Widest Tire???????????
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 112
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From: Buffalo New York
Widest Tire???????????
Hello - I was hoping someone could tell the largest/widest tires they have successfully run on their stock size 5-spokes. The polished 17x8.5 and 18x9.5 wheels. Thanks in advance for any info.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,097
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From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
I guess it depends on what you mean by successful. You could put some tires on that are too wide, but they'll stay on the wheel and will hold air. But will they offer you maximum performance (i.e., acceleration and handling)? No, I don't believe they will. That being said, each tire manufacturer will give you the specs for the optimum range of wheel size widths for a given tire; the TireRack's website is particularly good at providing this type information. Offhand, IMO I would say that going up 20 mm over stock fitment widths is about the maximum you should go, but you'd probably be better off with only a 10 mm bump. Of course, that changes your tire diameter unless you compensate by changing the tire's profile, but that's a different issue.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo New York
Thanks guys - and yes I agree that there is a point of no return on this question regarding going too wide. Where I am coming from is - I used to race a RX7 that called for a 195 width on a 6 inch rim and got great results with a 225 width tire to the point both Hoosier and Bfg wanted my used tires returned for verification they were working as I stated. Thanks again.
Blake
Blake
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
I guess it depends on what you mean by successful. You could put some tires on that are too wide, but they'll stay on the wheel and will hold air. But will they offer you maximum performance (i.e., acceleration and handling)? No, I don't believe they will. That being said, each tire manufacturer will give you the specs for the optimum range of wheel size widths for a given tire; the TireRack's website is particularly good at providing this type information. Offhand, IMO I would say that going up 20 mm over stock fitment widths is about the maximum you should go, but you'd probably be better off with only a 10 mm bump. Of course, that changes your tire diameter unless you compensate by changing the tire's profile, but that's a different issue.
If a wider look is your goal, go with Z06 size wheels and tires as I did and you gain an inch in width both front and back. Though it may not sound like much, it is quite noticable.
