225/45 or 235/40 on 17x7.5

[Joe-G]

Anyone here have any experience with a 235/40/17 tire on a 17x7.5" wheel?

I've seen plenty of examples where a 235/40 has been stuffed onto a 7.5" wide wheel, but I'm more concerned with performance.

Does the pinched tire negate the added width of a 235? Is the shorter sidewall of a 235/40 better than a 225/45?

Assuming we're comparing the same tire for the purpose of autoslalom... Is it better to just stick to a 225/45?

Looking to upgrade the tires before the next event, not quite sure what size to order.

[Hyper4mance2k]

There is no blanket answer to this question. Every tire is different. I ran a 225 A5 Hoosier on a 13x6" wheel, but would I run a 225 MPSS on a 17x7" wheel, no. You need to figure out what tire you want to run, then pick a wheel choice. It's not as simple as picking X size tire and fitting a wheel.

The common trend is to stretch a side wall for "faster turn in and more steering response." In many cases doing this couldn't be further from the truth. The A5 I ran was designed to be a cantlevered tire. The sidewalls hung 1/2" over the wheel.

[Joe-G]

Originally Posted by Hyper4mance2k

There is no blanket answer to this question. Every tire is different. I ran a 225 A5 Hoosier on a 13x6" wheel, but would I run a 225 MPSS on a 17x7" wheel, no. You need to figure out what tire you want to run, then pick a wheel choice. It's not as simple as picking X size tire and fitting a wheel.

The common trend is to stretch a side wall for "faster turn in and more steering response." In many cases doing this couldn't be further from the truth. The A5 I ran was designed to be a cantlevered tire. The sidewalls hung 1/2" over the wheel.

I wish I had the luxury of picking a size, tire, then an accommodating wheel. However, my budget is limited and buying new wheels is out of the question.

I'm stuck with a 17x7.5 wheel, and I would like to run either a Dunlop Direzza ZII/ZII* or the Hankook RS3 V2.

Was hoping someone here would have a bit of experience with this similar setup so I can make a better decision.

[renfield90]

General internet wisdom says the RS3 doesn't take well to pinching. Go 225 RS3 or 235 star spec.

FYI I run a 245 Rival S on a 7" wheel. The "feel" is a little mushy compared to 225 but otherwise it's making plenty of grip.

[Hyper4mance2k]

Originally Posted by Joe-G

I wish I had the luxury of picking a size, tire, then an accommodating wheel. However, my budget is limited and buying new wheels is out of the question.

I'm stuck with a 17x7.5 wheel, and I would like to run either a Dunlop Direzza ZII/ZII* or the Hankook RS3 V2.

Was hoping someone here would have a bit of experience with this similar setup so I can make a better decision.

Well there you go, you named a tire. You need to start with tires, then move to wheels. That's simply how it works. Or, you pick whees and try to bandaid the best tire you can.
The taller the sidewall the larger range of wheel widths it will fit. Dunlup recommends the ZIISS 234/45 on a minimum of a 7.5 the 225/45 fits on a 7. The 225 will give you better turn in on a 7.5 at the expense of overall grip. That's a decision you have to make based on how you like the car to drive. Personally I'd go with the 235/45. The same applies to the RS3V2. You can look up the manufacturers recommended wheel widths per tire.

[Joe-G]

Originally Posted by Hyper4mance2k

Well there you go, you named a tire. You need to start with tires, then move to wheels. That's simply how it works. Or, you pick whees and try to bandaid the best tire you can.
The taller the sidewall the larger range of wheel widths it will fit. Dunlup recommends the ZIISS 234/45 on a minimum of a 7.5 the 225/45 fits on a 7. The 225 will give you better turn in on a 7.5 at the expense of overall grip. That's a decision you have to make based on how you like the car to drive. Personally I'd go with the 235/45. The same applies to the RS3V2. You can look up the manufacturers recommended wheel widths per tire.

Well, it looks like the 235/45 is the way to go. Thanks for all the help!