Question for everyone who has gone 8.25" and wider

[SkAsphalt]

Now that you have increased the width of your tires by at least an inch (staggered or at all 4 corners), how does your car feel? I am looking into rim options but I am worried about fitting 8.5-9.5" wide tires on a car with only 197bhp. I understand the benefits of improving upon the tire (better compound, tread etc), and getting a lighter rim, but I am still worried about increasing the contact patch outside of the cars engineered dynamic.

thoughts, opinions? Also, why did you up-size? For the track? For looks? Any input would be great!

Thanks guys, love this forum and the input it always provides. :happy0180:

[fasteddy]

Bump for anwers from people who have upgraded. I have wondered this too. I am considering going to a 17' x 8"-9" wheel with a 245/40/17. The 245/40/17 is the closest to the same overall diameter of the stock tire.

Assuming you end up with a wheel tire combo that weighs the same or less, one would think the dynamics should stay relatively the same.

Upgraders: does the steering feel heavier? any other oberservations about ride or handling characteristics from the extra width?



Thanks!

Pat

[G-Man]

most of the reviews I read talked about how being able to freely kick the tail out is half the fun of the car. I would think that a big(wide) tire on this small engine would kill that. When i get mine I do not plan on going much wider than stock if i can help it. just cutting weight and opening up flow where it could be useful.

[yomny]

just installed 9.5" rear with 255 michelin pilot ss tires. The car handles like a dream, a lot more grip and quicker transition response, quite honestly the car feels just as fast as before.

[jimbobrand]

I did 18x8.5" with 235/40/18 Hankook Evo 12's and the steering feels just a touch heavier. Also, the rear of the car can still swing out and is still very predictable when it does but the car has much more grip now and feels much more solid when driving in the twisties.