As far as rubbing and the tuck issue, I'm really lost on what sizes I want to order for the FD. I want a nice look but what would be the best for performance?
17's or 18's? (Note: I'm not worried about wheel weight differences between 17 & 18's merely rim width). I know I have asked a bunch of times but I finally decided to save and just go with a nice custom set of wheels, esp being I plan on keep my FD (I've had it since May 06)

I'm only concerned about which size I can get the maximum width out of. Can I run a wider profile on 17's or 18's? The rim's I've been looking at are the CCW classics or a pair of ISS's as someone here has convinced me

I have to run a bit smaller fronts then normal due to the fact I have super angle tie rods (Over 15% more angle, I believe).

What size and offsets would you recommend. My goal is to try and run 9 in the front and if possible 11+ in the back. If I choose 17's I'm sure I could get 9.5 or maybe even 10 in the front. I'm not a rim / wheel fitment guru (More of an aerodynamic, engine guy) so please throw me your imput.

I really need help on what off sets I can run without rub, I'm running fully braced upper and lower suspension & riding on D2 RS coilovers if that helps.

 

I have seen 17 x 11/18 x 11 in the rear done on the FD, and 10s on the front.

But it really depends on what you use the car for, the compound tire you want to use, and the power level you want to keep the car at.

 

You can run 9" front, 10" rear quite easily. A few more tire size choices in 18", and you want offsets +42 to +50. If you're looking for a little more room up front, try a 245/35, with a 285/30 rear. Or, you can run 255/35 front, 275/35 rear.

11" rears will significantly complicate things, and require some light modification. In any case, you'll be advised to roll your front fenders if you haven't already.

 

well i know my new wheel set up as measured is going to be 19x9 up front and 19x11 or 11.5 rear

all i gota do is roll my rear fenders

the only way ur really gona get the best wheel set up exactly how you want it is with a 3 piece wheel...

definatley go with an 18 or 19 inch wheel...

the rear of the FD has alotttt of room, not for a lip but u can definitely drop the rear tubs in deep cus thats wut i'm doing and i fit an 11inch wheel with no rub a dubs

 

^What offset are your 11" wheels? I'm also planning on custom 18" CCWs, and I've heard 10" requires coilovers and toe links, but I can't stop wondering if 18x11 can be fit with just the right offsets front and rear. I like the idea of rotating wheels with all 18x10 +50, so would be nice if it could be done with 18x11s also. I planned on rolling the fenders, but would like to avoid pulling.

 

damn near all the cars that run the time attacks in japan use 17x9.5 +35 255/40/17 all around. good grip while keeping rotating mass to a minimum. 18x10.5 +40 265/35/18 if you wanna go 18's. both those tire sizes are pretty popular so you wont have any problems with selection

 

So basically the answer is 18" because of wider tires in shorter tire diameters than 17's.

So ideally as mentioned above

285/30/18 is the widest you can run on stock fender FD.

if you're getting CCW's John will know the fitment for this setup.

Should be about a 18x10 +50 to +52 offset.

17" will not allow for more than a 255/40/17 while retaining proper tire diameters.

If you get too tall a tire it won't clear the circumference of the fender arch up front.

Rishie

 

Here is an old thread from the Suspension Archives on 17" and 18" wheels and tire sizes and other technical topics.
https://www.rx7club.com/suspension-wheels-tires-brakes-archive-112/17-vs-18-racing-mind-narrow-vs-wide-tires-292194/
Might have some pearls of wisdom there.

Unless you are doing all out track driving at the instructor level, you don't need 285s up front. I know a few FD owners racing SCCA ITE and they run the equivalent of 255s up front on 18" CCWs and they don't lack front grip.

Being that you are in NY, I'd suggest you take into account the roads you drive on. There is a decent fall off in comfort going from 16 to 17 to 18" wheels and the subsequently smaller sidewall associated with bigger wheels.

Rishie at AutoRND is a good person to work with on sizing so see what he's got for you.

I run 17" x 9" +45 all around with 255/40/17 Star Specs. I do get an occasional rub on the front fender - usually either when going up a steep drive way or a big dip taken at high speed.

 

Does this apply to both front and rear fenders? I know I've seen 11" in the rear, although they were still running a 285 on that wheel. I just don't want to spend $1100 on tires only to find out I could have gone an inch wider. Also, the 295s are cheaper than the 285s for the tire I want.

 

Yes you can rotate to all four corners with the fitment I mentioned.

The reason guys do this is to remain symmetrical so running a wider wheel in the back kinda defeats the purpose.

You can do 295's front and rear but will require a slightly lower offset. Maybe do a 10 +45 and slight fender mods.

11" won't fit on stock FD rear fenders. You'll need to roll and then no problem. Ideally a 11" +38 i guess.

But if still running a 285/30 then it's pointless. Tire will work better on a 10 or 10.5.

Rishie

 

Forgot to mention, I was planning on rolling (just the lip, no pulling) both front and rear, and will be running aftermarket trailing arms and very stiff springs. You think I could squeeze 11s on front and rear? Would only be worth it if I could get a 305 or 315 in there, as a 295 could go on 10" wheels.

 

I don't think you can get enough material out of the front by just rolling to do 11". but that's such a gray area you'll honestly jsut have to make the car fit the wheels if you're set on that width.