Tires

[SHOmuchFUN]

I know this has probably been answered a million times, I even did a search, but I couldn't find the answer I was looking for. I have 17x8" TSW REVOs. I have 215/45/17 tires on there with Eibach suspension and the KYB GR2 shocks and it STILL looks like I have massive fender gap! I was curious, what I could do for a tire size. Can I go bigger? I mean it looks like I can, but I'm not sure what the offset for the rims are.

Any help would be great, as I'm in the market for some new tires. thumbs_u

 

[sdpatt]

Your fender gap is large because the tires and wheels you have installed are 1.5" shorter than the stock setup. That is a -3.5mph error at an actual 60mph. Even the 225/50-17 is .3" shorter than stock (-.7mph error) and a very hard to find size. The 235/45-17 is much more common, but a more noticeable .83" shorter than stock (-1.9mph error). You really need to keep the overall tire diameter close to the original size for speedometer accuracy, suspension geometry and fuel mileage concerns. Though, when you install a shorter tire and wheel, you do effectively increase (numerically) the final drive ratio that allows quicker acceleration at the expense of the speedometer accuracy, fuel mileage and road harshness transission.

 

[SHOmuchFUN]

So a 235/45/17 tire would work? I was told that in the rear, it would rub up against the shock/spring housing. It looks like the tire comes pretty close to it as it is. I would like to get big tires, because fender gap is one of these pet peaves of mine that I've been living with. I thought the Eibachs would take care if it, but much to my dismay, it looks like it may have INCREASED my fender gap (but I think my other springs were shot). Is there any way to double check offset? I don't want to go ahead and order these 235/45/17 tires and have them rub...

Also, anybody had any experience with Kumho
ECSTA Supra 712's? Seems like a very cheap tire with great ratings on Tirerack.com. Any other good tire sites? let me know, it's always appreciated! burn_out burn_out

 

[ChrisR]

I have had good expirience with Kuhmo. Never had them on the SHO, but I have 2 friends that have them, 1 on his CRX, and the other on his M3 (with 19's!). They seem to grip really well, and have minimal road noise. I don't know about how long they last however.