Will these tires fit stock 18" wheels?
Originally Posted by d!abolic
Dunlop SP winter sport M3 tires.
- 235/40R18 M+S
- 95V
- Extra Load
- Radial tubless
Yes but why would you want to go with that size? And what about your rears? Please tell me you are not thinking about going 235s all around. Best size if you want wider is to go with is: 245/40/18 F and 255/40/18 R on stock wheels.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42
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From: Singapore
Hi JDM,
I noted your recc for 245/40/18 F and 255/40/18 R on this thread and on another.
Would you recommend this setup for a daily driver? With occasional spirited driving and freeway cruising.
Pls advise and many thanks in advance.
Cheers,
B
I noted your recc for 245/40/18 F and 255/40/18 R on this thread and on another.
Would you recommend this setup for a daily driver? With occasional spirited driving and freeway cruising.
Pls advise and many thanks in advance.
Cheers,
B
Originally Posted by bleachberu
Hi JDM,
I noted your recc for 245/40/18 F and 255/40/18 R on this thread and on another.
Would you recommend this setup for a daily driver? With occasional spirited driving and freeway cruising.
Pls advise and many thanks in advance.
Cheers,
B
I noted your recc for 245/40/18 F and 255/40/18 R on this thread and on another.
Would you recommend this setup for a daily driver? With occasional spirited driving and freeway cruising.
Pls advise and many thanks in advance.
Cheers,
B
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Singapore
Hi JDM,
Many thanks for your awesome response. Really appreciate it. In fact, I actually started a thread elsewhere to ask for an ideal setup for my use but I think your response here helped to answer my question.
I'm a noob frankly so I'm still in need for some clarification.
1. Noted on your 2 key points on rolling diameter and proper seating.
2. Essentially, the stock tires 18" come with 8.0 inch wheels. Your 245 front (8.0-0.5 range) and 255 rear setup can be safely mounted on those stock wheels.
2. I have a 03 touring model with complete stock setup ie 17". I think I'm running 235 R and 225 F currently. I'm thinking of upgrading to 18" tires for the balance between performance + looks taking into account my driving needs here in Singapore. Hence I will also need to look for a new set of wheels/rims.
If I'm going for your suggested setup, I need to find a set of rims that are in the 8.0-9.5 range? In making choice of rims, besides getting the look I like is that it will support that 8.0-9.5 range? Is there a standard range for manufacturers when they build 18" rims?
Many thanks again for your input and I apologise if I'm asking really dumb questions but I'm going to tire shop this weekend and I want to be able to ask the guy the right ones! :-)
Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
B
Many thanks for your awesome response. Really appreciate it. In fact, I actually started a thread elsewhere to ask for an ideal setup for my use but I think your response here helped to answer my question.
I'm a noob frankly so I'm still in need for some clarification.
1. Noted on your 2 key points on rolling diameter and proper seating.
2. Essentially, the stock tires 18" come with 8.0 inch wheels. Your 245 front (8.0-0.5 range) and 255 rear setup can be safely mounted on those stock wheels.
2. I have a 03 touring model with complete stock setup ie 17". I think I'm running 235 R and 225 F currently. I'm thinking of upgrading to 18" tires for the balance between performance + looks taking into account my driving needs here in Singapore. Hence I will also need to look for a new set of wheels/rims.
If I'm going for your suggested setup, I need to find a set of rims that are in the 8.0-9.5 range? In making choice of rims, besides getting the look I like is that it will support that 8.0-9.5 range? Is there a standard range for manufacturers when they build 18" rims?
Many thanks again for your input and I apologise if I'm asking really dumb questions but I'm going to tire shop this weekend and I want to be able to ask the guy the right ones! :-)
Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
B
Originally Posted by bleachberu
Hi JDM,
Many thanks for your awesome response. Really appreciate it. In fact, I actually started a thread elsewhere to ask for an ideal setup for my use but I think your response here helped to answer my question.
I'm a noob frankly so I'm still in need for some clarification.
1. Noted on your 2 key points on rolling diameter and proper seating.
2. Essentially, the stock tires 18" come with 8.0 inch wheels. Your 245 front (8.0-0.5 range) and 255 rear setup can be safely mounted on those stock wheels. Yes from my experience and info by those who have experimented with 18" fitment, the sizes I posted ^ are the widest safe application on stock wheels.
2. I have a 03 touring model with complete stock setup ie 17". I think I'm running 235 R and 225 F currently. I'm thinking of upgrading to 18" tires for the balance between performance + looks taking into account my driving needs here in Singapore. Hence I will also need to look for a new set of wheels/rims. If you are getting an entirely new set of wheels, then why not go for something more aggressive? I was assuming that you were wanting to go larger on stock 18 inch wheels.
If I'm going for your suggested setup, I need to find a set of rims that are in the 8.0-9.5 range? In making choice of rims, besides getting the look I like is that it will support that 8.0-9.5 range? Is there a standard range for manufacturers when they build 18" rims?
If you are going to buy a set of stock 18" wheels then you can follow the application I posted ^. I don't know what your budget is if you are willing to spend a few USD thousand worth on wheels and tires, but IMO if you are swapping wheels you might as well go with something that will look good. A lot of guys here run 18 inch aftermarket wheels ranging from 9-10.5" inches in the front and 9.5-11" in the rear. If that is something you are looking into then we are on a whole different set of wheels and tire combo. Standard stock 18 inch wheels are +30 on the offset. When you go wider you have to start considering how wide you want to go and what type of look you want and match that up with the proper offset to clear car.
Many thanks again for your input and I apologise if I'm asking really dumb questions but I'm going to tire shop this weekend and I want to be able to ask the guy the right ones! :-)
Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
B
Many thanks for your awesome response. Really appreciate it. In fact, I actually started a thread elsewhere to ask for an ideal setup for my use but I think your response here helped to answer my question.
I'm a noob frankly so I'm still in need for some clarification.
1. Noted on your 2 key points on rolling diameter and proper seating.
2. Essentially, the stock tires 18" come with 8.0 inch wheels. Your 245 front (8.0-0.5 range) and 255 rear setup can be safely mounted on those stock wheels. Yes from my experience and info by those who have experimented with 18" fitment, the sizes I posted ^ are the widest safe application on stock wheels.
2. I have a 03 touring model with complete stock setup ie 17". I think I'm running 235 R and 225 F currently. I'm thinking of upgrading to 18" tires for the balance between performance + looks taking into account my driving needs here in Singapore. Hence I will also need to look for a new set of wheels/rims. If you are getting an entirely new set of wheels, then why not go for something more aggressive? I was assuming that you were wanting to go larger on stock 18 inch wheels.
If I'm going for your suggested setup, I need to find a set of rims that are in the 8.0-9.5 range? In making choice of rims, besides getting the look I like is that it will support that 8.0-9.5 range? Is there a standard range for manufacturers when they build 18" rims?
If you are going to buy a set of stock 18" wheels then you can follow the application I posted ^. I don't know what your budget is if you are willing to spend a few USD thousand worth on wheels and tires, but IMO if you are swapping wheels you might as well go with something that will look good. A lot of guys here run 18 inch aftermarket wheels ranging from 9-10.5" inches in the front and 9.5-11" in the rear. If that is something you are looking into then we are on a whole different set of wheels and tire combo. Standard stock 18 inch wheels are +30 on the offset. When you go wider you have to start considering how wide you want to go and what type of look you want and match that up with the proper offset to clear car.
Many thanks again for your input and I apologise if I'm asking really dumb questions but I'm going to tire shop this weekend and I want to be able to ask the guy the right ones! :-)
Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
B
Just to clarify something so that I won't get flamed for giving bad advice. I didn't realize that d!abolic was asking a tire fitment question for winter snow tires. The sizing I gave you guys are for summer and all season driving. Winter conditions with heavy snow and ice requires taller and thinner tires because you have less surface area for resistance. The narrower the tire, the easier you can get through snow.
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Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Singapore
Hi JDM,
Many thanks for the quick reply. I'm really keen to learn more!
1. Yes my apologies about the confusion. I'm actually running 17" stock rims and looking to replace them completely. I guess the 18" stock rims provided a good basis for discussion.
2. I'm definitely keen on something more aggressive! But I want to avoid bling-bling. My car is 100% stock now and I'm starting to mod in stages but overally I want to maintain a classy, subtle look but would love some fierce rims! :-)
Researching other threads the opinion seem to be that 18" offers the best compromise between performance and looks. Hence why I decided I would go up to 18" plus its obviously cheaper than 19" I reckon.
3. Frankly, I only started looking into this so I have not done enough market research on wheel prices. Asia's mkt is kinda unique, we also have high quality knock-offs from Taiwan on the well know brands etc which are easily 50% the price of originals. I haven't decided if I'll go with that yet.
But as prelim gauge, I want to spend max USD2k-2.5k on my rims. Save some $$ as I want to get some good tires like PS2 for eg. Can I get a decent set of 18" rims for that kind of money? I saw some very beautiful volks on the net...
3. What kind of combo would you advise me to run given the above? Is there anything extra I need to know b4 I go speak to the tire guy? (I don't want to be ripped off)
Cheers,
B
ps: what time is it in Texas? 541pm here in Singapore...
Many thanks for the quick reply. I'm really keen to learn more!
1. Yes my apologies about the confusion. I'm actually running 17" stock rims and looking to replace them completely. I guess the 18" stock rims provided a good basis for discussion.
2. I'm definitely keen on something more aggressive! But I want to avoid bling-bling. My car is 100% stock now and I'm starting to mod in stages but overally I want to maintain a classy, subtle look but would love some fierce rims! :-)
Researching other threads the opinion seem to be that 18" offers the best compromise between performance and looks. Hence why I decided I would go up to 18" plus its obviously cheaper than 19" I reckon.
3. Frankly, I only started looking into this so I have not done enough market research on wheel prices. Asia's mkt is kinda unique, we also have high quality knock-offs from Taiwan on the well know brands etc which are easily 50% the price of originals. I haven't decided if I'll go with that yet.
But as prelim gauge, I want to spend max USD2k-2.5k on my rims. Save some $$ as I want to get some good tires like PS2 for eg. Can I get a decent set of 18" rims for that kind of money? I saw some very beautiful volks on the net...
3. What kind of combo would you advise me to run given the above? Is there anything extra I need to know b4 I go speak to the tire guy? (I don't want to be ripped off)
Cheers,
B
ps: what time is it in Texas? 541pm here in Singapore...
Originally Posted by bleachberu
Hi JDM,
Many thanks for the quick reply. I'm really keen to learn more!
1. Yes my apologies about the confusion. I'm actually running 17" stock rims and looking to replace them completely. I guess the 18" stock rims provided a good basis for discussion.
2. I'm definitely keen on something more aggressive! But I want to avoid bling-bling. My car is 100% stock now and I'm starting to mod in stages but overally I want to maintain a classy, subtle look but would love some fierce rims! :-) IMO, the best aftermarket wheels that will give you a subtle look and retain some of the factory design are Volk TE-37s or the Time Attacks. The factory 350Z Track wheels were made from Volks. These wheels are 100% forged and are very strong and lightweight. They are the same quality that the Japanese JGTC run on their cars. The RE30s are not bad either. But really.. I can't tell you what look to go for. That's up to you. It's a matter of taste. The wheels I mentioned ^ will give your car more of a track car look. If you don't like that look I would suggest something else. Plus the lightness of these wheels may or may not be something you need. Something to consider. Works have similar wheels but many are cheaper in price because they are cast. You can achive the same look with other options
Researching other threads the opinion seem to be that 18" offers the best compromise between performance and looks. Hence why I decided I would go up to 18" plus its obviously cheaper than 19" I reckon.
Yes 18s are generally a bit cheaper but not by much. Your tire sizing will also dictate the price of the tire. Not all 18" sizing are priced accordingly. Generally, if you end up selecting a size that is OEM for other cars, the pricing on that size will be a bit more than a less commonly used size. To select the wheels and tires you want you have to consider 1) what type of look you are going for. 2) Your budget. 3) How you plan on driving your car.
3. Frankly, I only started looking into this so I have not done enough market research on wheel prices. Asia's mkt is kinda unique, we also have high quality knock-offs from Taiwan on the well know brands etc which are easily 50% the price of originals. I haven't decided if I'll go with that yet.
I kind of understand the Asian market. You have to remember that the cheaper and poorer the quality the more chances you will end up with a heavier and weaker wheel that will hurt your performance. Most high end performance wheels are either forged or partially forged. Cheaper wheels are mostly cast. Casting is not too bad but you have to also look at the material, processing method, and grade of aluminum that they use.
But as prelim gauge, I want to spend max USD2k-2.5k on my rims. Save some $$ as I want to get some good tires like PS2 for eg. Can I get a decent set of 18" rims for that kind of money? I saw some very beautiful volks on the net...
$3500 USD for tire and wheels is dead on for a good set of Volks. You have a wide selection at that budget. My Volks GT-S 19x9.5 F 19+.10.5 with 255/35/19s and 285/30/19s Toyo T1-Rs cost me $3400 USD shipped, balanced, and mounted. I am not too sure how close the pricings are over in Asia. PS2s are really nice tires but you also have to consider the tire width. When you push the clearance specs on your car's tires/wheel combo you will find out they are not the same. PS2s are generally wider than most brands and models because Michelin re-enforces the sidewalls thicker than other brands in the same size. Your best reference is to look up the manufacture's tire specs to get the actual and correct measurements
3. What kind of combo would you advise me to run given the above? Is there anything extra I need to know b4 I go speak to the tire guy? (I don't want to be ripped off) I have 19s but if I were to run 18 inch wheels I would go with the following:
18 x 10.5 on the rears with an offset around +22. Tires 285/35/18s.
18 x 9.5 on the fronts with same offset and 255/35/18s.
You could go 295s R and 265s F for a tighter fitment. Some guys claim to fit 275s in the front but I'm not too keen on such a tight fitment.
For how the wheel would look on your car, this site helped me the most http://www.zmodified.com/gallery/ind...?cat=31&page=1
I would also suggest that you look around this site and see what member's with 18s are running.
As for things you need to know, I would shop, shop, and shop around some more to know exactly what the market rate is for every you are getting. When I was buying my wheels I talked to 12 different vendors and not 2 were the same in inital price quote. Do your research first. I know in the states some shops have incentives to sell a particular brand or model over others because they get special kick backs from the manufacture. Know what you are getting and ask questions. If they say something is good ask why. A good vendor will have no problems answering all your questions many times over.
Cheers,
B
ps: what time is it in Texas? 541pm here in Singapore...
Many thanks for the quick reply. I'm really keen to learn more!
1. Yes my apologies about the confusion. I'm actually running 17" stock rims and looking to replace them completely. I guess the 18" stock rims provided a good basis for discussion.
2. I'm definitely keen on something more aggressive! But I want to avoid bling-bling. My car is 100% stock now and I'm starting to mod in stages but overally I want to maintain a classy, subtle look but would love some fierce rims! :-) IMO, the best aftermarket wheels that will give you a subtle look and retain some of the factory design are Volk TE-37s or the Time Attacks. The factory 350Z Track wheels were made from Volks. These wheels are 100% forged and are very strong and lightweight. They are the same quality that the Japanese JGTC run on their cars. The RE30s are not bad either. But really.. I can't tell you what look to go for. That's up to you. It's a matter of taste. The wheels I mentioned ^ will give your car more of a track car look. If you don't like that look I would suggest something else. Plus the lightness of these wheels may or may not be something you need. Something to consider. Works have similar wheels but many are cheaper in price because they are cast. You can achive the same look with other options
Researching other threads the opinion seem to be that 18" offers the best compromise between performance and looks. Hence why I decided I would go up to 18" plus its obviously cheaper than 19" I reckon.
Yes 18s are generally a bit cheaper but not by much. Your tire sizing will also dictate the price of the tire. Not all 18" sizing are priced accordingly. Generally, if you end up selecting a size that is OEM for other cars, the pricing on that size will be a bit more than a less commonly used size. To select the wheels and tires you want you have to consider 1) what type of look you are going for. 2) Your budget. 3) How you plan on driving your car.
3. Frankly, I only started looking into this so I have not done enough market research on wheel prices. Asia's mkt is kinda unique, we also have high quality knock-offs from Taiwan on the well know brands etc which are easily 50% the price of originals. I haven't decided if I'll go with that yet.
I kind of understand the Asian market. You have to remember that the cheaper and poorer the quality the more chances you will end up with a heavier and weaker wheel that will hurt your performance. Most high end performance wheels are either forged or partially forged. Cheaper wheels are mostly cast. Casting is not too bad but you have to also look at the material, processing method, and grade of aluminum that they use.
But as prelim gauge, I want to spend max USD2k-2.5k on my rims. Save some $$ as I want to get some good tires like PS2 for eg. Can I get a decent set of 18" rims for that kind of money? I saw some very beautiful volks on the net...
$3500 USD for tire and wheels is dead on for a good set of Volks. You have a wide selection at that budget. My Volks GT-S 19x9.5 F 19+.10.5 with 255/35/19s and 285/30/19s Toyo T1-Rs cost me $3400 USD shipped, balanced, and mounted. I am not too sure how close the pricings are over in Asia. PS2s are really nice tires but you also have to consider the tire width. When you push the clearance specs on your car's tires/wheel combo you will find out they are not the same. PS2s are generally wider than most brands and models because Michelin re-enforces the sidewalls thicker than other brands in the same size. Your best reference is to look up the manufacture's tire specs to get the actual and correct measurements
3. What kind of combo would you advise me to run given the above? Is there anything extra I need to know b4 I go speak to the tire guy? (I don't want to be ripped off) I have 19s but if I were to run 18 inch wheels I would go with the following:
18 x 10.5 on the rears with an offset around +22. Tires 285/35/18s.
18 x 9.5 on the fronts with same offset and 255/35/18s.
You could go 295s R and 265s F for a tighter fitment. Some guys claim to fit 275s in the front but I'm not too keen on such a tight fitment.
For how the wheel would look on your car, this site helped me the most http://www.zmodified.com/gallery/ind...?cat=31&page=1
I would also suggest that you look around this site and see what member's with 18s are running.
As for things you need to know, I would shop, shop, and shop around some more to know exactly what the market rate is for every you are getting. When I was buying my wheels I talked to 12 different vendors and not 2 were the same in inital price quote. Do your research first. I know in the states some shops have incentives to sell a particular brand or model over others because they get special kick backs from the manufacture. Know what you are getting and ask questions. If they say something is good ask why. A good vendor will have no problems answering all your questions many times over.
Cheers,
B
ps: what time is it in Texas? 541pm here in Singapore...
Last edited by JDMFairladyZ33; Dec 15, 2006 at 03:58 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Singapore
Hi JDM,
What can I say? Awesome post and thanks very much for giving such a clear answer to my queries.
I will check out your suggestion on 255F 285R in more detail at the shops.
Definitely tons for me to learn and I shall your take your advice on shopping around more. I'm not going to rush into it now. Will keep you updated.
Have a good rest mate. Dealing with clients/customers in this part of the whole can be painful with that time difference!
Cheers,
B
What can I say? Awesome post and thanks very much for giving such a clear answer to my queries.
I will check out your suggestion on 255F 285R in more detail at the shops.
Definitely tons for me to learn and I shall your take your advice on shopping around more. I'm not going to rush into it now. Will keep you updated.
Have a good rest mate. Dealing with clients/customers in this part of the whole can be painful with that time difference!
Cheers,
B
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Singapore
Hi JDM,
Just thought I'd give you a short update on my recent weekend trip to 1 tire shop.
Spoke to the guy, he's an authorised dealer for Michelin and from what I was told, a very experienced tire guy who's been in the business for a long time. However, my feel is that he's not super familar with the Z as a car although he's done skylines.
He gave me 2 suggestions which he thought is good on 18" for my Z:
1. F:235/40 and R:265/35 setup. His argument is that this maintains the closest rolling diameter of both the front and rear tires i.e. similar rolling diameters btw front and back. On PS2 tires, he checked the charts and the F gives 1961mm and R 1967mm which is 'close'. Is his argument valid?
2. 235s all round. He doesn't think a staggered setup would improve performance that much and is obviously more costly to maintain as you can't rotate tires. (I recall you mention that this doesn't make sense for RWD cars...)
3. Later on, I spoke to a more junior guy at the garage and he claims that 18" tires tend to puncture more easily when they hit hard objects etc. on the road due to softer sidewalls. (perhaps on PS2 tires?) Any truth in this? So he claims that if I'm up-sizing, this is something to take into account. I find it illogical unless you're talking about different tire makes and their quality.
4. Question on your suggested setup for me...F: 255 R:285. You mention a +22 offset. Does that mean I need to roll my fenders?
Many thanks again.
Cheers,
B
Just thought I'd give you a short update on my recent weekend trip to 1 tire shop.
Spoke to the guy, he's an authorised dealer for Michelin and from what I was told, a very experienced tire guy who's been in the business for a long time. However, my feel is that he's not super familar with the Z as a car although he's done skylines.
He gave me 2 suggestions which he thought is good on 18" for my Z:
1. F:235/40 and R:265/35 setup. His argument is that this maintains the closest rolling diameter of both the front and rear tires i.e. similar rolling diameters btw front and back. On PS2 tires, he checked the charts and the F gives 1961mm and R 1967mm which is 'close'. Is his argument valid?
2. 235s all round. He doesn't think a staggered setup would improve performance that much and is obviously more costly to maintain as you can't rotate tires. (I recall you mention that this doesn't make sense for RWD cars...)
3. Later on, I spoke to a more junior guy at the garage and he claims that 18" tires tend to puncture more easily when they hit hard objects etc. on the road due to softer sidewalls. (perhaps on PS2 tires?) Any truth in this? So he claims that if I'm up-sizing, this is something to take into account. I find it illogical unless you're talking about different tire makes and their quality.
4. Question on your suggested setup for me...F: 255 R:285. You mention a +22 offset. Does that mean I need to roll my fenders?
Many thanks again.
Cheers,
B
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