Tire choices, decisions...

[94cc0rd]

So I'm finally going to put my wheels on this week.

18x9.5+12 Work XT7 all 4 corners. I just picked up AIT B-Magic wide fenders up front, and will roll fenders in the back.

At first I was going to get 225/40/18 Federal SS595 all around to save some money on tires.

Aspec Logan said most his customers run 225/40 on 18x9.5+12 wheels with no problem.

I went to Takumi Project today and talked to Kiyo, and he recommends going with at least 235/40, 245/40 staggered setup. He said that 225/40's weren't a good idea because a pothole or dip could easily damage the wheel with such a stretched tire. Didn't say anything about the Federal tires. He also showed me a 225 stretched on a 9" wide wheel and I don't like the look of the stretch.

Then, while picking up the fenders from Jspec Sam, he says that 235/40 up front will probably rub even on the wide fenders and will probably need more negative camber. He recommends 225/40, 245/40 staggered setup with tires better than Federal. He recommended Dunlop dz101 direzza tires and says he's not a Falken guy.

So I'm totally confused, 3 different advices from 3 different knowledgable guys. Also, Logan says Federal SS595 is not in stock in 245/40 size. Also, although Sam recommended the dz101 Dunlop tires, the ST115's have gotten such good reviews and you guys talk of them so highly that I want to go with them but I don't know where I can get them by Friday.

Please help, what size tire and tire brand would you recommend??

BTW: I am running -1.8* front and -2.0* rear camber and 0 toe all around. Didn't mess with caster. I would rather not run more camber than that, I don't mind changing it a bit but don't really want to run more than -2.5 or so...

Sam also told me that Aaron and Lindsay stretch 215's onto 9 or 10" wide wheels up front... wtf?!

[1Via!]

Dont get crappy tires. You'll get crappy results.

I think thats the important question is whether you're going to be drifting on these or just for daily driving.

[94cc0rd]

These will be daily driving... I have z32 turbo wheels for the track...

[007jpang]

get the ST115's if you need them by friday... just go online... and check which stores has them in stock... ex tires.com... etc... just

use google

[94cc0rd]

What about sizing?

Will 225/40 be ok on the front? Should i get 235/40 since I got the wide fenders? Will the 235/40 still rub on the wide fenders? Will 245/40 be ok in the rear without a pull? How much camber will I need to run?

[007jpang]

getting wide tires does not really make the wheels flush with the fenders it mostly depends on the offset of the wheels...

and the no one knows if they will rub because we don't know if your car is as high as a 4x4 or as low as a low rider...

either way don't listen to anyone and just pick the size you like the best.

another note... if you can't park for shit... get the fatter tires.. because they can act as a barrier between your rims and the curb

[94cc0rd]

well, my car is lowered on Megan coilovers. It's not that low, but it's not a 4x4 either.. I guess my main concern is if a 225/40 tire will be ok on a 9.5" wide wheel with +12 offset..

[007jpang]

cut and paste this link... if says that it will fit up to 9 inch rims...so a 9.5 inch rim will just be a little streched... and people strech tires all the time...so just go for it...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?make=Bridgestone&model=Potenza+S-02&partnum=24ZR8S02N2&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&place=9

[A Spec Products]

215/45R17 on 17x9 is not bad at all, no big deal, that's what I run and tons of other friends/customers do too, track or daily drive whatever.

I've never experienced a case where the tire unseated and broke the bead from hitting a pothole. The one case was a friend whose tire unseated because the lip design of the wheel itself, but that didn't have much to do with the stretch. 225/40R18 would make life easiest for you imo, which is why I gave the recommendation.

I recommended Federal SS595 on basis of price to performance ratio. You were trying to keep it on a budget which is why I recommended what I did. Like I keep saying, tires are like shoes, you gotta try it to know if it fits you. If it fits your budget and your driving style, then that's a win win situation.

[Brian]

I have driven for 2 years now on nothing bigger than 215/40 on a 9 inch wheel in the front.
No problems.

[94cc0rd]

Logan: Even with the 30mm wide fenders, would you still recommend 225/40? The reason why I keep stressin over running a 225/40 is because I got wide fenders, so I don't want to run unnecessary narrow tires... if it is unnecessary.. :-/

Also for the tires, sorry again for changing my mind.. but I think I'm going to go with a "better" brand tire. I decided, I dropped the money for some nice wheels, I might as well drop the money for some nice tires. If you know any shops around the area that have ST115s in stock, let me know tomorrow. I'm gonna call some shops tomorrow to see if I can get some by Friday..

[94cc0rd]

I have driven for 2 years now on nothing bigger than 215/40 on a 9 inch wheel in the front.
No problems.

Do you drive really carefully and slowly over dips and try to avoid every single pothole?

I saw a 225 stretched on a 9" wheel today @ takumi project and i was surprised. I didn't expect it to be THAT bad...

[Dousan_PG]

if i had 18s up front
225/40/18

on my 9s i run 235/40 used to run 215/40 prevoius and 215/45

but i would go w/ ST115s up front, SS595s rear (because of cost) but if your dailying, STs all around. yeah. hells yeah.

225/40 and 245/40 should be cool

[FaLKoN240]

getting wide tires does not really make the wheels flush with the fenders it mostly depends on the offset of the wheels...

Wide tires DO determine how flush the fender/tire gap is.

You can fill in poor high offsets with larger tires.

17x8 +30 (I know, it's a nasty size. I'll have better fitment soon)

I had 245 on the rears of my mustang wheels, and the rear fender was very flush with the fender.

But now I have 215s and they are stretched, and wheel is fine, fender gap is not :( I just make sure to park FAR from curbs.

I think the main issue with stretching tires is sidewall stiffness. That is what can make/break a good tire seat.

I have ST115s and the tire seated with a THUNDER CLAP when it was put on the wheel.

[94cc0rd]

I think I may go 235/40 up front. Kiyo from Takumi Project recommended that size so I'm gonna go with that...

Also, does anyone have experience with dunlop dz101 in case I can't find any ST115s?

[Nizzan4u2nv]

I drive almost 200 miles a day on stretched tires and have never bent a wheel all over san diego(socal) nasty potholes and all. Ive never even seen a case of wheel bending on stretched tires. 215/45 on 17x9, 235/40 on 17x9, 225/40 on 18x9.5, 235/40 on 17x10, 235/45 on 17x10, and soon to have 215/45 on 17x9.5 CSTs.

On my wheels ive used st115, kuhmo 711, dunlop fm901 and soon to have federal 595 on my CSTs. st115 was my favorite, but well see how the federals compare. Same price as the 711 but a lot better performance from what ive read.

I wouldnt go wide fenders, especially ait from what ive been reading. You wheels are just gonna be 30mm more sunken . 225/40 on 18x9.5 +12 should be fine in the front even with a little camber. Daily driving shouldnt rub hardcore.

[94cc0rd]

well, I already bought the fenders.

[FaLKoN240]

Flip em! Sell that shit. 235 is pretty thick man. STRETCH THAT SHIT YO!!!!!!!!

[drift into a curb]

I have those AIT b-magic front fenders and they're not really much wider if at all.

235/40 is a bit wide for the front, but you can fit it with some minor camber adjustment. 245/40 same as well. I would probably run 235/40 on the rear cuz 245/40 is a bit chubby for stock fenders BUT it'll barely clear with a flat roll though and lots o camber. I'd probably go 225/40 front and 235/40 rear.

It could also depend on what kind of driving you do/how much power you output. Oh yeah, Takumi Project should stick to selling wheels.

[articdragon192]

Call this guy for St-115s. He usually has Falken tires in stock.
626-453-0491. His name is anthony and runs KE Autoparts in El Monte.

[CylonFrakker]

stretch that shit yo!

I got 215s on the 8.5 fronts +35
i got 225s on the 9.5 rears +20


Oh yeah this is on an SC300 so fitment is different
Thanks

Amir

[ranisron]

As far as dunlop dz101, I have them in the front on my tiny ass 15x7 front wheels. They are okay, not as grippy as the BFGoodrich g-force sport.
Noise level is excellent;
Wear level - I can't comment much since I just put them on couple weeks ago;
Predictability - they are okay, not the best.
Price - they are on special on TireRack IIRC.
Wet handling - very good.

[JVD]

I wouldn't even run wide fenders with this wheel setup. Just run 225/40/18 all around. Look in the A Spec CR Kai thread. There is a red Zenki with this same setup. Looks perfect. Sell the fenders.

JVD.

[94cc0rd]

but i would go w/ ST115s up front, SS595s rear (because of cost) but if your dailying, STs all around. yeah. hells yeah.

Yeah I would definately have done that with the ST115 up front and SS595 245/40 in the rear but unfortunately, Logan says the 245/40 SS595 are not in stock and won't be for a few more weeks...

I have those AIT b-magic front fenders and they're not really much wider if at all.

235/40 is a bit wide for the front, but you can fit it with some minor camber adjustment. 245/40 same as well. I would probably run 235/40 on the rear cuz 245/40 is a bit chubby for stock fenders BUT it'll barely clear with a flat roll though and lots o camber. I'd probably go 225/40 front and 235/40 rear.

It could also depend on what kind of driving you do/how much power you output. Oh yeah, Takumi Project should stick to selling wheels.

Kiyo @ Takumi Project seems to know his shit... He did say he works more with 86's and stuff but he worked on many many 240's.

As for my driving, on these wheels, it'll be all daily driving, over decent roads, occasionally some bumpy, uneven roads like on the 60 freeway if you're familiar with the area.

I run -2.0* Negative camber in the rear, so hopefully it'll be enough with rolled fenders with the 245/40...

Call this guy for St-115s. He usually has Falken tires in stock.
626-453-0491. His name is anthony and runs KE Autoparts in El Monte.

Thanks, but I ordered my tires through a shop in Monrovia. Showstoppers... they do mostly Hondas and stuff but they got me a pretty good price and can get them next day.

I wouldn't even run wide fenders with this wheel setup. Just run 225/40/18 all around. Look in the A Spec CR Kai thread. There is a red Zenki with this same setup. Looks perfect. Sell the fenders.

Yeah I saw that. That's lilredstiffy's brothers car and he actually sent me a few more pictures via PM but I really didn't like the look of a 225 stretched that much. haha Call me a pussy or whatever but I'd rather be safe than sorry... As for the wide fenders, my driver side front fender is kinda messed up and I attempted to fix it but it doesn't want to move...

[JVD]

Sell fenders and buy stockers for cheaper. What do you mean by safe? You think stretching is a safety hazard or something? I don't get it.

[94cc0rd]

actually yea... Cuz if i hit a pothole on a stretched tire then the chances are greater or the tire is more prone to damage and the wheel can more easily be damaged.. right?

[alexchanman]

ehhhhh, im not really into stretching mainly because i dont know how it helps you in any way. i am more for the flush look against the wheel so go with the 235 or maybe even 245.

edit: anyone have any pics of 215 or 225 on a 9.5 wheel??

[94cc0rd]

I think stretching is mainly for fender clearance... Some guys may do it for the look, but I hate it...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/sennett0r/s14red26.jpg

Here's the red zenki that was mentioned earlier... 225 on a 9.5 +12

[94cc0rd]

http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=51687&highlight=stretched+tires+pictures

That thread has some pictures of some stretched tires... not the greatest pics to show you the stretch but yea.. Anyone have any pics from the top of a stretched tire unmounted?

[REDSH!FT]

fuck that run a 235/40 all around at least

why waste the grip? you've got big wheel, big fender, big car...use that shit to it's potential

235 on a 9.5 is still a stretch anyways

[94cc0rd]

exactly what I'm thinking...

Thanks guys for opinions, advices, whatever...

I've decided on a 235/40 front 245/40 rear Falken ST115s with the wide fenders up front and rolled fenders in the rear.

[phreze]

anyone have any pics of 215 or 225 on a 9.5 wheel??

I will as soon as my xd-9's come in. 9.5j 215/45 F 10j 235/40 R Probably going to switch to a 225 or 235 on the front and maybe a 245 on the rear.

But as far as you, 94cc0rd, I agree with redshift; I would go 235/40 all around that way you can rotate your tires to get some extra life out of them.

[OptionZero]

DAMN! you're putting a feaking 215 on the fronts?!!!

i'm gonna try and stuff 235/255 f/r on the 9.5's all around

u got s14 rite?

[phreze]

If your talking to me no, I have an s13. If I had an s14 it would be a different story.

When I got my tires the 215/45 where $39 cheaper (each!) then the 225/40's. Since I was streching it either way, I figured I would give them a shot.

My wheel guy said it was ok, and it seemed to be the concensus of the people I have talked to. Although as stated I am going to try something beefier in the front next time.

[94cc0rd]

wow... where do you guys get your ST115s???

I went to two shops where they both said they had them in stock and could get them within 30 minutes to 1 hour if I came in and orderd them which I did. Both times when I left to eat while waiting, I got a call and was told that they didn't have them in stock. Why can't these shops just check their stock before I drive 20 minutes to the shop... FUCK!

Avoid Discount Tire Depot in Glendale, CA... The sales guy is rude and gave me an attitude when I showed some disappointment because of his ignorance.

Anyways, I did the right thing and ordered my ST115s from discount tire direct. Best price, free shipping, and IN STOCK... I shoulda just ordered from them from the beginning...

[Touring240]

The issue with running the 235 is rubbing. When you are slammed and driving hard you are better off with a smaller tire for fender clearance. I'm running ST115 225/35/19 on 19x9.5 Good stretch and plenty of clearance :D

This assumes you want your car super low and flush fitment.

[94cc0rd]

well, my car is low but is nothing compared to some of the cars in that "How low can you go" thread... I won't be slamming my car anytime soon... maybe a little after i put the wheels on but nothing like some of those other 240s... I do want it as flush as possible and am willing to play with camber... just don't really want to run like uber amounts of negative camber.

but i did get wide fenders so i could have slightly wider tires up front...

[OptionZero]

i'll trade low for some rubber. buck the trend, wide tires look killer

[94cc0rd]

yup... and plus, being super low makes it hard to drive.. like going up stupid steep driveways and stuff... especially since my car is just a daily driver...

[alexchanman]

anyone have pics of the wheel flush against the tire with stock fenders with maybe a roll??? like a perfect fit, no stretching kinda like stock but better looking.

[2JZGTE]

anyone have pics of the wheel flush against the tire with stock fenders with maybe a roll??? like a perfect fit, no stretching kinda like stock but better looking.

My car on 17x9, 17x10 with 235 and 255. It's actually still a little stretched this way.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/4922/cf65zb.jpg

It's setup for grip (I track it for best laptimes). I was actually going to go wider but my fitment is pretty extreme and I need more pulling before that (see sig for fitment).

To the OP - good luck w/ your fitment. You went with 235? I don't think you'll have a problem with it.

And about the parking...I point my passenger sideview mirror down a bunch. I can park my car with the Work wheels maybe 2 inches from the curb. You just gotta watch it in the mirror and it's no problem. I don't use my sideview mirrors when driving because I can't help but turn my head everytime (damn blind spots). Broadway mirror + turn head = no accidents for me.

[94cc0rd]

HOLYYYYY SHIEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

discounttiredirect.com FOR THE MOTHER FUCKING WINNN!!!!!

I ordered my tires at like 2pm yesterday...

1:20pm today

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/sennett0r/IMG_2976.jpg

SHIET... LESS THAN 24 HOURS!!!! FOR THE FUCKING WIN!

[OptionZero]

you probably could have gone to the nearest one to pick them up...there's discounttires/america tires everywhere ...DTD ftw

mine are shipping from friggin ohio so no such luck

[94cc0rd]

I guess I got lucky... the ST115s were only in stock in Las Vegas. The sales rep told me to expect them by Tuesday or Wednesday so I was excited... then I hear some "thump, thump" at my door. UPS guy just dropped them off and left though... I peak out and BAM my tires!

WOW... I am getting all my tires through DTD from now on... I am seriously amazed...

[alexchanman]

My car on 17x9, 17x10 with 235 and 255. It's actually still a little stretched this way.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/4922/cf65zb.jpg

It's setup for grip (I track it for best laptimes). I was actually going to go wider but my fitment is pretty extreme and I need more pulling before that (see sig for fitment).

To the OP - good luck w/ your fitment. You went with 235? I don't think you'll have a problem with it.

And about the parking...I point my passenger sideview mirror down a bunch. I can park my car with the Work wheels maybe 2 inches from the curb. You just gotta watch it in the mirror and it's no problem. I don't use my sideview mirrors when driving because I can't help but turn my head everytime (damn blind spots). Broadway mirror + turn head = no accidents for me.


that actually doesnt look half bad, the rear looks straight. anyone ever try running 255 on a set of 9's??