Wheel/tire question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Wheel/tire question
I've tried searching but still couldn't come to a conclusion...
If you want 18x9 and 18x10.5 for front/rear wheel sizes, what are the proper tire sizes?
Using those tire size calculators, the sizes that are "proper" seem to be either non existent or ridiculously expensive (I assume due to the fact that they aren't common sizes): e.g. 265/35/18 and 295/35/18. The overall diameter doesn't seem to match the stock sizes diameter?
Stock: 25.7"/26.7"
265/35/18 & 295/35/18: 25.3"/26.1"
In order to reach stock sizes.. you'd need:
275/35/18 & 315/35/18: 25.6"/26.7"
But it seems no one runs these sizes for 18/18? I also don't understand how the width of the tire should be adjusted if you choose between say 18x8.5 or 18x9 or 18x9.5 front wheels. I'd assume that the larger the width the less side wall you have?
What am I misunderstanding here? I need new tires this summer and I'm thinking of getting new rims... I think 18x9 and 18x10.5 yields the best value (factoring in price of tires.. the looks and the impact of weight on performance).
If you want 18x9 and 18x10.5 for front/rear wheel sizes, what are the proper tire sizes?
Using those tire size calculators, the sizes that are "proper" seem to be either non existent or ridiculously expensive (I assume due to the fact that they aren't common sizes): e.g. 265/35/18 and 295/35/18. The overall diameter doesn't seem to match the stock sizes diameter?
Stock: 25.7"/26.7"
265/35/18 & 295/35/18: 25.3"/26.1"
In order to reach stock sizes.. you'd need:
275/35/18 & 315/35/18: 25.6"/26.7"
But it seems no one runs these sizes for 18/18? I also don't understand how the width of the tire should be adjusted if you choose between say 18x8.5 or 18x9 or 18x9.5 front wheels. I'd assume that the larger the width the less side wall you have?
What am I misunderstanding here? I need new tires this summer and I'm thinking of getting new rims... I think 18x9 and 18x10.5 yields the best value (factoring in price of tires.. the looks and the impact of weight on performance).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 27
From: Bay Area CA
You're over thinking the situation. You can run either 265mm or 275mm on the front...and either 295mm or 305mm on the rear, and you'll be fine (with 35 aspect ratio).
I've been running these tires sizes for over 4 years and haven't had one issue
I've been running these tires sizes for over 4 years and haven't had one issue
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
So in conclusion:
As long as the tire diameter isn't too far off from stock, and the difference of tire diameter between front and rear is close to stock, everything else is fair game.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
No I did read your article... good info but I guess I was over thinking about certain numbers.
So in conclusion:
As long as the tire diameter isn't too far off from stock, and the difference of tire diameter between front and rear is close to stock, everything else is fair game.
So in conclusion:
As long as the tire diameter isn't too far off from stock, and the difference of tire diameter between front and rear is close to stock, everything else is fair game.
Stock has a 0.7"-1.0 larger rear tire. Try to keep your rear tire at least 0.5" larger in diameter.
Other than that you can run what ever sizes you want (as long as it fits in the wheel well 
)Try to keep stay as close to the overall diameters as best you can... so that your wheels don't look too big, or too small in the wheel well. Also to keep your speedometer reading accurately.
When I went to a 19/19 combo I increased the overall diameter by 0.2" in front and rear. It really helped fill in the large wheel well a little. At the same time I maintained a 0.7" larger rear tire (same as stock Z06). 275/30/19, 305/30/19.
I would ask guys to look at their 18/18 combo's to see what sizes they are running, and see if it looks right to you.
I think most people are running a 275/35/18, 295/35/18. Lots of options on those sizes. A 305/35/18 rear would be even better. I think only Nitto makes that size though.
Toque
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 27
From: Bay Area CA
