Widest tire on a foundry 18" rim?

[oneaussie]

I just got my new to me 16 premium non PP GT. It has the optional 18" foundry wheels, which I believe are 8" wide. What is the widest tire I can stick on em, as the 235's aren't doing it for me. Thanks.

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[Emilbadal]

You might be able to go up to 245. However, Wider tires means more road noise. If you’re not doing aftermarket wheels I’d suggest to stay with the same size but buy the best tire you can afford.

 

[GT 550]

What is the widest tire I can stick on em, as the 235's aren't doing it for me

Looks, performance or both?

Any tire shop should be able to tell you max width but then it's a matter of rolling diameter (if you want to keep it the same or close) and whether the size is actually available.

 

[Dana Pants]

I would probably choose Continental Extreme Contact Sport in 245 45 R18 if I was limited to an 8 inch wheel. Those tires can do no wrong.

 

[Bikeman315]

This is not what you are going to hear, but you need to stick with the 235’s. The wheel is just to narrow for anything wider. Ask me how I know?

 

[Dana Pants]

To be clear, people who race competitively have no issue putting 245s and 255s on an 8 inch wheel when the rules don’t allow wider wheels.

 

[Bikeman315]

To be clear, people who race competitively have no issue putting 245s and 255s on an 8 inch wheel when the rules don’t allow wider wheels.

That doesn’t make it smart to use it on the street where it would make zero difference.

 

[Skye]

https://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Tire-Size-Calculator

I've used the site above quite a bit. It will not only give you an entire range of tire sizes, but the sweet spot, the diameter/width that would be best for the rim.

In general, you want to keep the overall diameter of the tire to +/-3% of the original. I do understand some deviate from this general rule for specific or unique applications.

And yes, Summer only, A/S, track, DD? What is the primary use of the vehicle? Several threads here highlight some good choices for differing applications.

 

[oneaussie]

Ok thanks for your replies. It will not be on the track, just looking for a good size for road performance. I had a 99 SN95 I bought brand new back in the day and I threw some OEM GT rims on it and ran 275s on them. I went through 2 sets over the years and I was pretty happy with them. I believe that rim was also 8" wide. My Toe in has gone at 21K and ruined my front tires so I need to buy a new set. I don't want the expense of new rims yet, I just want wider rubber for right now.

 

[Bikeman315]

Ok thanks for your replies. It will not be on the track, just looking for a good size for road performance. I had a 99 SN95 I bought brand new back in the day and I threw some OEM GT rims on it and ran 275s on them. I went through 2 sets over the years and I was pretty happy with them. I believe that rim was also 8" wide. My Toe in has gone at 21K and ruined my front tires so I need to buy a new set. I don't want the expense of new rims yet, I just want wider rubber for right now.

Your only real option would be a 245/45/18 but the difference in width is only 3/10th of an inch. Plus the lower profile will give you more fender gap. Just buy good quality high performance tires and you will be good to go.

 

[Skye]

Ok thanks for your replies. It will not be on the track, just looking for a good size for road performance. I had a 99 SN95 I bought brand new back in the day and I threw some OEM GT rims on it and ran 275s on them. I went through 2 sets over the years and I was pretty happy with them. I believe that rim was also 8" wide. My Toe in has gone at 21K and ruined my front tires so I need to buy a new set. I don't want the expense of new rims yet, I just want wider rubber for right now.

I'd consider the following...

1. Purchase a set of good, all-around performance tires that pair well with the existing rim and car.

2. Once installed, go somewhere and get an alignment.

Long-term...

Now with your immediate needs met, you can study the topic and choices further while setting aside money for wider rims and tires which pair well with one-another, the car and its suspension. Treat the project as you are changing an overall system of components, each item complimenting the other and enhancing the overall package.

 

[Spyshot]

This is not what you are going to hear, but you need to stick with the 235’s. The wheel is just to narrow for anything wider. Ask me how I know?

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but can you or someone elaborate? I'm looking to switch from 235/50-18 (stock size) to 245/45-18 so I can run the Conti Extreme Contact Sport 02 (These are not available in 235/50-18). I'm making sure there will not be an issue.

 

[WildHorse]

He doesn't like a miniscule sidewall bulge.
245 will be just fine.

 

[K4fxd]

255/45 18 is about the widest I'd use. Same diameter as the stock tires.

Roadkill would put 275's on them.

 

[Spyshot]

ok thanks

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