I bought S03's in these sizes in July. I have absolutely no complaints or problems. I feel in good control. No VDC/TCS/ABS issues at any time.

However I have decided to replace with 255/40/18 when these tires wear out, merely because that is the largest size recommended for my 8.5" rear wheels. I don't see any advantage in continuing with the 265/35/18.

 

Hmm, how do the sidewalls look on those sizes, similar to stock. I'm not a big fan of bulky sidewalls, and how much flex. 255/40/18 may be a good alternative as well. How is the tire wear on your s03's. I need to find a tire that can last a good bit.
Do you autox with them, or just street use. Thanks for the info.

 

I have done numerous autocross events and a couple of track days. I also drive the mountain roads around my house several times each week. I think that I have 10,000 miles on the new tires. I'm not good at guessing how long the tires will last if I continue to drive about the same. They seem to be holding up quite well--no cupping, feathering and even wear front to rear.

There is slightly more 'bulge' on the rear tires compared with the front. I started looking at a variety of sports cars--Porsche, Ferrari, etc. when I learned that the recommended size wheel was 9" for the 265/35. There isn't more 'bulge' on my rear wheels than most of those cars.

 

Sounds good, I think I may try them sizes and see how I like it. As long as these tires last longer than the stocks. Although 22k on them aren't too bad. Now I just need to decide which tire is most cost effective.

 

I don't know whether S03's will last longer than the stock Bridgestones. My impression of the stock tires was that the compound was hard giving longer tread life but less traction. I hope that the new tires last at least a year+. I am surprised that I have put 20K on the 350 in my first year. Of course I use every excuse I can think of to go out for another drive.

 

Well it seems the so3 should last longer cause they have a tread rating of 220 or something there of and teh re040's have a rating of 140 i believe. I know what you mean by driving 20k, I can't believe that myself and I have done that in 10months..

 

I am VERY happy with the Hoosier 275/35-18 on the back, on a Track model, a guy at Nationalals runs 275 all the way around and it works great, he has the Entusiast model, with the Koni prototypes. I have the 275 rear and 245 front, with stillen sway bar medium and really like the way the car handles now.
Still have to drift the car alot, but it is better, the exhaust and KN replacement blew away a guy that is an 8 time natl champ, he could not believe the power the car has. The rear stays put, but the front you have to drift! Maybe I can't drive for sh&t, but it works way better for me, an Bill B was WAY faster in my car.

 

I use S03 on my car for street and for Open Raod Racing, the tire is rated at 186 ,handles great and can take the nationals in the rain.

 

Hey jackwale you don't happen to have any pics of your setup do you? If so can you post them

 

Here are a few. Some have been posted before but I don't know the link.

 

Here's several more.

 

Those 265's with that small sideall make it look like you have a lot of wheel gap in the back....I was questioning running 255's but i'm glad i just stuck with the OEM size SO3's....

 

Tires can be such a pain to decide on, so many variables. I don't notice to much gap, but then again I could be wrong. I like that setup though. I may just go ahead with the 265's with the toyos. Seems like they have a better treadlife.

 

Well I went searching for tires today and believe it or not they are haveing a kick butt deal on s03's by me. buy2 get 2 free, can't beat that. Seems like the sizes I am going with are the 235/40/18 and 255/40/18. Do you guys think I should stay with this or just stick with stock size. I wanted something wider but don't want my computer messing up all on me. So let me know.

 

The 235 and 255 combination was what I originally wanted. One size larger than stock. At the time the 255's were back-ordered so I went with 265's. I have never had any problem with computer, ABS or anything with this combination. I'm sure the speedo is 5% off. Next time I will go with 255 in the rear because that is the largest tire recommended for 8.5" wheels.

The SO3's are a big improvement. I really like them. I also have them on my Datsun 510 and they work well on that car.

What is 'wheel gap'? How does that affect handling?

 

OK

Whether you want it or not, here is my opinion.

235/40 = (25.4" OD) - 225/45 = (25.9" OD) - 245/40 = (25.6" OD) - Go with the 245/40s.

255/40 = (26.1" OD) - 245/45 = (26.7" OD) - 255/45 = (27" OD) - Go with the 255/45s

All the above Outside Diameter sizes are for the SO3. IMO the closest up sizes from stock are 245/40 in front and 255/45 in back on the 8" and 8.5" wheels.

BTW I just put on a set of Nismos, 8.5" front and 9.5" back. I put 245/40 and 275/40 Dunlop SP9000s on them. Great wheel and a great tire.

If you can buy two SO3s and get 2 free, you can't beat that. Who is offering that deal BTW?

Wheel gap is that space between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender opening. If the tires are too small it may affect handling, and most certainly will effect looks. It may also upset the VDC.

Lou

 

Firestone is offering it here locally, not sure if its a national deal.
You make a good point on the 245/40 and 255/45 tires, however I think the 45 series side wall is gonna be a little too soft due to the increase in size. I guess I prefer the lower profile look. As close to stock as possble.
You know I miss the old days when computers werent a factor and you can stick on just about any size rubber you want, hmm that doesn't right lol

 

Thanks lowrider. Your opinion is always welcome.

I thought that wheel gap referred mainly to cosmetics but I wasn't certain, and I certainly agree that small tires won't improve things.

Next time around I plan to get the 255/40 in back--stay within the tire manufacturers recommendations. The 35 series tires seem a little undersized for some roads around here; even though I can't tell any performance deduction.

The computer doesn't seem to pay attention to the changes in my tire's changed circumference. Maybe its below the computer's preset threshhold or maybe it responds to more acute changes in revolutions as when a wheel slips or locks. I don't know how these things work either.

Fun to think about.

 

Hey just as an update I finally got those s03's on the 235-40's and 255-40s they are awesome. They seem to look like a stock setup. No problems with the computer as well. I havnt pushed her too much yet, but it seems promising. I will get ya pics as soon as I take some.