235 or 255 for stock 18 inch rims?

[svtsupremacy]

Just fishing for some experiences from guys with stock 18inch rims and aftermarket tires. Ive been eyeing the Firehawk Indy 500s and BFG sport comp 2s in either 235/50/18 or 255/45/18...cant really decide on which way to go. Im just ready to get rid of the Pirelli all seasons off the car and put some summer tires on it. Its just a daily driven florida car, doesnt see track time or anything like that.

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[Zathras]

I have the stock 18x8 wheels and I've been mulling this over myself for months. Mine also came with the 235/50 Pirelli all-seasons, and although I'm not much for style, 50-series tires just look balloonish and out of date for a modern performance car. A 255/45 tire would be just about the right diameter, but most online sources say that 255 is too wide for an 8" wheel and would cause mushy steering response.

I'm leaning towards 245/45, although that would result in a smaller diameter and would very slightly throw the speedo/odo off calibration. And would cause a little more "wheel gap" between the tire and the wheel openings...

 

[BmacIL]

235/50

 

[svtsupremacy]

I have the stock 18x8 wheels and I've been mulling this over myself for months. Mine also came with the 235/50 Pirelli all-seasons, and although I'm not much for style, 50-series tires just look balloonish and out of date for a modern performance car. A 255/45 tire would be just about the right diameter, but most online sources say that 255 is too wide for an 8" wheel and would cause mushy steering response.

I'm leaning towards 245/45, although that would result in a smaller diameter and would very slightly throw the speedo/odo off calibration. And would cause a little more "wheel gap" between the tire and the wheel openings...

exactly...I wanted a little wider tire but i dont want 255s if they will cause issues. I either drive on pizza cutters 235s or go with the bulgy 255s and softer steering. I really wish these 18inch foundry wheels were 8.5 wide

 

[svtsupremacy]

Went with 235/50/18 Firehawk Indy500s ....1 day in the dry and 1 day in the rain so far. totally different than the pirelli all seasons. Would definitely recommend the Firehawk indy 500s, they are as good as the reviews claim.

 

[007evan]

I have the factory 18 inch wheels. Replaced the p zeros with the michelin ps 4s tires in a 245 45 18. In florida with the warm temps the grip will be great but the road surface will wear the tires down fast. I would say the trade off is worth it. Any hi po tire with a tread ware of 300 or less will give you 15 to 20k of tire life. Spend Time due your home work on which tire is the best in your price range and drag tires suck in the wet. BTW i took the stock 18 inch rims and had them power coated and they look great. Its a great design but fords coloring dept did a bad job on the finish. The plus side is the car rides well with the 18. Next get some springs and shocks !

 

[JCFoster]

I have the factory 18 inch wheels. Replaced the p zeros with the michelin ps 4s tires in a 245 45 18. In florida with the warm temps the grip will be great but the road surface will wear the tires down fast. I would say the trade off is worth it. Any hi po tire with a tread ware of 300 or less will give you 15 to 20k of tire life. Spend Time due your home work on which tire is the best in your price range and drag tires suck in the wet. BTW i took the stock 18 inch rims and had them power coated and they look great. Its a great design but fords coloring dept did a bad job on the finish. The plus side is the car rides well with the 18. Next get some springs and shocks !

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