18” spider tyre sizes

[Joshandcars]

Hi folks,

Just looking for some hive mind anecdotal evidence on front tyre sizes for my Cerbera. I’m looking at 225/## R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4’s. Now at this point I don’t wish to sound cheap… but. The car currently has 35 profiles, and on Black Circles this profile is twice the price of the same tyre in a 40 profile. Inflation, cost of living, etc, does make me think saving £200 on tyres feels like a good thing, but only ultimately if it’s going to work!

So, the question is, will a 225/40 R18 MPS4 tyre be okay on the front or will there be rub/unnatural behaviour?

Any and all advice greatly appreciated.

Josh

[McFlash-ah-ah]

Had this dilemma a few months ago myself.
Only difference was that I was fed up with the state of the roads where I live.
Altho I’ve a T350C…..
The slightly higher front profile gives a little more cushioning.
I ended up putting 225/40/18 PS5’s on the front to replace the 225/35/18 and have no negative reports.
Car is slightly lowered on nitrons and steering feels positive, no rubbing.
Just need to replace the ageing Pirelli’s on the rear now…

[Jhonno]

I believe it is a bit luck of the draw.. Some Cerbs get away with it, some it causes some rubbing.

[WIL35]

I fitted 225/40 on my front spiders, mainly because I had to buy two new spiders to replace the ones that looked like 50p pieces on the inside edges. I also didn't like the stretched look that the original 225/35s had, the 225/40s looked a better fit. I think 225/40s are fitted to the front of Tuscans. I haven't had any problems with the way it drives or rubbing and the wheels are still round thankfully

[Imran999]

I just ordered a new set of Pilot SS’s, but stuck with the original 225/35/18 size for fear of rubbing issues.
When I brought the car over, I didn’t for a moment think that I might not be able to get tyres locally, but the fronts are unobtainable here.

Ended up getting the entire set from the UK, because they’re quite a lot cheaper (even compared to TireRack USA), as the pound is really suffering these days and I have family coming over who agreed to bring them :-)

[fredd1e]

Set the steering on full left and right lock and measure how much clearance there is for the existing tyres from the surrounding wheelarch liners/bodywork. Visualise where the wheel will travel on bump droop to see if the clearances tighten up. Your probably going to need over 10mm clearance to cope with the 40 series tyres, maybe more. PS dont blame me if it rubs like a dog with piles .

[Joshandcars]

Cheers everyone... from the basic checks I did, I have at least an inch in every dimension at every steering angle, so I've gone with the 225/40's... will post here as to the outcome either way

[Mr Cerbera]

I'll be one of the MadHouse very interested in reading your thoughts, J.

[Joshandcars]

I cannot promise it would be the same for everyone... but I've now had the 225/35 R18 MPS3 (old, I know ) front tyres replaced for 225/40 R18 MPS4. There is zero rub at all through arcs of steering and suspension travel, so at least in the case of my car this is looking like a win!

I would say there was a good 10mm clearance in the tightest spots, at tightest lock... so I'm happy

I will take some photos at Caffeine and Machine at a good distance so you good people can make your mind up on the look of them on the car, they're a lot less noticeable than I thought they were going to be

[Joshandcars]

Couple of photos (didn’t manage to get any at C&M in the end, of the wheels anyway)

[Mr Cerbera]

Purrrrrrfekt

May I ask what year your car was originally registered ?

Ta !

[Joshandcars]

Mr Cerbera said:

Purrrrrrfekt

May I ask what year your car was originally registered ?

Ta !

Of course! It was originally registered on a 53' plate, and the private plate is the same

[SonicHedgeHog]

Anybody switched to 17s? I reckon my Tamora is small enough to look good on smaller rims and the extra cushioning could be welcome too.

[Jhonno]

SonicHedgeHog said:

Anybody switched to 17s? I reckon my Tamora is small enough to look good on smaller rims and the extra cushioning could be welcome too.

They do drive much better on a nice light set of 17's with better offsets.

Tyre choice still an issue but 225/45 front and 235-245-255/40 rear works.

[SonicHedgeHog]

Do you have any pictures of T cars or Cerbs on 17s?

[SonicHedgeHog]

Jhonno said:

They do drive much better on a nice light set of 17's with better offsets.

Tyre choice still an issue but 225/45 front and 235-245-255/40 rear works.

What offsets do you suggest?

[Jhonno]

SonicHedgeHog said:

Do you have any pictures of T cars or Cerbs on 17s?

Here is mine

[Jhonno]

SonicHedgeHog said:

Jhonno said:

They do drive much better on a nice light set of 17's with better offsets.

Tyre choice still an issue but 225/45 front and 235-245-255/40 rear works.

What offsets do you suggest?

I am running ET36 all round 8.25" up front 9.25" in the rear.

[Joshandcars]

Jhonno said:

Here is mine

They look spot on

They look bigger than the 17" spiders too which I like... I'm not sure I can convince myself to go non-OE sadly

[SonicHedgeHog]

Thanks for that info. I like them. I think wheel design is critical as some designs make the wheels look bigger/smaller than they actually are. Off I trot to look at gold OZ alloys…..