18x7.5 38offset wheels, Biggest tire I can do??

[SHOMA]

Just what the title says. Ijust picked up a set of 18x7.5 rims with a 38mm offset, whats the biggest tire I can go with, without rubbing? The rear fender edges I trimmed a while back, when I installed the M3s with an approx 30mm offset, (supposedly). It does have Eibachs/Konis, and the front is now dropped down 3/4" or so.. What size can I safely do, without rubbing or chopping the tires up? Thanks in advance!
Kevin

 

[Yamaha V6]

235/40-18 should fit ok Kevin. My old TD Rim2000's were 7.5 w/ a +37 or +38mm offset. I ran 235's on there no problem, no trimming. A 235/40-18 is around 25.4" dia.; a little on the low side. A 235/45-18 (Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar is available) is a little over 26" dia., just a tad larger than stock, and the 45 series will be easier-riding than a 40-series.

The 40-series will be easier to find tires though - Potenza SO-2 & SO-3's, Toyo T1-S, Dunlop 9000's, F1 GS-D3's, Kumho MX, Pilot Sports, KDW2, AVS Sports, P-Zero Rosso; lots of excellent tires available.

 

[SHOMA]

If I can get away with a 235/45/18, I think I'm going to, to avoid damage to the rims as much as possible.. Not that the ride will be spectacular anyways, but better than with the 40 series.. I had heard of I think Shoya doing a 245/40/18, is that do-able? I want as big of a sidewall as is possible...
Kevin

 

[Yamaha V6]

Kevin, a 235/45 sidewall will be taller (at >4") than a 245/40 (at <4") as you mention. The extra 10mm of tire width isn't enough to overcome the percentage for sidewall height with the numbers you mention.

 

[SHOMA]

True, but would it help ANY to get the 235/45s? The cost will most likely be the same, so should I just opt for the bigger ones? If not, tell me why, I'm not very knowledgeable with its effects.. Thanks!
Kevin

 

[Yamaha V6]

Absolutely Kevin - if you can move into the 45-series, that's great, but your tire choices will be limited, which means the tire prices will also probably be higher. A 45-series is usually enough to skip the CD player, so a 40-series is gonna be a little harsh.

You might want to contact Enson Ibanez in RI, IIRC he was running 40-series 18's on his.

Good luck man.

 

[SHOMA]

Wel,l I had asked about 235/40s at discount tire and they said 120 or 125 per tire.. I wont be buying them for a bit anyways, and il see what the diff in price will be for 235/45s, I guess I'l have to go from there..
Kevin

 

[Yamaha V6]

Kevin -
DTD listed the Dunlop SP Sport FM901 for $125 each, 235/40-18 (200 treadwear, looks very aggressive). They also had the Nitto 555 for $123 ea. Kirk's run the Kumho 712's and liked them for his 91, but they were very soft, & didn't stand up to his burnouts in the shop very well.

Their online site came up with ZIPPO for 235/45-18.

 

[SHOMA]

I was just looking at tires, according to the firestone site, the 235/40/18 will only fit an 8" or wider rim?? I sure hope not.
Also, would a 245/40/18 fit? (in case you didnt notice, I'm trynig to go with the biggest 18 I can, so to try and avoid damage as much as I can..
kevin

 

[Yamaha V6]

Kevin,
Toyo's site references 8.0 - 9.5, with an 8.5" recommended on that size. On the 235/45-17 size, I ran those on a 7" wheel, with a reference 7.5 - 9.0, recommended 8.0 (same specs as their 245/45-17, FWIW).

Same sizes, Kumho recommends the same things.

I think you're going to be fine with a 7.5" wheel. I would double check with some folk (perhaps on the import boards) on a 245 tire.

Also, what do the new 18's weigh? With a taller-than-stock tire and a heavy 18" wheel, you may be falling into the slower-than-stock category, acceleration-wise.

 

[SHOMA]

Fred, well i bought the 18s, and they are 19lbs each... So they are pretty light, however Im still considering reselling them and buying the same rims in a 17".. ... :Bonk:
Kevin

 

[Yamaha V6]

Ok, there's this organization called "Wheels Anonymous", where a group of your peers support your attempt to break your wheel addiction...

19lb is NOT bad at 18x7.5; that's pretty darn good actually. A 17 will be cheaper on you in the long run (IF you stick with it), just in tire costs alone, never mind wheel straightening, higher costs to mount (my local shop charges an arm & a leg for anything 18-up).

 

[SHOMA]

LOL :BONK: Dude, this is getting bad! SHo2ENV and I should go to meetings together. Although I think I may be worse... The ONLY reason Id sell the 18s is to get the same model in a 17". I have 17" tires here, and 18" rims! LOL
Kevin

 

[SHO2NV]

FWIW, I have 235/40's on my 18x7" wheels and they fit, look, and ride great.
You might also try checking eBay, new tires go for relatively cheap on there. That's where I picked mine up.

Dude, this is getting bad! SHo2ENV and I should go to meetings together. Although I think I may be worse...

Actually mine might be up for sale soon......I'm thinking about moving up a size. I mean what would a new year be without a new set of wheels?


Are you sure those only weigh 19lbs? I thought those particular Enkies were a bit heavier.

 

[SHOMA]

Wel, according to Discount Tire they are 19lbs a piece... I'm honestly thinking I may sell em and buy a set of 17s, to avoid the rim repairs, etc... BUT, then I like the loko of the 18s... :Bonk:
How much did you pick up your tires for, and are they a good model, or no-name? I dont mind a no name if they handle decent, and dont wear down in 5K miles....
SHO2ENV, as well as all other rim addicts: my name is Kevin, and I can't make a freakin decision and stick with it, with rims. I need help! :laugh_ti:

Kevin

 

[SHOMA]

SHo2ENV, they are indeed 19lbs each, I weighed myself, and then myself holding one, and came up with 21, but thats wit the center cap, and valve stem in there, but even if so, they are 20-21lbs... Not too shabby for an 18! They showed up last week, I think they'l look great on the SHO. Also, I picked up a set of 235/45/18 Eagle F1s, so I'm only losing 1/2" or so of sidewall compared to my 17s..
Kevin

 

[SHO2NV]

Sweet! Weird thing is, is that I was looking at the exact set of wheels for my car. But if I get anything different now I'll be going up to 19's.


I went from wheels that were 28lbs. a piece to the ones I have now that are only 19lbs. a piece......what a difference!!

 

[SHOMA]

SHO2ENV, Great to hear. You were looking at these exact rims? I think they will look good, can't wait to get them on there and get the car aligned!
Kevin

 

[DemonNeno]

I'd highly recommend aligning the vehicle before jumping into 18's due to the upscale in alignment prices typically charged for adapter plates for wheels of a larger diameter than a 17".

 

[SHOMA]

I appreciate that tip, and I may end up having to align it with the 16s on there, however my brother is a service tech at a Firestone place in CT, so he will most likely align it for free.. hopefully he has the 18" plates to do it with..
Kevin