Yet another Tire Question

fazz1225 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-09, 08:46 PM

Hello all, I am a new owner of a 06 v and i have read just about every thread here. This is a great bunch of people. I am about to purchase new tires and have decided to go 275/40/18 for the rears however I can not find clarification on best tire size for front ires. I would like to go wider if possible, Please help.

Zo6PwRd · #2 (**permalink**) 10-22-09, 12:25 AM

i think 275s on the front will rub or stock out of the fender too much. 245 is about as big as you want in the front and i doubt a 275 would make much difference on a 8.5 inch wide wheel except leave less stability in the sidewall. 275 ont he back has been done but i again dont see a point unless you widen the stock wheels or buy wider wheels. the tire will be a little too small for the wheel and wont get full use out of the tire. stick to 245's all around, or 255 max.

shadybx7 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-22-09, 12:45 AM

265s have been done all around with the front tires only rubbing slightly at full lock... it really depends on the brand of tire because each manufacturer has different standards.. i.e.

BFg KDWs vs Stock Goodyear F1. both the stock size..

VfastCaddy · #4 (**permalink**) 10-22-09, 01:21 AM

Having recently gone thru this: the 275/40 on the rear is almost exactly the stock diameter. See my thread a little earlier on how it handles even with cheap tires, i.e. big improvement at max cornering. This is not theory. This is fact.

The fronts are a problem because of lack of clearance to the suspension. People say that 265 will rub a little. I can believe it. Maybe a little rubbing is okay if you don't push it. Not okay in my book, especially as I'm autocrossing. Also, 265/45 will be about .70" bigger diameter, raising the front of the vehicle by .35". You probably don't want that. If you can find 265/40, that would be better (slightly smaller than stock.) I went 255/40 for no rubbing but which lowers the front by .34" Not optimum, as the car already has some rake which doesn't help handling, but best compromise for me, as I wanted to match aspect ratios while getting a slightly shorter sidewall and slightly wider contact patch for quicker turn-in response. Would I have noticed any difference if I'd stayed with 245/45? I'll never know.

kirchbed · #5 (**permalink**) 10-22-09, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VfastCaddy

...I went 255/40...

With R 275/40's a F 255/40 is over a half inch of difference in tire height. Are you having any T/C issues?

The 245/45 is an exact match for the 275/40. 265/40's absolutely will rub some on the front.

jerrycecco · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-09, 02:16 AM

I've been running Mich PS2 265/40 all around no rubbing..
I have ran 6 or so open track events North of Dallas, TX @ Eagles Canyon
Great tire, but I think I'll try a different/cheaper$ next time....maybe a Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec @ 245/45 since they dont make a 265

See the pictures of my V with 265's

fazz1225 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-22-09, 05:53 PM

Thank you all for the help, like I said earlier this is a great bunch.

AG'S-V · #8 (**permalink**) 10-23-09, 05:21 PM

Anyone have pics of 255s?

Matt05V · #9 (**permalink**) 10-24-09, 05:15 PM

Keep in mind wider isnt ALWAYS better. An excellent compound tire in say a 245 will out handle a car with a 265 or even 275 tire with a mediocre compound. For example, a R888, PS2 or Direzza star spec in 245 would easily out manuever a 265 or 275 in some sort of all season tire. It really depends on what your going for however, some people just like the look.

Also as Z06pwrd stated is spot on.

To answer the original question, I wouldnt do more than a 255 up front due to the possible rubbing issues and you're really not going to gain much by going more. MOST people never or are even able to push their tires to the limits. Not sure what your mods are (if any) or your intentions with the car or how you drive it but you may save yourself money and have better results by going with a narrower tire with a better compound. In spring my car is getting a set of Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec in stock size all the way around. Search these tires....outperformed the competition in Car and Driver's test (which included many of the best available) and is far less $$$.

*Side note* Going wider in the back can also cause the car to have more of a tendancy to understeer. Again, not sure if you plan on tracking the car or driving it hard but you may notice this.