Napius

I did a lot of research and finally came to the decision to get the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position tires in 235/40-18. The problem is that now it's hard for my local tire place to find them in that size, so they will cost more. I could get the 225/45-18 for $30 cheaper per tire, and it would be nice to fill out the wheel well a little more. The issue is that with that specific tire that I've finally decided on, the 225/45 is not an XL load range, and is only rated at a 91W, as opposed to the 95W XL of the 235/40. How much worse would this make the handling of the 225/45?

Here is a link to the tire if you want to see the specs:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

richardjh

I'd pay more for the wider rubber and better load rating.

Note: I'm running 235/40/R18 on my Ralliart, on 8" wide rims.

Rich

Napius

Yeah, I'm thinking I might do that. I'm just kind of annoyed because I was quoted $35 less per tire a few weeks ago, but either the guy was looking at the wrong size or they were able to get them easier from a cheaper supplier. I could get them from TireRack, and take them to the shop to get them installed, but after all is said and done, I don't think I'd save that much.

I have 8" wide rims waiting for new tires. Are you stock height, and do you have any rubbing issues?

AlphaKennyBody

iTrader: (2)

What's the wheel spec?

I'm running 245/40/18 on a 18x9 Setup

richardjh

Suspension height is all stock. No rubbing issues.

235 wide rubber doesn't look overly aggressive on an RA (IMO), and it feels nice and sharp on the road in terms of steering feedback. Speedo accuracy is pretty good too.

It all comes down to budget. That old saying holds true... you get the best tyres the wallet can afford!

Rich

Napius

18x8 +48
I know it's a pretty weak offset, but it's what the wheels came in, and at less I know rubbing will be less of an issue.

Napius

Do you have any pictures of your setup? I saw some photos where a guy had stock suspension with a 235/40-18 setup, and for some reason his wheel gap looked extra huge despite the diameter only being I think 0.2" smaller than stock.

Yeah, that's exactly why I chose the Bridgestones in the first place over the Conti DWS or Kumho Ecsta 4X. I looked at reviews and surveys, and it seemed the Contis and Kumhos excelled in certain areas but lacked in others while the Bridgestones beat out or tied with both of them in all areas. I figured tires are one area I'm willing to splurge a bit, but the new even higher quote is disheartening and making me second guess my choice.

richardjh

lol, I've never cared much about wheel/fender gap.

I'll be doing some piccys next week. If I remember, I'll put up a link here.

Rich

Napius

I care to an extent but far less than most people around the different forums. Whenever someone posts a picture of their car at stock height, the first thing everyone says is something like, "needs moar low!" or "now you just need to drop it." I like slightly lowered but not completely slammed like a decent amount of people around here seem to. I don't think lowering mine is an option any time soon though.

Sweet! Thanks!

billyboy1

If you can, go with the 235 40 - extra grip is always handy I ran 235 40 on my track wheels which were 18x8

ever12

iTrader: (8)

If you're upgrading anyway, I would go with at least a 235 width. Also consider running a 235/35/18. I'm running this size now and the thinner aspect ratio makes for shorter gearing. This is an often overlooked method to achieve that effect.

MODZ FX

im running 245?40R18 and i have no problems at all. No rubbing at all