I ordered new wheels yesterday, 18x8.5, +40 offset, arriving in about 60 days. My 2000 has Eibach Prokit springs with KYB GR2's. I'm trying to decide on tires, either 245/40 or 255/40, probably Continental Extreme Contacts. I know most people on here go with the 245's, but is there any disadvantage to the 255's instead? Anyone have any rubbing front or back, even with 4 people and luggage in the car with similar suspension setup? Oh, here in Houston, the roads have some really rough areas, especially downtown. Any thoughts?

Mike

 

The 245/40 are about as large of diameter you would want to go. A 255/40 puts you at a diameter to large IMO. A 235 or 245 would look good. A 255 would bulge and be to tall.

 

I have 235s on my 18x8.5 and if I could do it all over again, I'd a went with 245s or 255s..

 

What new wheels are you getting? I'd recommend 245 over 255. Also, I'd rather get some other tires. Kumho, Michelin, Bridgestone, Yokohama, etc.....


~limsandy

 

245s have the closest parameters to the stock 225/50/17s so you can't go wrong with that. 255s I never had so can't say anything about rubbing. And I will never get Kumho's again, but than again I need all season, so I would go with Sumitomo's HTR+ or like you said Continental extremes.

 

All out performance I'd suggest 255 35

 

According to the charts at TireRack, our original 225/50/17 tires are 25.9" tall. Tires in 245/40/18 are 25.7" tall(and my existing 245/45/17), and 255/40/17 are 26.0" tall. They're all real close to each other. Also I'm from the old school, would like to put the widest tire I can without any rubbing, rolling fender lips, or sticking out the fender. Want good handling, but not really concerned about the best possible. I'm too old for it anyway.

I too am looking for any all season tire, that why the Sumitomo HTR+ or the Conti Extreme Contact are on my possible list right now. The wife and I do travel sometimes to areas that get light snow and ice. Not to mention I want something that last longer than the S-03's.

All input is appreciated. Any others?

Mike

 

ttt.

 

Anyone else?

 

i have 225/40 right now..rides not so great..
im thinking about changing to something like 235 or maybe 245..but my rims 18x7.5
will the 245 be alright??

 

If you mean 245/40, no they are out of spec for a 7.5" wheel. Click on the link below to see what is available for you.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...+Pole+Position

 

Even 235's are out of spec for a 7.5" wheel.

 

I would think 255/40/18 would rub being so wide.. I haven't heard of anyone running them yet though...

 

255's have been done and will work fine, really it comes down to the offset.

 

would a +35 or +38 work w/o rubbing??

 

I'd go with the 38 so it tucks just a little, as aposed to teh likely hood of the 35 bumping the outer fender.

 

I have 18x8.5 with 245/40s, don't go any bigger. With 255 you should have at least a 9" rim.

 

Thanks for all the input everyone. Went ahead and put a deposit/reserved a set of the Contact Extreme's in 245/40/18 today at Discount. Gotta love their "match anyone's local price policy". $160 each with mounting and balancing included in the price. Now if only the new Volks would hurry up and get here!

Mike

 

Good deal. I went with Yokohama AVS ES100s in the same size for my max. So far, I like the tire. Not concerned with winter, I'm going to put snows on the OEM TE wheels. I'm not lowered yet, but they don't rub. Looks like I may be fine even when I lower it.

 

235's are as wide as you want to go on 7.5 inch rim.