...apparently the suspension forum is deserted, so I'm gonna break the rules and post here too (mods please have mercy). I have done plenty of searches and I still need help.

Here's the situation. I have these wheels:

rear: 17" x 9.5" (don't remember offset, but rear is not the issue)
front: 17" x 8" offset=35

Current tires are very bald (i.e. slicks) Dunlop Sp Sport 8000 in the following sizes
rear: 275/40
front: 235/45

Currently I have no fitment or rubbing issues (and I don't want to roll my fenders). I want to put Azenis RT-615 (or something equivalent) on these wheels, but they don't make 235/45. As far as I can tell, my options are:

1) put 255/40 on the front. These might be a bit big for 8" rims (look goofy? rub?).

2) put either 235/40, 245/45 on the front. I don't think these are optimal sizes. the 235/40 are a bit small, 245/45 have a high sidewall.

3) Find another brand of tire that makes the sizes I need. (didn't think much of the dunlops; really want Azenis since I hit the track now and then)

4) Get some new matching rims & tires in tried & true sizes

What would you do?

 

I think the 255/40 would be a bit big for the 8" wheel. Stock tires are 225/50 on an 8". The 235/40 would put you just under 1/2 inch shorter than stock. The 245/45 would be almost an inch taller than stock. Between the two, I'd go with the 235/40.

You can keep looking and see if there is an acceptable tire available in 245/40 which would be about ideal. I would stay with the 17" wheels. I went with 18" and am now wishing I had gone with 17". A 17" rim tends to be a lot lighter than 18" unless you start spending a lot of money.

 

Thanks. Yeah, I wasn't plan on going 18.

Any ideas on what might be an acceptable tire? (Summer tire for street/track)

 

I will be running Dunlop Direzza Star Specs. I've heard good things about them, but I haven't been able to try them yet

https://www.rx7club.com/suspension-wheels-tires-brakes-20/anyone-running-new-dunlop-direzza-star-specs-764452/

 

Thanks for the suggestion, but it looks like those Direzzas don't come any wider than 255 in 17", which won't work for the back.

 

I have some Bridgestone REo1R's for a good price if you would be changing our rims. I have 245/18 in the front and 265/18 and the new tires I have are $800. But I can get you 17's for the current sizes in Bridgestone 760s (all four) $635 then just add shipping. Let me know thanks.

-Brandon

 

Sorry about that, for some reason I thought you were running 17x9s in the rear. My mistake

 

To give you an idea on how much they are from tirerack.

http://www.tirerack.com/cart/HoldingArea.jsp

 

No problem. I'm just glad to be getting some responses.

Dofl542001: thanks for the offer, but if I get new rims it'll probably be in Azenis-friendly sizes.


Actually, I've been reading that Azenis get "greasy" when they get hot. Not so good for the track if that's the case. Anyone got any experience? Kumho Ecsta MX's might be a better way to go? (they make 'em in my size)

 

I currently have Azenis and I really do not like them. They are ok but cornering they are not the best. That is why I am going with the Bridgestones once I fix my camber issue. Well good luck.

-Brandon

 

Update: I ordered Kumho MXs in the same sizes as my old tires. $680 installed from discount tire for those that like to compare. I'll post again when I get 'em on the car.