TheJANG

iTrader: (1)

First off, I've used search, many times, and haven't seen the sort of solid, real information that I need.

My inquiry is simple. For those of you who have actually installed and used 17" tires wider than 205mm or wheels wider than 7" or larger in diameter than 17", what is/was your exact wheel/tire setup? Also, if you did experience any rubbing issues, where was the rub, and under what conditions? For instance, was it in the inner fender, at the back of the tire under hard cornering? Rim of the outer fender when going over bumps?

Not looking for theory or "that probably won't work" -- I've seen plenty of posts like that I'm looking for first-hand reports from folks who have actually tried to push towards the limits.

Some sample specific questions to try to spur discussion:

1) Anybody use 18's? What wheel offset, what tire shore?
2) Anybody use 225mm tires?
3) 7.5" wheels, anyone?

I'm shopping for the best tarmac setup and want as much rubber on the ground as physically possible. So, bring it on!

PS: I'm not looking to lower the car in street trim (perhaps some variable ride height coilovers down the line, but that I'll only lower for track driving, where max. steering range is not needed).

insomniac_evo

iTrader: (3)

this is interesting cause i'm getting 19s in september, i think 18x8 will fit

xstephenx

iTrader: (1)

I have 17x7+38 with a 215/40/17. I had a 225 on the same setup but it rubbed the outer fender lip when hitting big bumps (i.e. RR tracks). I have not had any problems on the inner fender well just the outer.

TheJANG

iTrader: (1)

Very interesting. I wonder if +42 or perhaps +48 offsets would have allowed 225's to fit well.

Thanks for the informative post!

RollerPyro

iTrader: (5)

I know it's not a RA, but I know a guy who had 7.5 x 18" rims on his OZ and he said they didn't rub at all. Sorry I don't know the offset or tire size. His username on here is Static.

The way I figure it is you can probably get away with a wider wheel and not experience any rubbing on the track. It's things like backing up with the steering wheel cranked all the way around that will make you rub.

xstephenx

iTrader: (1)

In the RA the front is not the problem. The rear fenderwell is cut to short that you really have to stay within a strict set of parameters to make it fit. I was going to swap out my wheels at Les Schwab (would have done so for the difference in $) but the ones I have are the ones I really wanted and figured a little bit of extra contact patch would not make much difference. But in the future when I get new tires I may just roll my fenders and get 225/235.

TheJANG

iTrader: (1)

Right on! So, perhaps, close to stock offset up front, but more + offset at the rear is the trick? For example, 17x7 +42 225/40 front, and perhaps 17x7 +48 225/40 rear.

You're saying 225's on +38 rubbed, but 215's on +38 don't. That's change of 5mm of width from centerline (of the tire) making the difference. Thus, going back to 225 but taking off at least 5mm of offset should do the trick. Perhaps even +42's would work on the rear, but +48 would definitely be safe.

Does it seem like you have plenty of clearance to your inner fenders and suspension components on the rear with your current setup?

I'm beginning to wonder if 7.5" will work up front with perhaps 225's (for a more natural contact patch).

I've got my car up on blocks right now (to finish painting the calipers), so I'll see if I can jack it up higher and do some actual measurements.

95TsiAWD

I've got 17x7 rims, +46 offset and 225/45ZR17 tires. Fenders are rolled out to the max but still getting some rubbing in the rear on moderate to extreme bumps. Gets really bad with any people or gear in the back seat or trunk. I'd recommend 225/40ZR17 if you're buying new rubber. I already had these on a previous car.
Going to try OZ Rally rear springs and 1" spacers as soon as I get a free weekend to install them (they're just collecting dust in the garage right now). Should give me a little more lift in the back and cure this problem. Hopefully give the car a little more aggressive stance too (1G DSM style )

xstephenx

iTrader: (1)

I have a decent amount of clearance. I don't drive very often with people in the back so whether or not it will rub with people in it is up for debate. I think 95tsi is having problems with the combination of the taller sidewall as well as the wider tire. If I was to go with a 45 sidewall instead of a 40 I would maybe rub more. However, I would think with a 46 offset he would've been fine, but I guess not.

95TsiAWD

No, still catching the outer 5mm or so of the tire. Just on big, sudden bumps if the car isn't loaded down. A 40 series tire would definitely help.

TheJANG

iTrader: (1)

Very interesting. I appreciate the solid info.

The setup I'm currently scoping out is:

5zigen FZ01R-C or GN+

Front 18x7.5 +42, tires 225/35
Rear 18x7.5 +48, tires 225/35

Our stock 205/50-16's have a total diameter of 24" (or at least they should by the numbers; I'll have to check). This is the same you get from 225/40-17's and, incidentally, 225/35-18's. However, using 7.5" wheels instead of 7" would give a more relaxed, rounded shoulder, pulling the tire in & away from the fender. We shall see, though.

Need more research! Keep the data coming, guys. This is immensely helpful.

954DRGSR

iTrader: (2)

The Vishnu Shop car is running the largest setup I've heard to date at 18x9.5 with 265/35/18 BFG G Force Tires. They used spacers = 3mm ones in the back and nearly 10mm up front (they installed longer wheel studs). So obviously this required some massaging to fit. Its for sale here at http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=&cardist=2545

Vishnu has also had success with stock suspension on 5Zigen FN01RC 17x9" offset +35 255/45/17 BFG GForce KD tires.

Scratch my post above guys - I just looked at the forum and its fo RA - Sorry

Freddie1111

iTrader: (3)

Evo and RA are different.

mojambo

iTrader: (3)

Jang,

what would suck is that if you have different offsets front and rear...you can't rotate the tires...what about getting same offset for both and use a spacer in the rear????

TheJANG

iTrader: (1)

I was expecting to have to get the tires physically moved from one set of wheels to the other. However, using spacers (at the front, in this case) would be a lot smarter wouldn't it