Tyres (and wheels) - that old chestnut

Tyres (and wheels) - that old chestnut

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Discussion

macca

Original Poster:

508 posts

279 months

Monday 18th August 2014
quotequote all
Just wondering what your thoughts might be...

Need to replace my tyres and was disappointed by the lack of choice. I really want Michelin Pilot Super Sports but they're not made to fit OEM wheels. So, thinking of changing the wheels to accommodate the tyres.

I quite like Wolfrace Track Ready Pro-Lite eco 2.0. However, to fit the tyres I would need to go 18 and 17 inch rims (if I want to keep the 1 inch difference, which I like). So as not to go too far from the original tyre circumference it looks like the tyre size would be;

205x45x17 and 225x40x18, which is bigger by 0.39" on the front 0.23" on the back (if my math is right).

Mine is a 500 without PAS.

Its a big decision, so really appreciate any thoughts you may have. Thanks

macca

Original Poster:

508 posts

279 months

Monday 18th August 2014
quotequote all
pwd95 said:
Got Compomotives with 215/45/16 on the front & 245/40/17 on the back. Bridgestone Potenza 040 & 050 W rated. Awesome on road & track....
Nice. Looks balanced.

I am a little worried that 18 and 17 rims might look too big but MPSS not made for 16 inch rims. Dilemma's!

macca

Original Poster:

508 posts

279 months

Monday 18th August 2014
quotequote all
shake n bake said:
Out of interest why are you only considering the michelins?
Well, went out in a Nissan GTR shod with them and, yes it's four wheel drive, but bloody hell did they stick. I used to drive a v8 M3 with cups and they were nothing short of superb.

Alas, I think 18" and 17" look too big for the Chimaera; it's a small car after all. QBee, no disrespect for your choice and yes, A46 blaht... biggrin

Now I've been having a good look around and have come up with Yokohama Advan Neova - track day/ road legal tyre and available on 16" rims. I'm thinking 205 is too skinny even though no PAS, so 225x45x16 on the front. Rears can go a little wider, 235x45x17. Respectively, that's 2.5mm bigger on the front and 12mm bigger on the rear. Better go and check on wheels...

macca

Original Poster:

508 posts

279 months

Monday 18th August 2014
quotequote all
QBee, are you saying 235's will go on a 7j wheel? If so, ought to be a lighter wheel, which would be desirable.

Considering AD08

macca

Original Poster:

508 posts

279 months

Tuesday 19th August 2014
quotequote all
TA14 said:
Have you thought about a 215 on the front? (The tyre width for which the chassis was designed.) A 215/45/16 and 235/40/17 should give you a balanced set up, both of which are available in your chosen tyre
Think you're on the right track here TA14. The only issue for me is that 235x40x17 lowers the rear 5.8mm (front drops 3.3mm); it's marginal but might affect the stance a little. Compromise would be 245x40x17, which lowers the rear 1.8mm

Nearly there, I think.... what would be the correct offset for 7J front and 8J rear, and 8.5J rear should the 245's be too big for 8J.

Really appreciate you bearing with me on this guys!

macca

Original Poster:

508 posts

279 months

Tuesday 19th August 2014
quotequote all
QBee said:
You had better not drive it too much. Wearing the tyres could drop the ride height by as much as 6mm. By which I mean we need to keep this in perspective, chaps.
That's true but no point making it worse by starting off on the wrong foot.

So, I enquirer about 8" rims for the rear and, I quote, was informed "Nobody, makes an 8J 4 stud rim because they are not compatible with most vehicles. However, you would be able to fit your 245 tyres on the 7J rims without any problems"

Really??? confused What have you guys got on the back?

macca

Original Poster:

508 posts

279 months

Tuesday 19th August 2014
quotequote all
SILICONEKID345HP said:
You need 7 or 7.5 on the front and 8 to 9j on the back .

Its not just the rim width which decides what width tyres you can fit ,it also the wall height .


What type of wheels are you after ?
I've looked at all sorts but struggled to find a range that could provide wheels in the sizes discussed. Looks like Pro Race 1.2 have the sizes required, so going to call them tomorrow. If they do then it's 8j 17's and 7j 16's. Will let you know how I get on. Many thanks for your contributions, it's really helped!

macca

Original Poster:

508 posts

279 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
quotequote all
I've gone for the Pro Race 1.2, 7J and 8J. Ordered from http://www.rimstock.co.uk/, made to measure, for anyone thinking of doing the same. They start with blanks in common sizes then drill the holes specific to your fitment. May take up to 2 months for delivery but no rush on my part.

macca

Original Poster:

508 posts

279 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
quotequote all
SILICONEKID345HP said:
Fronts are off the shelf ,picked them up for £50 each new .
Interesting... fronts are holding up the order. Are they still readily available?

macca

Original Poster:

508 posts

279 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
quotequote all
SILICONEKID345HP said:
Fronts are off the shelf ,picked them up for £50 each new .
Interesting... fronts are holding up the order. Are they still readily available?