18x8 ET38 rims on the front?
Discussion
Firstly you will need to fit rack limit stops but more to the point you risk several handling issues on anything other than flat motorway roads. Understeer in the wet due to reduced contact pressure, understeer also because there will be insufficient flexing to gently absorb lateral force, rim bum because the tyre wall is too small and finally bump steer because there will be insufficient soft compression.
It will look good but I'd suggest you consider whether looks are more important than handling.
It will look good but I'd suggest you consider whether looks are more important than handling.
The tyre choice will be a problem. Are you intending to use a competition tyre or a road tyre?
You will either want a 235/30 R18 or a 225/35 R18 to keep the diameter right.
The 235/30 should really be run on an 8.5” rim, but has the advantage of being just smaller in diameter than the original.
Staying with 225/35 is slightly bigger. The choice of pattern will be an issue. Toyo do the TR1, but not the R888 in those sizes.
If the auto testing involves maximum lock then having to put lock stops on might lose as much as you gain.
You might be better off choosing the tyre you want, and then find the wheel to fit it.
You will either want a 235/30 R18 or a 225/35 R18 to keep the diameter right.
The 235/30 should really be run on an 8.5” rim, but has the advantage of being just smaller in diameter than the original.
Staying with 225/35 is slightly bigger. The choice of pattern will be an issue. Toyo do the TR1, but not the R888 in those sizes.
If the auto testing involves maximum lock then having to put lock stops on might lose as much as you gain.
You might be better off choosing the tyre you want, and then find the wheel to fit it.
Whatever happens, road legal tyres will be used for the moment. I may use a set of slicks on the back if I can transport them in the boot, but since I have no trailer yet, the car has to remain road legal going to events (for at least this season and probably the next too - SWMBO has asked that I moderate car spending a bit.)
I just hope smaller diameter rims fit over the new brakes. It would make my life easier...
I just hope smaller diameter rims fit over the new brakes. It would make my life easier...
Drive to the track infers something like R888’s.
Have you considered putting 7.5 X 16 wheels up front with 225/45 R16 R888’s? You get a diameter just 2.9mm bigger than the 225/50 R15 that you have now.
The question is do you have the room for whatever brakes you have fitted under the 7.5 X 16?
Going to the 8 X 18 gives you a minimum of 225/40 R18 with a diameter increase of 31.2mm. For that you only need a 7.5 X 18.
The 235/40 R18 needs an 8 X 18 and increases the diameter by 39.2mm.
Going in between with a 7 X 17 produces 215/45 R17, gaining 19.3mm in diameter.
However Toyo are soon to produce a replacement for the R888, so there’s no guarantee that the same sizes will be available, or if more suitable sizes will become available.
By sticking with the 7” wheels you won’t need the lock stops and with the 7.5 you might just get away with it, or much less reduction in rack travel.
I’m in the middle of trying to select new wheels and tyres myself. I am basically looking for road tyres. This will be followed by a big brake upgrade.
However, as I want to get a second set of wheels and tyres with something like R888’s, it’s important to pick sizes that will be compatible.
Has anyone fitted big brakes under a 16” front? What was the maximum that would fit, particularly with the Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 wheels?
Have you considered putting 7.5 X 16 wheels up front with 225/45 R16 R888’s? You get a diameter just 2.9mm bigger than the 225/50 R15 that you have now.
The question is do you have the room for whatever brakes you have fitted under the 7.5 X 16?
Going to the 8 X 18 gives you a minimum of 225/40 R18 with a diameter increase of 31.2mm. For that you only need a 7.5 X 18.
The 235/40 R18 needs an 8 X 18 and increases the diameter by 39.2mm.
Going in between with a 7 X 17 produces 215/45 R17, gaining 19.3mm in diameter.
However Toyo are soon to produce a replacement for the R888, so there’s no guarantee that the same sizes will be available, or if more suitable sizes will become available.
By sticking with the 7” wheels you won’t need the lock stops and with the 7.5 you might just get away with it, or much less reduction in rack travel.
I’m in the middle of trying to select new wheels and tyres myself. I am basically looking for road tyres. This will be followed by a big brake upgrade.
However, as I want to get a second set of wheels and tyres with something like R888’s, it’s important to pick sizes that will be compatible.
Has anyone fitted big brakes under a 16” front? What was the maximum that would fit, particularly with the Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 wheels?
I've done a bit more investigating today... I was told that my brakes (Brembos from a Focus RS) wouldn't fit under 16" rims and that 17" rims would be marginal.
It seems that this isn't true because the Estorils from the back of the Griff JUST fit over the brakes with a small spacer which I haven't measured yet, and the 17" Compomotive MO wheel that I borrowed was just fine too
Happy days - I can now go for a 17x7 on the front and 17x8 or 18x8 on the back.
It seems that this isn't true because the Estorils from the back of the Griff JUST fit over the brakes with a small spacer which I haven't measured yet, and the 17" Compomotive MO wheel that I borrowed was just fine too
Happy days - I can now go for a 17x7 on the front and 17x8 or 18x8 on the back.
dnb said:
I've done a bit more investigating today... I was told that my brakes (Brembos from a Focus RS) wouldn't fit under 16" rims and that 17" rims would be marginal.
It seems that this isn't true because the Estorils from the back of the Griff JUST fit over the brakes with a small spacer which I haven't measured yet, and the 17" Compomotive MO wheel that I borrowed was just fine too
Happy days - I can now go for a 17x7 on the front and 17x8 or 18x8 on the back.
Did you get sorted for an upright. I sent you an e mail but got no replyIt seems that this isn't true because the Estorils from the back of the Griff JUST fit over the brakes with a small spacer which I haven't measured yet, and the 17" Compomotive MO wheel that I borrowed was just fine too
Happy days - I can now go for a 17x7 on the front and 17x8 or 18x8 on the back.
dnb said:
I've done a bit more investigating today... I was told that my brakes (Brembos from a Focus RS) wouldn't fit under 16" rims and that 17" rims would be marginal.
It seems that this isn't true because the Estorils from the back of the Griff JUST fit over the brakes with a small spacer which I haven't measured yet, and the 17" Compomotive MO wheel that I borrowed was just fine too
Happy days - I can now go for a 17x7 on the front and 17x8 or 18x8 on the back.
What size are those brakes David?It seems that this isn't true because the Estorils from the back of the Griff JUST fit over the brakes with a small spacer which I haven't measured yet, and the 17" Compomotive MO wheel that I borrowed was just fine too
Happy days - I can now go for a 17x7 on the front and 17x8 or 18x8 on the back.
I was looking at the Hi Spec brakes. This gives me the flexibility that I can alter what I fit according to the available space, but I don't want to find myself having to compromise.
Ray-von - yes, uprights sorted out now. I thought I replied to say thanks... It must have gone astray somewhere or I'm becoming forgetful...
UF - they're 324mm diameter discs and relatively standard looking Brembo 4 pots. They were a bit of a bargain, assuming the wheel situation is resolvable.
UF - they're 324mm diameter discs and relatively standard looking Brembo 4 pots. They were a bit of a bargain, assuming the wheel situation is resolvable.
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