Help with wheel and tire sizing...

Ryan

Ryan

New member
I'm considering getting a new set of summer wheels. I know for sure I want to go with 18s, I'm just trying to figure out what width I want to go with, and also tire sizing. I guess the only thing I'm concerned about is my strut and spring combo, and if I'll have enough clearance. I'm currently running KYB struts and Tein S-Tech springs. I don't mind rolling the fenders if that's what needs to be done. I want to go with at least an 18x8.5 with an offset of +48, but how much of a difference would it make going to an 18x9 +35 offset in terms of fender rolling / clearance? What size tires would not require me to roll my fenders with an 8.5 width wheel?

 
That's what I was thinking... I don't think my wheel bearings would appreciate +35 either haha

 
Or 245/35....... 255/35 will fit with slight grinding of the rear fender, That's what I've seen people run on 8.5. I plan on running 235's on 8's with a 35 offset. You can check nasioc also (I know your on there lol) to see which set up you like the best. I've seen quite a few 8.5 set ups's on there.

 
I don't think my wheel bearings would appreciate +35 either haha
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just make sure your butt dyno can appreciate the buckboard ride the 18s with 'rim protector' profile tires will give you. you should try to experience the impact harshness of 40- or 35-series tires with a ride-along in somebody else's car before you invest cubic $$$ yourself only to be sorry you did.

are you going for looks or for increased performance...a smaller tire may trade off some small amount of ultimate grip in return for much more forgiving handling at the limit. with phat tires on pavement, once the grip is gone there's no getting it back...until you bend that nice bugeye by bouncing off the scenery
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fatter tires might look sexy but don't always translate to usefully increased grip, esp in the wet or on loose surfaces (sandy pavement for example)

 
I want something with this look (and these are the wheels I'm probably getting)

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I PMed him and asked him about his setup. They are 18x9 +35 G-force wrapped in 245/40, but he had to sell his KYB struts in order for these wheels to fit, and I'm running KYBs
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. I really just want a wider wheel and tire set up...

 
Those fenders look rolled and pulled. Not to mention you need coilovers not only for the stiffer (keep down the wheels travel) ride, but for clearance on the inside of the wheel. Normal spring/strut combos are way too wide. Factor in a new alignment with negative camber.

It looks good, but its silly.

 
Yeah 18x9 would just be too much, especially for the way I use the car. Should I be ok with 18x8.5 +48 offset, with a 245/40, or will I need fender rolling with that size as well?

 
From what i've read, 245 on a 8.5 with that offset will require a little rolling but it shouldn't be too bad. It also really depends how much camber you dial into it.

I'm looking for a similar setup aswell, i just cant decide if i want to pony up for coilovers

PS the red hawkeye in that photoshoot is so sick!

 
...you need coilovers not only for the stiffer (keep down the wheels travel) ride, but for clearance on the inside of the wheel. Normal spring/strut combos are way too wide.
It looks good, but its silly.
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^that.

be very careful with any wheel/tire setup that requires you to restrict or reduce wheel travel. wheel travel is what makes a subaru drive like a subaru. yes, they roll a little but on rough roads (like every effin one in Maine) it's a worthwhile tradeoff.

that is, unless you want to make your nice Subie ride like a slammed Honda. the silver car pictured may look groovy but would be a stupid setup for Maine roads.

 
i run 245/40/18 on 18x18.5 on the toxic one with stock struts and i should have my fenders rolled but just haven't gotten around to it yet
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