How wide can I go?
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Virginia
How wide can I go?
Hey guys, I am considering getting some aftermarket rims/tires. Now, I really like the looks of the ccw classics I was wondering if I could go with 18x12's in the back. I know that I would have to take out the rear brake duct but would I have to get a mini tub kit or not? I really dont want to spend the $900.00 on the tub kit.. Thanks, Jason.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
18x12s are not a problem providing your car is not lowered more then 1/2" othewise tires MAY run in the inside of the wheel well when cornering.
I have 18x12 CCW classic street and 18x13 CCw Classic track. The 13" needs longer studs and 3/8" spacer to fit.
I have 18x12 CCW classic street and 18x13 CCw Classic track. The 13" needs longer studs and 3/8" spacer to fit.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Bartlett IL
I run a 18x12 ccw with a 315/30-18 with no rubbing and the car is lowered. The car is now mini tubbed so when I get some acp widened qp's I can run 345's without rubbing. 
Hears a pic of the 315's
Edit: The 315's fit WITHOUT mini tubbing. I did it to prepare for 345's. The pic is without being tubbed.
Hears a pic of the 315'sEdit: The 315's fit WITHOUT mini tubbing. I did it to prepare for 345's. The pic is without being tubbed.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Bartlett IL
What are you using the tires for? The only 345's you can get in a 18" (that I know of) are a R compuond tire. The 315 michelin ps2's that I have grip better than the michelin pilot sports in a 335. 315 to a 335 is only about 1/2 of a inch. The aqua groves very more than that. Your goal is ultimate footprint, not overall width. You could also get falken azinis in a 315 and they are the closest you can get to a R compound for the street. R compounds need heat in them to grip. On the street they will be worse than a max performance tire. Trust me I tried. I've tried ao32R's, khumo v700's, and hoosiers on the street and they are horrible. The ps2's are a great street tire. First gear they won't even spin unless I dump the clutch. Alout of high end supercars run this tire. Mclaren SLR, Carrea GT, 911 Turbo, 911 GT2/3 ect...
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Originally Posted by C6this
But I will having to do a little moding to get the 13's to fit correct? Is it worth going with the 13's or are 12's big enough? I just want the maxium grip.
Wider does look
but not always better for traction. However as says
Originally Posted by turboc5
Your goal is ultimate footprint, not overall width.
Tires that big take much longer to heat up. Tires need heat to have grip. A tire that size you will fell every crack in the road, especially the cracks and uneven pavement that runs in the direction of the road. Plus the cost of those size tires
SO realy a 315 to 305 in the rear with a 275-285 up front may be far batter for grip, traction and handeling then a 345 rear
Yes I run 18x305/30 up front ant 18x335/30 in the rear on the road track, but not on the street. car feels like a pig in the mud with those big and wide tires on. 18x285/35 f and 18x315/35 rear for street and that is almost too wide, but I dont drive my car on the street much
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From: Virginia
Thanks for all the info 
I just want to have the optimum traction on the street. I do not car at all about the twistys I just like going fast in a straight line with as much grip as possible. So what would yield me the most grip possible? like tire size/rim size/width? Thanks!
I just want to have the optimum traction on the street. I do not car at all about the twistys I just like going fast in a straight line with as much grip as possible. So what would yield me the most grip possible? like tire size/rim size/width? Thanks!
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Joined: May 2004
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From: SoCal
Originally Posted by C6this
Thanks for all the info I just want to have the optimum traction on the street. I do not car at all about the twistys I just like going fast in a straight line with as much grip as possible. So what would yield me the most grip possible? like tire size/rim size/width? Thanks!
I just want to have the optimum traction on the street. I do not car at all about the twistys I just like going fast in a straight line with as much grip as possible. So what would yield me the most grip possible? like tire size/rim size/width? Thanks!I only have Khumo MX to compare to but right now I have 305x35x18 on a 11.5 wheel. And there is an INCREDIBLE difference in off the line hookup.
DH
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From: Bartlett IL
If you only care about straight line run a 315 drag radial. My current setup for the aggresive street is a 285/30-18 F and a 315/30-18 R Michelin PS2, but drag racing isn't for me. AU N EGL is right. The car feels much heavier with the wide tires. I added some camber and took out some caster and it felt alout better. More nimble.