Going to upgrade the tires after winter to Bridgestone Potenzas I reckon.

My question is - if I just go with the stock Pizza cutter wheels 215/45/18 how much am I going to suffer - compared to say 235/40/18 or even 245/40/18?

Its quite expensive to replace all the wheels to get those extra 20-30mm's and then there's the screwing around with spacers and stuff. e.g. dropping $1k for 20-30mm - am I better off spending more on tires for 215?

I don't care about appearance, just the handling and would be interested in hearing ppls opinions on this...

Thanks for your input

 

you're going to have to change your wheels aswell.. 235 or 245 wont fit on the stock 7" wide rims.. And it will be a worth while upgrade as you've heard and probably experience how bad the stock 215's are!

 

I think he is asking if it is worth it to buy new wheels in order to accommodate larger tires as opposed to just buying new OEM sized tires that will fit on the stock wheels. =)

-Taranis

 

Not too many tire options in the 215/45R18 size, best is probably the pirelli pzero nero's. Otherwise move up to 225/45R18, tons of choices there.

 

+1

If u want better handling and don't want to spend the extra $$$ on rims, just get 225's on the stock wheels.

 

Will 225s fit on the stock 7" rims tho? I thought I read a thread that said it was a bad idea and they wouldn't fit.
Wouldn't I be better getting tires that fit?

 

Manufacturers spec says 225 fits anywhere from 7-8.5".

It's fine, you're not even pushing the limits, it's within spec.

 

Not all tires are the same even if they say they are the same size.
The Mickey Thompson 305/35/18's Drag Radials I got on my Camaro
are the same size as the 315/35/18 Nitto Drag Radial they replaced.
On a 7 inch rim depending on the tire manufacturer a 235 tire is possible.

 

I tell you what, now that I have my 235/40/18 Kumho Ecsta AST on my car, wow the car handles great. Nothing AMAZINGLY different from stock but they do help a lot!

 

proper.

 

Still don't know whether to get 215 or 225, as they are going on 7" rim, wouldn't the 215's be best as there would be less sidewall flex?

 

I don't know - I have Bridgestone Potenza RE505A's on all 4s 235 40 R18 on stock rims, no sidewall flex, filled to 40psi all the time, nice and plump and the car handles amazingly. Only downside on these tires is that they wear out too fast for daily driving everywhere (as I use them). If I got them again I would put them on a second set of rims for competition or spirited driving, not dailys.

I also thought these 235 tires wouldnt fit on the stock rim and I was amazed when the tire guy showed me one on the rim and theres not even a little bit of the tire sidewall sticking out. so there you go, it depends on the tire.

But if you have the cash I would go aftermarket rims since you will feel even more of a difference w/ some lighter wheels (the stock ones are way way heavy)

 

If stock evo x wheels will fit on a ralliart without rubbing, I would say look for a used set of those in the F/S section of these forums or elsewhere. Many people with evos run all kinds of aftermarket wheels and have little need for stockers so they get rid of them cheap. I wouldn't pay more than $600 or so for a set in good condition. You could score a set with minor curb rash for less. If they're forged BBS they'll likely want more like $800 or so.

I believe they're 18x8.5 38offset. Keep your ralliart stockers for winter and rock the evo wheels for some nice fat grippy 245-255 rubber in the summer. Maybe if you went down to a 35 series sidewall it would keep you from rubbing?

 

They don't.

As everyone here said, if you want to stick with the stock rims, get the 225s. They fit fine, and you have many options. If you're looking for a cheap upgrade in terms of both weight and tire width, look for a set of EVO 8 or 9 rims. With 235s, there will be minor rubbing on the rear sidewalls when you bottom out. With 245s, you'll have to have your rear fenders rolled (possibly your front fenders too).