Jonno99

Sorry I meant "rims" above not "tyres"...woops

Guys, just looking at getting a separate set of 17 in rims for track work, I have noticed you can get wider versions of the 17s, will there be any advantage getting the wider rims? I'll be running 235/45 or 245/40 tyres so not wanting to roll my guards. Will a 8.5 width rim suit a 235 or 245 width tyre better or not worry about it and stick to 8 inch wide?

Construct

iTrader: (4)

Generally speaking, you want the widest wheel that your tire and fenderwork allows. The additional width helps provide some lateral stability and also unrolls the tread a tiny little bit, making for a marginally wider contact patch. You want the tire to be just barely stretched, but not in to hella-flush or stance or whatever territory.

For example, 245/40R17 is the go-to size for those of us doing autocross in the STU class. The go-to wheel for this setup is 17 x 9.5", which is also the widest wheel recommended by most manufacturers for 245-width tires.

You can fit 9.5" if you're careful about offsets and brake clearance. You'll have to run a reasonable amount of camber to avoid contact with the fenders, but it's really easy if you go with a known-good setup.

8.5" or 9.0" would work as well if you don't want to push it.

MinusPrevious

iTrader: (3)

I run 2 diff sets of 17's for reference

17x9 +29 w/a Nitto 255/40 = Track only
17x9.5 +30 w/a 275/40= Street only

Its your choice. I would go w/a 17x9 wheel & run a 255/40 (this is the wide EVO standard IMO) & roll those fenders

BTW, if you are having to add camber to get your wheels to fit, then they dont fit ! Never add camber for fitment !

Construct

iTrader: (4)

Unless you're on the stock alignment still. In which case, get yourself some reasonable amount of camber to keep those tires happy at the track.

For stock suspension components, look in to flipping the front camber bolt to get -2 degrees up front.

MinusPrevious

iTrader: (3)

^^^Well said

Jonno99

So I'm thinking a set of RPF-1s 17x8.5 +35 running 245/40 tyres.

would that be a good street setup without having to roll the guards?

MinusPrevious

iTrader: (3)

Ran your no.s on the calc. Looks like the rear fenders can stay stock. No roll needed

Its too conservative in my book but I understand

Jonno99

Actually I might stick with 235's, I just saw the price of 245/40 tyres and most places want an extra $150 bucks per tyre, rip off

Junaid K

After allot of searching and asking questions, I settled for a 9j, et30 wheel with 245 tyres.

Lowered on Tein coilovers, zero rubbing and fills the arches well enough. For me, both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

235 would require an 8.5j rim.

Construct

iTrader: (4)

Always double-check against manufacturer recommendations for your chosen tire, but the RE-71R at least Bridgestone specs up to 9.0" wheel width for the 235/45R17.

Junaid K

My mistake. Although I cant understand how. With 245's on my 9J, the
tyres have a bit of stretch already. I can only imagine that the 235's will
stretch even more so.