redlude97

iTrader: (11)

I think we all agree the stock widths are not optimal.
The questions are:
1.Would a 245/255 setup perform as well or better? That is the widest tire widths for the OEM wheels
2. Would the 245/275 perform better on 8.5/9.5" wheels? That is about right in the middle width spec for those tires, where they would perform optimally.

I have always recommended 245/40/18F and 255/45/18R for OEM 8"F/8.5"R wheels. Your setup may be better than stock, but not necessarily the best setup for the OEM wheels.

z-u-later

iTrader: (43)

^+1 It still amazes me how members here live by the bible on "manufacturer recommendations" mantra. Again, "cyberspace knowledge" is much different than "real-world experience."

^+1 I would even suggest a 255/275 combo for even better balance. It's as close to a balanced & neutral handling you're going to get without going into a "square setup," and I've ran 275/40s (17x8 stock rims but not much different than 18" setup) on all four corners without any issues. I've ran this setup on the street, autocross & road courses. You will never know what your Z is capable of until you push it to the limit . . .

Justin07Z

I was in no way, shape, or form referring to you, the guy trying to get more tire on the road for traction.

SpeedRcr

iTrader: (5)

i had 245 f and 275 r on stock 18's

SniperHunter

iTrader: (9)

Cool.

clarkemtp

With 1,400 posts Arnie, it surprises me that you seemed shocked that you asked a simple question and the thread turned into a:

1) dick pulling contest
2) flame war
3) "insert-your-own-adjective-here"

Damn near every thread I read here degenerates to that point sooner or later. Usually sooner. *shrugs*

SniperHunter

iTrader: (9)

I suppose you're right. Heh.

Spike100

Arnie,

I think you started a good thread, asking a good question. I don’t agree with clarkemtp:
Certainly there will be different opinions and spirited discussions, and some will defend their position vigorously. And of course, some will take any opposing comment as a personal “attack.” But, I believe that most who post here sometimes make errors; and the better guys (most people here) are willing to recant when wrong. For example, I posted an incorrect message about sizes and Nismo wheels that redlude97 caught, and I agreed with him and posted a correction saying I was wrong and he was right.

The best part is that once the thread “winds down,” you can read through it and gain the advice you need. It’s not always “black and white,” but that reflects the real world where things are gray.

I would also mention that some of our more “tire-knowledgeable” members who track their cars and experiment with various tire/wheel combinations no longer post here. I’m afraid they avoid this sub-forum simply because they are tired of dealing with the “size-police.”

Repeating... Good thread (notice it has gone from messages to pages).

--Spike

PDX_Racer

iTrader: (2)

I'm actually very close to not even being on this site anymore -- the only reason that I even come here now is simply to hopefully help others.

Spike100

^^ I understand what you are saying and why you feel this way. The Wheels & Tires sub-forum was just great past a couple of years ago, but now seems dominated by “nannys” and “cosmetic enthusiasts.”

Of course it is interesting to see pictures and descriptions of attractive tire/wheel installs. Obviously there is a large segment of readers here interested in cosmetic tire/wheel setups. The actual number of Z owners who install $4K wheel and tire combos is small, but the majority of readers like seeing these solutions.

The unfortunate situation is when someone asks about a “renegade” setup. When guys like you (and I hesitate mentioning other names because someone will certainly fell left out, but there are other good contributors here such as z-u-later, SpeedRcr and Kolia) present track solutions, it seems to start an avalanche of negative comments. That’s only because you guys are testing new stuff on the track and are often outside the usual street setups.

There is a Motorsports sub-forum on this site (with another subdivision, Autocross/Road), but the truth is most people looking for wheel and tire advice look at the Wheels & Tire sub-forum.

It's a loss when good members lose interest (but, I understand why someone tires of fielding crap simply because they present more complicated scenarios that are often misunderstood by readers with less experience).

--Spike

clarkemtp

Well you were welcome to disagree with me, hell half the time as a general rule, I encourage it. As a side benefit, I won't even:

1) Question your family lineage.
2) Imply you're possibly mentally challenged.
3) Assert that your genitalia (pee-pee) is freakishly undersized.
4) Make references which include the phrase, "mad tyte JDM spec, yo!"



Regards,
Clark

PS - That being said, I stand by my earlier comment(s). A great number of threads which go beyond 3 posts or so degenerate, and quickly. Your point about the threads still containing valuable content is certainly true. It simply becomes very tedious at times to glean that information from between the "dick pulling contest" thread-craps which is indeed a shame. My point remains.

halfass872

iTrader: (35)

For pete sake!!! Here!!! LOL

To the OP....I feel your pain i had the same question before i got these. The are Eagle F1 GSD3 265/40/18 Stock '06 18" rims. Same as Touring 18" rims. Slight bulge. Can't notice any negative effect from it. If you need a better angel let me know and i'll run out to the garage and take more.

singh

iTrader: (2)

I don't see why the OP would want to get improperly sized tires for his rims. I hope his assumption isn't that he will get better performance. I do not see that happening. That would be tough to prove.

But I can prove that your car will run properly with the OEM tire size.

Justin07Z

I'm jealous of you, I wish my rear 18x8.5's had 265/40's on them instead of the 245/45's they have now.

06MagneticZ

iTrader: (13)

Nice! Can you get some side pics? I think I might go this route wth some spacers maybe?

halfass872

iTrader: (35)

Yeah may be later tonite though, i have company coming over. Read up on spacers before you decide. I have heard they can mess up your geometry. And bare in mind even with a 265, they stick out decently far now. If ya notice in the pic, i had to buy the black filet pieces for my fenderwell so i wouldn't be beating the heck outta my paint kicking rocks up. Ya don't wanna end up looking like a roller skate!!

halfass872

iTrader: (35)

Here ya go!

z-u-later

iTrader: (43)

Spacers will have no negative impact on your Z. I have 20mm in front & 25mm in rear. I have ran 275/40s on all four corners in autocross without issues. And my Z is lowered almost 3".

03redlineZ

iTrader: (59)

I had 275's on my rear track rims a couple years ago and it bulged really bad I thought.... Looked horrible IMO.

The 245/40/18 on the front Track rim looked good as it was almost a flush match with the rim a slight bulge but very easy to overlook.

I would think a 255 would be the widest to go on a 8.5 inch rim.

Chef-J

iTrader: (58)

i'm thinking 245/35 for 8.5, 265/35 for 9.5


i would say a 245 or 255 will be good on 8.5