how big can i go (tires)
 

I'm looking to throw some bigger tires on my 88t2 i just dont know how big i can go. I've got 225/50/16 on it now and i want to go to 245/50/16 i just dont know if i've got the clearance.
(245/50/16 on back only i've got about 3/4 of an inch maybe less to my outside wheelwell)

Well Grass Roots Motor Sports ran 245/50/16's on their T2 (also an '88), and used a 35mm offset I believe (I KNOW the tire size, but I'm only 95% sure on the offset) and had no rub of any kind. That's what I also plan on running all the way around. They did the same (registered 1.0+ g's I might add), they had a revised suspension, but nothing drastic (no coilovers, if I find the site again I'll give you a link...very useful info!).

on my 87 i have 245/50/16s on my shock wheels and they fit fine i have had no problem with rubing but i have had some problem with them rolling over on to the side wall in hard coners when i auto-X

i have racing beat springs and KYB shocks

Sorry about the listed tire size that I put up, the GRM setup was using 225/50/VR16's not 245. Sorry about that

1.0 g's.......that's nice.

If you are running 225/50-16 now, try going to 245/45-16 the overall dia will be about the same (or slightly smaller) the 245/50 will be too tall. also the /45s will not roll over as much on hard cornering.

Yea the GRM setup was built as the emphasis on STREET for the setup they used. Nothing that would compromise daily driving, but would have to be blazing on the track also. If you're just using it on the AutoX then definately go for the 45's (hell, even if you use it on the street it's not bad).

my Friend's 87 turbo has 225/40/18's up front ( rubbing slightly in u turns), and 255/40/18's in the rear. They work awesome! He use to have 265's in the back with no problems. The widest tires you could likely fit would be 235/17's in the front
and 295/17's in the rear or 225/19's (these would rub a bit) and 285/19;s. Just a guess though.

I've seen 235/45R17 (fr) and 265/40R17 (rr) on FC's many times without rubbing issues. The trick is getting the right offset and tires. Two different tires marked as 235 wide can vary quite a bit in actual width. Check the manufacturers specs first. I had 225 Advan A032R's and AVS Intermediates. Both were indeed 225, but side by side they were way different. TireRack has the specs on most of their tires available on their website. Offset? For 8" in the front and 9" in the rear I've heard that +35 is the way to go. Somebody, please correct me if I'm wrong about this.

BTW, 255's can be mounted on a 7" wide rim, but it's not a good idea. Tires when stretched wider or narrower than they should be affects their contact patch. All because you think those 255's on stock rims are better than before (and they may be) but the car isn't getting the full benefit from all that extra tire. Get the appropriate width wheels and the car will be able to get the most out of those wider tires. Don't cheap out here. Get the right wheels for the job.