245/35-18 on 8.5 inch Rims

[DSLeach]

I've been reading all the threads I can find on wheels and tires on this forum. I'm looking to put decent tires under my son's FR-S that will provide better grip. The car is lowered 3/4" from stock front and back with progressive slightly stiffer springs. The car handles well now but the stock sized tires just don't provide sufficient grip.

We are interested in improved handling and track performance. We also want a close to stock look with the wheels tires even with or slightly under the fender lip. We also want a square set up to allow full tire rotations.

I think I've determined from what I read that a 245/35-18 tire on an 18x8.5" rim with about a 40 mm offset will fit and should provide plenty of grip with good quality performance tires.

I haven't found very many examples of this setup in the tire fitment thread. I also can't find very many wheels in size 18x8.5" that we like (silver multispoke).

I know the 245/35 tires will go on a larger rim (9") but I'm not sure if this will fit in the front under the fender lip and we don't like the look of a too narrow tire on a too fat rim.

Does anyone have experience with a tire wheel setup like this? What do you have (wheel and tire) and did you have any fitment problems?

[jflogerzi]

On stock power, you don't need 18 inch rims. I would recommend 17x8(lighter the better) and 225/45or/17's which will provide plenty of grip. At that size you should be fine. Remember adding more weight @ the corners will numb steering feel and slow the car down.

[sshole]

I have 18x8 +48 wheels with 245/35/18 Continental DW tires. Fits fine.

[gramicci101]

Originally Posted by DSLeach

The car handles well now but the stock sized tires just don't provide sufficient grip.

It's not the stock size, it's the stock tire. If you want to go to 245's on 18's because it looks awesome, go for it. If its for actual traction purposes, decent 215's or 225's on the stock wheel will be fine.

[DSLeach]

Originally Posted by jflogerzi

On stock power, you don't need 18 inch rims. I would recommend 17x8(lighter the better) and 225/45or/17's which will provide plenty of grip. At that size you should be fine. Remember adding more weight @ the corners will numb steering feel and slow the car down.

We are also looking at FI in the future; most like the Innovate intercooled SC.

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by DSLeach

We are also looking at FI in the future; most like the Innovate intercooled SC.

Okay that makes a bit more sense. But if you get a meaty tire and a nice mild drop, 17's can fill the fenders nicely.