Suspension/Wheels/Tires/Brakes

does it make sense to go down to a 255 tire?

Old Jan 16, 2011 | 05:42 PM
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does it make sense to go down to a 255 tire?

Well its time to get a new set of tires and I'm really considering a new set up. I'm currently using 245/40/17 and 275/40/17 but from what I hear a staggered set up may not bring out the cars real handling potential. I have been thinking of switching wheels to accommodate 255/35/18 for street use. Is there any reasons I shouldn't run this set up?
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Old Jan 16, 2011 | 06:20 PM
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Don't believe everything you hear

Having said that, I've been running 18x9.5 +45 F, 18x10 +38 R Enkei RPF1 with Yoko Advan AD08 tires (255/35 and 265/35) on the track and been pretty damn pleased. Tremendous grip. I'm uploading pics that I can post shortly.

For many years I ran 17x8.5 and 17x10 Fikse FM5 with various 245/40 and 275/40 tires, S02, S03, BFG KD. The car felt very stable with this staggered setup, and more forgiving due to the added grip out back relative to the front.

It all depends on what you're doing with the car, but for the street there is nothing wrong with staggered.

Personally the only square fitment I'd consider would be 285/30 on 18x10 for the track..... but I also don't want 255s in the rear b/c of traction issues.

Last edited by GoodfellaFD3S; Jan 16, 2011 at 06:27 PM.
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Old Jan 16, 2011 | 07:49 PM
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Do you think a 18x5 with a 255 will fit the fronts? I'm using koni yellows with eibach springs and my alignment is -1 degree in the front and -2 in the back. I'm still unsure what offsets would be nice and aggressive but fit as well.
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Old Jan 17, 2011 | 04:19 PM
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Does anyone know if an 18x8.5 with a 48 offset will work for both the front and rear with 245/40/18?
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Old Jan 17, 2011 | 10:22 PM
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That's a weak offset for such skinny wheels, they'll be sunken in pretty badly. Those tires also are way too tall at 25.7 inch overall diameter. I say 'fail' on both points. Next !
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Old Jan 18, 2011 | 09:19 AM
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255/35 all around wouldn't be a bad setup. Ideally, you'd want to mount them on some 9" wheels though. 18x8.5 will work, but it won't look great (sunken), and the tire would ideally like wider.

If budget is a concern, you might look into some used wheels. It seems like wheels are tough to sell, so they go comparatively cheap. Check the forum, or call Fritz or AllRotor.
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Old Jan 18, 2011 | 09:59 AM
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What style of wheel are ya looking for? My RPF1 and Advan AD08 track setup will be on the block soon.
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Old Jan 18, 2011 | 10:00 AM
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Well the price for an 18x5 and 1
8x9 is the same so I could go wider I was just worried that in that size they couldn't fit them on the fronts. So are we at least in agreement that an 1
8x9 (48) with a 255/35/18 would fit both the front and rear?
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Old Jan 18, 2011 | 10:08 AM
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The style I was going for is almost the same as the new wedssports but seeing as how I'm on somewhat of a tight budget I'll just end up getting the rota g-forces. This car is a 1
00% street car daily driven on Va's crappy roads so I won't mind hurting a rota when I can pick up a whole set for pretty much the price of one of the nicer wheels. As for tires I have to get rid of my current summer only tires for an all season that can grip the road with our freezing temperatures =(
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 07:30 AM
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I am looking to purchase these wheels today, can someone please let me know if they will fit?
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 08:46 AM
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Yes, I believe 18x9" +48 with a 255/35/18 all around should fit.
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 09:01 AM
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Have you seen this thread Justin? ->https://www.rx7club.com/suspension-wheels-tires-brakes-20/maximum-wheel-tire-width-fitment-guide-fd-892901/

I was thinking about the 6ULR as my next set. But If I know you, you're probably going for a specific look. Good luck, and can't wait to see them on Ronald.
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 09:30 AM
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What are you doing with your current wheels?
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 09:34 AM
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He's selling them, check the wheels/tires for sale section. (I never did like those yellow MS-01s)
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 10:21 AM
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Yep in the for sale section!

I liked the MS-01's. Its a clean wheel thats damn near indestructible but after having them for so long I felt I needed a change. Plus with my new cym oem hood there was just too much yellow going on.
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 10:35 AM
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You trying to go back to a more stock look?
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 10:55 AM
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I really liked the carbon hood but absolutely HATED the hood pins. I ended up getting really lucky being able to pick up a free cym stocker from turbodrx7(real cool guy btw) and just liked that look so much more. Ive been wanting to change the wheels for a while so with this little "make-over" it was the perfect excuse to try a wheel Ive been looking at for a while. In the end I just want it to be clean with a hint of aggressiveness.
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 11:02 AM
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I think it will look much better with the stock hood as well, you get it to latch yet?
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 11:16 AM
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Don't listen to these silly stock body guys
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 11:23 AM
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Yep I got it to latch but Im going to need to do a little more work to make it perfect. I love to see a clean FD but my dream set up would be the full RE widebody kit they use on their touge car. MMMM that just looks so good.
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 11:39 AM
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[Sigh] our resident ricer
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 11:49 AM
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Justin,
17" wheels are much better for daily driving. Your current wheels are very nice wheels so I'd have them reconditioned and powder coated black which would look cool and clean up easily. Mount some http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

265 40s rear and 255 40s front
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 11:55 AM
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Fritz, I'd agree on the 17" size being better for daily driving and all the potholes. But, are you sure about the Star Specs? They are a great tire (don't get me wrong I love mine) but are they good to drive around in the winter too?
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 11:58 AM
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Hey Fritz,

I was thinking of having the MS powder coated in black but felt with it being a 17 and black naturally being a slimming color it would make the wheels look way too small. That and with everything Ive seen out side of America everyone from pro drivers to regular track junkies use these tire sizes. Apparently having the same sizes in the front and rear brings out the FD's balanced handling. Heres to hoping their right!
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Old Jan 19, 2011 | 12:01 PM
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Originally Posted by He's On Toroids
Fritz, I'd agree on the 17" size being better for daily driving and all the potholes. But, are you sure about the Star Specs? They are a great tire (don't get me wrong I love mine) but are they good to drive around in the winter too?
That was my thoughts exactely, as it is my S-drives are on a mission to kill me. Ill end up getting a high performance all season tire. It sucks but I guess I have to make a sacrafice with all the crazy weather we get here.
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