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What's in a number? (tire sizing)

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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 07:52 PM
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What's in a number? (tire sizing)

hey everyone,

this may be a dumb question, but tire measurements are beyond me so I was hoping for some help.

Using jimlabs FD wheel and tire sizing chart I've decided on going for 18x10 size wheels for the rear.
Recommended tire size is 275/30, however for the tire brand I was looking at (Toyo Proxes T1R) I could only find 275/35 and 280/30.

Which would i be better off with? Would the 35 size wall throw off the speedo to much, or would i have rubbing issues with a 280 width?
Also, does anyone have any experience with Proxes? If so, how did you find them?

thanks for the help
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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 08:18 PM
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Use this site for comparisons (stock tire is 225/50/16):

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...foTireMath.jsp

Toyo T1R's are ok. I have them on my M3. The sidewalls are a little softer than I would like, but they are a very good street tire.
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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 08:31 PM
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thanks for the link.
if i understand it properly, the 280/30/18 will be pretty close to stock diameter.
with an offset of around +44, do you think i'll have rubbing issues? (I have aftermarket coilovers)
How did you find the tires perform in the rain?
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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 09:02 PM
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285= width in mm
30 = aspect ratio = sidewall height as a percentage of the width = 285 x 0.30 = 85.5, so 171mm total, which is almost 7 inches. add to 18 inch wheel and you have ~25 inches, which is about stock overall rolling diameter.

they should fit given the +44, it may be a bit close. You may need aftermarket trailing arms.
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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 09:36 PM
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Almost all good tire sites lists how tires are measured and rated.
When you look at the tire specs the static diameter and other data is given.
Using grade school math you can figure all you need to know as to approximate speedo difference and widths.

Did you even do a search?
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Old Aug 11, 2009 | 12:25 AM
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the standard no brainer fitment is a 10" +50 with 285/30/18 with stock rear fenders. You will probably need to roll with the +44 depending on your ride height.

Now keep this in mind, determine your wheel widths based on your tire options and budget.

If 275 is more reasonable you can do 9.5's and have a wider selection of affordable lightweight wheels.

If you do get custom built 10" wheels then you can run that 285 front and rear with +50 offset and aftermarket trailing arms.

Rishie
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Old Aug 11, 2009 | 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by TwilightRotary
How did you find the tires perform in the rain?
T1R's are fine in the rain. Not as good as a Goodyear tire or the Nitto Invo's, but better than others like the RT-615's and such.
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Old Aug 12, 2009 | 03:44 PM
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alright, scratch the previous posts lol.
I just came back from jrp and purchased myself a set of enkei's RPF1's.
18x8.5 +40 front
18x9.5 +38 back

recommended width for both?
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Old Aug 18, 2009 | 01:19 AM
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Well you're pretty much stuck with 235/40 and 265/35 now.

the 8.5" wheel doesn't have the concave face.

You should have bought 18x9.5 +45 front and rear with 255/35/18 rotatable.
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