305/30 vs 285/30

[Prodigal]

Just want to verify my thinking.
currently running 305/30 on 10.5” wheels up front. They look amazing but I want more clearance at the outer lip at the top of the arch. If I swap to a 285/30 tire I believe I pick up about .5” in height clearance byway of the tire being shorter. Will I also pick up some clearance width wise by going to a tire that’s 20mm narrower or will it be pulled to roughly the same width since it’s going on the same 10.5” wheel?

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[Joshinator99]

Just want to verify my thinking.
currently running 305/30 on 10.5” wheels up front. They look amazing but I want more clearance at the outer lip at the top of the arch. If I swap to a 285/30 tire I believe I pick up about .5” in height clearance byway of the tire being shorter. Will I also pick up some clearance width wise by going to a tire that’s 20mm narrower or will it be pulled to roughly the same width since it’s going on the same 10.5” wheel?

You’ll definitely get a tick more clearance to miscellaneous components when the wheels are at full left or full right lock for sure. Were you getting any rubbing with the 305 tire?

 

[Prodigal]

You’ll definitely get a tick more clearance to miscellaneous components when the wheels are at full left or full right lock for sure. Were you getting any rubbing with the 305 tire?

Yeah, just inside the fender trim at the very top of the wheel well arch when I hit any sort of significant bump in the road or enter a driveway that has an incline while turning. I think if I had the .5” of clearance back that I lost when I went with the Steeda dual rate springs I would be fine. I love the steeda springs so I don’t want to go back to stock.
If the shorter narrower tire will give me what I need it’ll work out perfect. I’ll keep the 305 tires and throw them on the rear once my 315/30 there wear out so I won’t be out any money on addressing this problem. If I lived somewhere the roads were better I wouldn't have an issue with my current set up but here it requires me to be more careful than I want to be. The transitions from cement to asphalt can be a significant bump.

 

[MAGS1]

You could go 295 on the 10.5 wheel too. That might give you enough room as well

 

[Prodigal]

You could go 295 on the 10.5 wheel too. That might give you enough room as well

I looked at the 295 but the difference was too little that I was concerned it wouldn’t completely address my situation.

 

[MAGS1]

I looked at the 295 but the difference was too little that I was concerned it wouldn’t completely address my situation.

Got it, wasn’t sure how much rub you are getting on the 305. If it was relatively minor I figured a quarter inch might get you enough clearance. 285 is a great size for these cars too

 

[Egparson202]

Just want to verify my thinking.
currently running 305/30 on 10.5” wheels up front. They look amazing but I want more clearance at the outer lip at the top of the arch. If I swap to a 285/30 tire I believe I pick up about .5” in height clearance byway of the tire being shorter. Will I also pick up some clearance width wise by going to a tire that’s 20mm narrower or will it be pulled to roughly the same width since it’s going on the same 10.5” wheel?

As an alternative, you might consider a pinch more negative camber. Doesn’t sound like you need much. And this would also further enhance the handling..

 

[Prodigal]

Got it, wasn’t sure how much rub you

As an alternative, you might consider a pinch more negative camber. Doesn’t sound like you need much. And this would also further enhance the handling..

my current alignment specs

 

[Egparson202]

I’d definitely consider increasing negative camber given the rest of your specs. Stick with the 305’s unless your have additional reasons you haven’t shared.

 

[NightmareMoon]

Right, get some more front camber (with camber plates) to tuck that front tire in.

 

[Prodigal]

Right, get some more front camber (with camber plates) to tuck that front tire in.

I have steeda camber plates installed. How much negative camber are you suggesting? And how much of a difference would it make on that tire clearance? I have previously posted the same alignment spec sheet requesting feedback and was told that the specs looked good for a street driven car.

 

[Rapid Red]

Just want to verify my thinking.
currently running 305/30 on 10.5” wheels up front. They look amazing but I want more clearance at the outer lip at the top of the arch. If I swap to a 285/30 tire I believe I pick up about .5” in height clearance byway of the tire being shorter. Will I also pick up some clearance width wise by going to a tire that’s 20mm narrower or will it be pulled to roughly the same width since it’s going on the same 10.5” wheel?

285 should give "more clearance at the outer lip"
30 does not change "the top of the arch"

 

[NightmareMoon]

I have steeda camber plates installed. How much negative camber are you suggesting? And how much of a difference would it make on that tire clearance? I have previously posted the same alignment spec sheet requesting feedback and was told that the specs looked good for a street driven car.

for a street car, those specs are fine IF you arent having issues tucking your tires inside the fenders.

so figure out how many mm you need to move the top of the tire and go dial that much addittional camber.. you’ll likely be in the 2-3 degree range, maybe 2.5.

 

[Egparson202]

for a street car, those specs are fine IF you arent having issues tucking your tires inside the fenders.

so figure out how many mm you need to move the top of the tire and go dial that much addittional camber.. you’ll likely be in the 2-3 degree range, maybe 2.5.

Right on. It’s hard to guess how much, but I wouldn’t be afraid of anything in this range. Just also make sure the toe is 0 or a pinch of toe in.

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