spooldursti

iTrader: (1)

Hopefully here pretty soon I'm looking at getting the rota g-force in 18x9's. My question(s) would be if a 255/45/18 would fit without rolling the fenders on my Tanabe gf-210 springs. I havent seen that tire on combination before on my particular set-up. Or would I have to go with a 245 maybe? I dont want to run a 245 on a 9'' wheel if its gonna stretch the tire to make it look ugly. Any advice?

Dylan

Neal@tirerack

iTrader: (25)

That seems way taller than what should work. 27" od is really pushing it on a stock height car let along dropped. 235/40-18 or 255/35-18 best bets.

Smike

iTrader: (8)

255/35R18 is more standard here not 45.

Ludikraut

iTrader: (17)

IIRC most 265/35R18 tires are very close to the stock tire diameter - but you'd have to roll your rear fenders to get them to fit. A 255 width tire should fit w/out rolling but will be slightly smaller in a /35 and slightly taller in a /40. If you have a specific tire in mind, go to the tire specs page on tirerack.com and see how they measure up to the stock diameter, which is 25.3".

l8r)

spooldursti

iTrader: (1)

Would a 255/40 work? I think a 35 would be too small of a sidewall. we dont have the best streets here in Topeka. I need a little "flex" room for comfort.

Smike

iTrader: (8)

Sidewall is a ratio to tread width. 235 *0.45 = 105.75mm (4.2in).

235/45R17 - 4.2in and OEM size
255/35R18 - 3.5in sidewall and 1.2% shorter diameter
255/40R18 - 4.0in and 2.6% taller
265/35R18 - 3.7in and 0.2% shorter

Look at weight per package too. You're looking at adding a significant amount of rotational mass. Thats going to hurt performance and feel of the car.

Ludikraut

iTrader: (17)

A /40 series will be about .5 to .7" taller. I'd search the forums to see if anyone is running that size.

l8r)

spooldursti

iTrader: (1)

Is it really going to be that noticeable? As in making my car "slower?" Because I definitely don't want that.

Smike

iTrader: (8)

Yes.

Ludikraut

iTrader: (17)

Unless you're competing in Auto-x or other forms of racing, it's not that big of a deal. For a street driven car I wouldn't worry about it.

l8r)

Smike

iTrader: (8)

We disagree. It comes down to physics. Takes more power to move that wheel package. Will slow down turning response. And take longer to brake.

Ludikraut

iTrader: (17)

I don't disagree that there is a benefit to reducing unsprung weight, but it's so easy to make power with the Evo that it wouldn't be very high on my list of mods unless I'm competing in a classed event where I have to adhere to restrictions.

Now maybe if I was driving a Focus ... erm ... cough... Hah!

j/k man.

Personally, if I was the OP, I'd get the rear fenders rolled and run 265/35s ... Not only do I recommend this solution, I also run it on my car. ...now where'd that bottle of rogaine go?

l8r)

Smike

iTrader: (8)

Racing a Focus...she lives and dies by what weight I can cut

Weight savings works (or hurts) any car. I prefer the lighter options. Quicker everything. Win for me.

spooldursti

iTrader: (1)

Thank you guys for the quick response's. So we've established that a 255/40/18 WILL work with no rolling but not "recommended" for weight purposes, rotational mass etc.. And a 265/35/18 is recommended with rolling the rears and in all purposes "better" than the 255/40?

Ludikraut

iTrader: (17)

My main reason for choosing a 265/35R18 was because it was exactly the same diameter as stock. Secondary reasons were that I like the look of a wider tire and with the lower aspect ratio, you normally get a slightly stiffer sidewall (when compared to the same tire with a taller sidewall).

So far though, you haven't talked about the most important thing - what tire are you getting? Many tires will only be available in one size or the other.

l8r)