Try a 255/40/18 on front and a 275/40/18 rear. I'm running the 255 on a 9" rim and it looks and runs fine. Try the new Sumitomo HTR Z3. I have these and a big improvement in ride and much quieter than the Bridgestone 050.

 

Rear tires are 27.7 mm taller than front. Way too much!

 

Sorry, thought I put the offset. They are +20.

Are you saying that is too much for aesthetic purposes? I'm not positive but I don't think it will throw off the VDC.

 

It won't throw VDC off at all . NT05 26.57 rear , 25.63 front
Invo 25.55 front 26.65 rear , that will still work fine

 

I think I have my mind made up then thanks to everyones help. I'll be ordering 275/35 and 275/40 Falken FK452 my next paycheck. I'll be sure to post up some pictures and let you guys know how they worked out. If anyone comes across some pics of this setup, remember this thread. I'd still love to see them.

 

Thanks once again dan.

 

I just got some 275/40R18s all around on a stock ride height and suspension. It rubbed in the front and I had to roll the front fenders and take out the top dead center screw that holds the liner on. Now they only rub when I hit a really large bump going strait.

Unfortunately the tires I have (Eagle F1 GS D3s) do not have a non run flat (ie cheaper) version in a 35 series. When I burn through these I will be going with a different brand that has a 275/35 tire I can mount on the front.

Here is a picture

 

^^ Your tires are outside the fenders!

Is that OK in your opinion?

--Spike

 

I have 275/35 with 18X9.5 in front and it is not heavy at all!!!

 

Thanks for the picture shyguy. What offsets are those wheels you have? Just wondering because it does look as if your front tire/wheel is outside your fender pretty signifigantly. Have a shot from the front maybe so we can see if it sits outside the fender a little better?

 

They are +20 offsets, A +30 would be much more desirable for the front with the wide tires. I will have to get one, I do not have a front shot right yet.

 

Same exact wheel diameter on all four corners is a surefire way to **** vdc off.
The front wheels need to be slightly smaller in diameter than the rear.

 

Just an update, here are some front views of the fronts.

 

Thanks for the followup pictures shyguy, I'm now wondering if I should drop down to a 265/35 front. Is that stock height? I wonder if it was slightly lowered if it would bring the tires flush with the fenders.

 

^^ I would also thank shyguy010 for taking the trouble to take and post more pics. That is very helpful.

I doubt dropping the car will do anything other than make the tires appear more “outside” the fender and possibly increase rubbing.

20mm =0.78”, and viewing shyguy101’s new pictures, I would go with at least a 20mm reduction in width (if you stay with the 20 wheel offset). That means you’re at a 255 width to keep it flush at the top of the fender.

Of course, not all tires are created equal (meaning that a 265 from one tire manufacturer could look and measure-out more like 255 or even 275 from a different manufacturer). Keep that in mind when shopping for different brands.

And… It’s your personal preference that is most important when judging appearance. If you prefer a little more tire showing outside the fender, go with it.

--Spike

 

Thanks spike, very helpful information! Very helpful.

 

Yes my car is at stock ride height and stock alignment. You could add a bit of camber, 1 degree added will move a 26" diameter wheel in about .45 inches. give or take.

 

^^ When looking at your setup, I was thinking 20mm (about ¾ inch). Of course, that is my personal preference) and doesn’t mean that is what you think looks good.

I’m playing the Devil’s Advocate here to present a different argument.

Question: If you add camber, will that affect handling or tire wear?

--Spike

 

If you add a full degree like what was suggested then yes you will run into camber wear. That tire is just too big for the front of the Z. I've got a 255/35/18 on a 9.5" wide wheel with +20 offset. Mine sits right at flush with the fender with correct camber. It's the Kumho ASX.

 

^^ That was my guess. Thanks for confirmation.

Some additional info: I had the opportunity to drive a Z with 275’s on the front with a stock suspension, and it wasn’t pretty. The 275’s grabbed every irregularity on the expressway’s surface. I was one busy driver, constantly correcting direction.

I’m sure that 275’s on the front work well on the track (with its very smooth and even surface), but my experience with these on irregular roadways at speed is no less than awful.

--Spike