View Full Version : Determining max tire width for wheel width
Mikey52
10-23-2002, 08:35 PM
Is there a chart or something?
If I have 18x8's, what's the largest tire width I can run on the rim? Does rim diameter affect it or is it only the rim width that matters. What about 18x9's or 17x8's? Is there an easy way to know how wide a tire I can run safely?
Danke.
Recommended=
8''=235
8.5=245
9=255
9.5=265
10-275
THat's not official, but what i've observed from wheels that come from the factory and also what tirerack recommends. I'm sure a 285 or 295 would fit fine on a 10'' wide rim though.
Mikey52
10-24-2002, 11:21 AM
Aw that sucks. I had this fantasy about running 255's out back but not when the rims I like come in 17x8. :(
SilverStreak
10-24-2002, 01:04 PM
You might be able to run 255's on an 8" wheel. I have 275's on an 8.5" rear wheel set for the track...
Kos-motate139
10-24-2002, 05:02 PM
Look up the tire you're interested in on the Tire Rack's web site or the tire's web site. With the specs for each tire & size you'll see recommended wheel width.
Mikey52
10-24-2002, 05:40 PM
Ahh, Ill try tirerack. Will I need to run spacers if I use 255 17's out back? I assume Ill need to roll my fenders.
I think a 255 would be a bit too wide for an 8" rim. The other thing you need to consider is the offset of the rim you want to get. Lastly, there are some differences in width between tire manufactures. A Michelin Pilot 245/40/17 is about 5mm narrower than a Bridgestone S03 in the same size.
Mikey52
10-25-2002, 08:28 AM
Can you define offset for me? Ive never understood what that meant.
I would be running Kuhmo Supra 712's. I guess 245/40 would be okay.
Mikey52
10-25-2002, 03:00 PM
Okay, I think I learned what offset means. Higher = the rim is further into the wheel well. Lower = the rim is more towards the outside.
Now the wheels I want are 17x8's with a 40mm offset. Can someone tell me the max tire size I can run?
Mmmmmm,
I'm not sure about how Kumho 712s come in a let say 245 compared to a Michelin Pilots 245 (width). I would say based on a Michelin tire that you might be able to get away with a 255 in the rear with a stock suspension setup. Otherwise you may need to make camber changes. Just to let you know, some 245s are as wide as some 255s all depends on tire manufacturer.
Mikey52
10-25-2002, 06:08 PM
Ahh, I guess I can quiet that little voice that says '255' (:devillook ) to negate any real big changes Ill need to make to my suspension. At least until he comes back and I have to go get 17x9's. :D
Mikey,
Man, it's up to you but to me it's not worth making counter productive changes to the car. How about a fat 17x9 in the rear with a 245? People actually told me that it looks like 265s from the back.
KraZy007
10-26-2002, 05:35 PM
Originally posted by Mikey52
Can you define offset for me? Ive never understood what that meant.
I would be running Kuhmo Supra 712's. I guess 245/40 would be okay.
Keep in mind kumho 712's don't run as wide as other brands of the same size. i.e. a 245 kumho is like a 235 so3. S03's run pretty wide by the way.
Mikey52
10-26-2002, 07:07 PM
Originally posted by BGM3
Mikey,
Man, it's up to you but to me it's not worth making counter productive changes to the car. How about a fat 17x9 in the rear with a 245? People actually told me that it looks like 265s from the back.
Can you give me some examples of reasonably priced, light, strong wheels that come in 17x9? The reason I was thinking 17x8 Superleggera's is because they are light and strong and they are pretty reasonable in price. Will I need to run spacers or roll my fenders with 17x9's and 245 or 255?
Youre right though, that is kind of silly of me to go down an inch in diameter and not add width. Im in the early stages of this thought at the moment(probably wont do it till after winter) and Im not thinking things through.
Mikey,
With my Fikse 17x9, I didn't have to roll the fenders nor use spacers. I can probably even put an S03 in the 255 size and it would fit without rubbing. I don't remember my offset right now, but I can let you know later. You can always get a set of used rims from one of the guys/gals on the board. I've seen anything from BBS, HREs, Kenisis, Fikse, and OZs. Just make sure to check on their feedback and you'll be ok (ask questions also). Save the $$$ on the rims and get top of the line tires. By the way, you can always repair lip rash.
Mikey52
10-27-2002, 10:02 PM
Cool, thanks!
PDX///M
10-28-2002, 07:43 PM
I have a 95 M3 and was considering the Borbet Type TDs.
I have a stock suspension So I wondered if I can do 18x8's all the way around or maybe 18x8 in the front and 18x9 in the rear.
Pic is from another member's M3 not sure on year though. I think they look great and much easier to clean than my 10spokes.
Any idea on if those will fit?
http://softball.jbworks.com/m3rims2.jpg
M3WANABE
10-28-2002, 07:52 PM
I run 18" X 8.5" with lowered suspension and no camber change. I have no problems whatsoever.
PDX,
I read that the widest you can go with an 18" rim is a 8.5 in the rear probably an 8" in the front. I'm not sure if that is 100% accurate considering different offset options but at least a guideline.
PDX///M
10-29-2002, 12:03 AM
Found the owner of the car... It is a 95 M3 and he actually lowered it a bit.
Here is what they are:
-18x8 front 18x9 rear Borbet Type TDs rims
-Pirelli P7000 Supersports tires 225/40-18 front, 225/35-18 rear
He said that the rear rubs a little with 2 passengers in the rear but that is the only time.
in the pic above I can see how that could happen on a lowered suspension. Im going to keep mine stock and Im just looking for an upgrade in wheels.
ihooklow
10-29-2002, 12:52 PM
That tire sizing does not make sense. 225 is a narrow tire for a 9" wheel in the first place. It being a smaller tire than the front, on a wider wheel, the front must look much larger than the back...
I agree with brother ihooklow. 225 is way narrow for a 9" rim. I have 245s on 9" rims and they look stretched. If you're gonna go with new rims, I'd recommend staying with a 17" rim but going wider. More choices of tires, less $$$ for tires, rims are lighter, and less chance of damaging the rim due to a lower sidewall of the tire.
My .02
PDX///M
10-29-2002, 04:44 PM
Well I did some looking around and found an article on tirerack
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/tests/eibach_antisway_rd.htm
They had two bimmers with 225's mounted on a 8" rim. The picture above is the rear tire with 225's on it as well.
I guess I could go with 245's on the 9" rim since I have stock suspension.
17" rims just look too small on the car.
Here is a pic with my forgeline rims on it. They have slicks on but still they look small.
http://softball.jbworks.com/forgeline.jpg
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