I've finally narrowed down my search for rims and I want Rota GRIDs. To me, they are the perfect balance of looks, weight, and price. I thought about going the more expensive route with either Racing Hart or used Volk SF-Winnings, but I'm always noticing new nicks and tiny scrapes on my OEM wheels and it drives me nuts. I park in a garage and never scrape curbs, so I simply could not justify dropping in excess of $2k for something which will get damaged, likely from debris on NYC highways and roads.

Anyways, my dilemma is this. Wheeldude only sells the Hyper Silver GRIDs in 9.5s, which is fine for the rear 245 tires, but not for the front 225 tire. If they make 9.0" silver GRIDs that I don't know about, then I'll mount them with a bit of stretch. If they don't, then I intend on getting 235/45 for the front and stretching those out with the 9.5s.

But before I do any of that, what drawbacks are there to stretching tires? Would I be more prone to bending a rim since the sidewall is not position vertically to absorb direct impact?

Also, with an error of '1.4% too slow' for having 235/45 in the front (instead of 225/45), would that cause any lights to pop-up on a Z without VDC? I have a 5AT Touring.

 

245 is fine for a 9.5 wheel? Maybe on an r compound it is, but otherwise, it's way small and will leave quite a bit of exposed lip that just invites the curb to hit you. I know the manufacturers say "it works". Working and being correct are 2 different things IMHO. The Touring for example had 245's - on an 8 inch wheel.

Drawbacks to stretching tires? Harder to mount, exposed outer edge of the wheel, **** poor handling, more prone to blowouts when you hit a pothole, and if stretched enough, you can literally pop the tire right off the wheel rendering you stranded. And yes, far more prone to potential wheel damage (brand notwithstanding) from normal use as well as impacts. Looks are subjective.

Front to rear stagger needs to be under 3%.

 

Why is it that I see lots of 245's on a 9.5 wheel all the time? For example, one of the most common combo's is 245/35/19F 275/35/19R especially with volk owners. Is it just to keep the stagger %?

 

It's ultra conservative, rather lame looking setup, like the 275's on 10.5 inch wheels that alot of people also have. A normal 245 tire on a 9.5 wheel certainly works, but it's far from ideal (IMHO, others will have differing opinions). However, as has been mentioned hundreds of times the 245 tells you nothing, it is all about the specific tire. Some 245 run wide some run extremely narrow

 

Surprised that a 4 year member would ask such questions.

 

Surprised that a middle-aged member constantly spams every thread.

 

I love this forum lulz

 

Well, I assumed they were fine because 245mm width covers 9.65". Of course, I understand, some of that space is lost with the thickness of the tire/rubber walls, which should leave just about 9.5" to mount the wheel in. But if that's still going to end up stretching too much, then I may have to reconsider and re-open my options.

Some may suggest get new tires, but I really, really love how my Michelins perform and how lightweight they are.

 

Hold on. I turned 60 in August.

 

I don't care. If you have nothing to contribute, get the hell out.

 

This is my homies 350 with ROTA GRIDS 18's....25mm spacer on the rear and no spacer on the front for right now...he has 235/40 in front and 265/35 in the rear hope this helps...

 

i have rota grids, hyperblack. 9.5" rear, 9" front. 245/35 front, 275/40 rear. It's been a perfect setup for me, not stretched at all nor bulging out at all.

 

Guys, I definitely appreciate the pics and comments, but that doesn't answer my questions. =(

Although, by the looks of it, and based on Adam's response, I think my plans are falling apart.

 

Then dont get them.

 

Yeah your right, just sell yours and buy the same brand but in bigger size

 

Well, I think the Enkei RP03s suit my criteria, as well. Even lighter than the GRIDs, nice concave center, and at a reasonable price ($260 per wheel).

 

again, it depends on what tire

not every 245 is the same size and not every 275 is the same size. Just like a shirt in Large from one store differs (and can be substantially different) vs a Large from another store

 

I dont know why you wouldnt want to go for a larger tire on this size wheel. I have the grid as well, 9.5 +20 all around, and i'm running 255/40 in the front and 275/40 in the back with no problems with VDC. They are bridestone RE050A pole positions.

The drawback for stretching the tires I would think are increased wheel damage (since obviously they would be sticking out more than with a non stretched tire), abnormal tire wear, and decreased sidewall stiffness. But those are just me thinking of possible things, I cant corroborate those with evidence or experience.

 

Don't wait to go for wider tire because I don't want to buy a new set of tires again. Again, tires that may very well get damaged (I pulled out three nails out of one tire last week...yes, three). On top of that, I don't wish to add any additional rotational weight, either. We all have our preferences.

But the Enkeis are looking particularly nice for me. I'm probably going to save on shipping and just buy them from Adam directly, even if it is a bit of drive to Z1.

 

I can understand the rotational weight consideration, but why not just buy some 9 inch wide wheels or something that will fit your tire size better, it'll also cut down on the weight and you'll have an appropriate performing wheel since the tire would be sized appropriately for the wheel.