18x8+205/40/18= Stretch?

[///Mposter]

Hey I have a quick question on tire size. I would loke to get some tire stretch. Nothing major will this look good or 215? Also should i do 40 for stretched or would 35 be ok?

[ozbmw]

Trying for the stretched look with only an 8" rim seems pointless especially on an E36
Why not get the correct tyre (225/40 x 18) and have the thing actually handle a bit.

If the stretched look really means more to you than handling then why not get some wider rims, 9s for the front and 10s for the rear. Then you can have the stretched look while still maintaining the correct overall diameter.

[///Mposter]

Bringing this from the grave.... should I go for 205's or 215's?

[sirius815]

IMO - 215 will not be stretched on an 8. I've got 225/40R18s on 8.5s and they are not stretched by any means - but I must say the appropriate tire size looks much better (245). I'm going to end up putting 215s on 7.5s - no stretch there! And as far as performance goes, RT-615 at 215.

If you're going for a small width tire, at least get a grippy one!

[luke318is]

215 on 8" will not stretch, 205 mayyyybe a little

[///Mposter]

So 195's perhaps?

[sirius815]

So skinny!! Try a search for style 5's on slammed e36's. Those guys tend to have a ton of stretch - although they are running 17s. Also, be aware that with the 18s, you're probably going to be running a very small sidewall when compared to 17s which will make the tire even more difficult to stretch. I'd almost say 205/40s. For 195s I'd go with a 45.

I'll see what I can find with the search.

[///Mposter]

Yea I have been dabbling around looking for the best outcome. I rub a lot in the rear and thats why I figured i needed a streatch cause i already rolled the fenders and I added spacers. I just need that lil extra clearance. I havent looked for 195/45's yet.

[sirius815]

I can't even find a 195 for 18s. I found a 205/40 from Nitto - the Neogens. So that might just make your decision for you. What are you running right now - offset and tire size?

[///Mposter]

I am running 18x8 35 offset and 25mm spacers. tires are 225/35/18's

Yea i havent had luck. So i guess its going to be 205/40's

[sirius815]

Just for fun I also check on prices for the Neogens - around 115ish per tire for 205/40r18s.

If it were me, I'd go with a slightly smaller spacer, but then again, 205s should be theoretical 20mm smaller and you like then look, then this might be your option - or go with 17s.

Good luck.

[peterbg16]

my bro is running 205 on his 18x8s and there is hardly any stretch. the sidewall bends back JUST slightly. It looks great IMO so I wouldn't go past that if I were you. If you go 195 you might as well forget about having an fun in the twisties cause the car won't handle...

[///Mposter]

Yea id like to go lower. I had to raise the car up to be able to drive. I rub when i hit a decent bump.

[sirius815]

Hey Klove - the 205 should get you the clearance you need, if you need stretch, then you'll have to find another wheel. Just looked at your "2 Years later..." thread Can't believe we never met while I was stationed at Fort Carson just last year! I say go with the 205s are the car is hawt!!

BTW - I think this is the only car the LED tails look good on!

[///Mposter]

O bummer man. Ive been around but i seem to work on my car more than driving it. I am getting the car ready now for some summer fun , And thanks for the help. I just need that little bit more to clear. Im sure they will be an improvement over the 225's. I was just worried if 205's were to small.

[sirius815]

You can make up for having 205s by getting extra stickies. I'm refinishing a set of rc041s right now (17x7.5) and going with 215s - but I'm getting falken rt-615s - which *should* stick better than the fk452s. If you have the monies, get better rubber. Albeit neogens aren't a bad tire to begin with. With stock power it shouldn't be bad with stickies. And besides, from the looks of it - it's a summer car only. And for some reason, I don't see you taking it to PMP or Highplains. Just take it easy in the twisties! Good luck and have fun!

205/35r18 on 18x8 <---Don't know where you'd find that tire size

205/40r18 on 18x8 <----I think this looks a little deceiving?

215/35r18 on 18x8 <---pretty good stretch

[///Mposter]

O i like the 215/35r's that is a nice stretch. thanks for posting that

how about 205/40r? Would that have more of a stretch than the 215/35r?

[sirius815]

The 215/35 looks to have more stretch than the 205/40, but I don't think the right picture is posted for the 205/40 - it looks like there is very little stretch if any. 215/35 is going to be a very rubber band tire.

[jeffreylane]

just to put in my .02.... I am running 215/35/18 on an 8" rim on front and 255/35/18 in the rear. I like the look. The back completely fills the stock fender wells in the rear and the front has a nice stretch, or about as good as your going to get with the 8" rims. The pictures posted earlier of the 215 35's are dead on. I just installed bilsteins sports in the front and they ride pretty decent. I couldn't imagine going to a 205 or 195 though. I personally would not run the 215's on the 8" in the rear. My opinion, but coming from someone with the 215's, It would be a pretty rough ride. It would feel about like riding around with doughnut spares on. I love the stretched look, and the 215's work fine for the front (although I have cracked 1 wheel with them already), but if you want that look in the rear you will need to go with an 9" or 9.5" wheel at least.

[///Mposter]

Ok got the new tires on... Heres a pic if anyone wanted to know how it turned out.



Good news is I don't rub the fender anymore and I can put my spacers on the front now

[sirius815]

Looks good man!

[Jason5driver]

Example:
The tires are Falken Ziex ZE512s in 215/45/17.

[Thing30]

On 18s 205/40 would definitely give you the stretch look your going for, heck you can run a 195 if you really wanna be hellastretched .. Am running 205/40 on 16x10 steelies.

[Edrahman]

I got 18x8 and 18x9.. whats the best tyre width?