the 225/45. And consensus gets to be consensus for a reason right? I think that's the way I'm going to go.