Will this size work for me?

[rhythmM]

Please excuse my noob question...

I just got some new wheels, and am not sure exactly what size I should go with. I mostly drive in dry weather and would like to one day track my car.

The sizes are 18x8.5 and 18x9.5.
I was thinking about running 215/45/18 in the fronts, and 235/40/18 in the rears with an overall 1in-1.5in drop. Didn't want to shoot for anything too wide, so I guess I am looking at a mild stretch...

What do you guys think?

[Akari]

215 on a 8.5 is quite a stretch, is there a specific reason you want to do this? -It's going to be heavier(slower), offer less traction and may prematurely wear tires. Same with 235s on a 9.5" wheel. Personally I think 215s fit a 7" wide wheel great (As the OEM setup is), and 235s fit a 8" wide wheel.

What are your goals here?

[chas3wba0]

I have MPSS 235/40/18 on all 4 of my 18x8.5 wheels, and they are the perfect amount of meat for ride quality, handling, looks, etc. (IMO). The sizes you are proposing are a bit skinny, and I see no reason for you to be running stretched tires with those wheel widths.

This might help: www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp

[rhythmM]

I just didn't want to make my tires too meaty and was also worried about any rubbing issues I may encounter. What would you guys recommend for my particular sized wheels then?

235/40 front?
265/35 rear?

[Akari]

Originally Posted by rhythmM

I just didn't want to make my tires too meaty and was also worried about any rubbing issues I may encounter. What would you guys recommend for my particular sized wheels then?

235/40 front?
265/35 rear?

Well it really depends, is there a reason why you want so much wheel and tire on this car? Without FI power there's really no reason for this much grip and the added weight will make a huge difference in performance.

As far as rubbing issues that will mostly depend on your wheel offset.

[wparsons]

225 square on 8" wheels, or if you're really wanting more tire 245's square on 9" wheels. Staggered will change the handling balance and make it push more.

[rhythmM]

Originally Posted by Akari

Well it really depends, is there a reason why you want so much wheel and tire on this car? Without FI power there's really no reason for this much grip and the added weight will make a huge difference in performance.

As far as rubbing issues that will mostly depend on your wheel offset.

Well, actually the wheels I bought were used and already came with 235/40 size tires that still have plenty of tread left on the 8.5" wheels up front.
(Purchased from another forum member)
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76170

So I didn't want to just toss them, but at the same time I want to keep the 9.5" wheels in the rear to match with the ones up front. Which the closest would be 265/35 I believe.

My only dilemma is that I didn't want to run tires that meaty in the rear.




So given: that I already have a pair of 235/40 tires......

I was either considering leaving the 235/40 tires up front and just sticking 265/35 rear.

OR

Moving the 235/40 to the rear and using 215/45 (or something else) up front. But I know there is going to be quite a stretch. I haven't really considered pros and cons yet in regards to that in terms of safety and performance (not that I race or anything).

Offsets are 43 and 35 for the 8.5" and 9.5" (respectively).

[Akari]

That's quite the interesting dilemma you have then.

On one hand you can keep what you have which will negatively affect the balance of the car, and sounds like will rub in the rear or stretch different tires to fit which has it's own performance/safety concerns plus really kills aesthetics IMO.

235/40s would be great on the wheels up front but you're still going to have to run something ridiculous in the rear.

If I were you I'd look to sell the 18x9.5 wheels, pick up another pair of 18x8.5 and grab a couple more 235/40s to match.

Those wheels look awesome though, I love how they fit on a BRZ.