Is bigger really better? (Wheel/Tire sizes)

[y180sx]

I'm sure this is a duplicate post but i'm having trouble finding the answer i need.

I recently moved and now have a drift track 30 min away and a circuit 2ish hours away. I've been drifting my 180 for a while now, but i'd like to start getting into some grippy driving.

My question is what wheel/tire sizes should I go for? I know that has been asked a million times, but i'm looking for performance, not looks. Currently, I have Enkei RPF-1's 17x9.5+18's all around. 235/40 up front and 245/45 in the rear. Front rubs at lock and I'm sure would rub under hard turning. Would i be better off getting a 16x9 or 17x9(+15?)? Can anything bigger than 235 fit under a stock front fender (rolled not pulled)? Do I even need a 235? or would a 225 be okay? I know the tire i choose plays a lot into it. Right now i'll probably get Nankangs as i cant spend $500+ for a set of tires.

My suspension is pretty well upgraded. just needs to be set up to grip, not drift.

[Speed9117]

I know a few people running square 17x9 +35 rpf1s with a 10mm spacer up front so they can rotate tires. Tires are 245/40/17. Stock body with a roll.

I have effectively the same setup waiting to be installed.

[RB25GUY]

I HAD S13 STOCK FENDERS ROLLED AND PULLED FENDER ALL AROUND 17X9+20 235/45 255/40 FIT WITH NO RUBBING WHATSOEVER BUT I WASNT AS LOW AS PEOPLE LIKE....

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1236751_10201538665247053_420650386_n.jpg?oh=6049f d94f920a2665ac1096a816640ff&oe=5AF875BF

[jumpman2334]

your mother says yes.

[y180sx]

I HAD S13 STOCK FENDERS ROLLED AND PULLED FENDER ALL AROUND 17X9+20 235/45 255/40 FIT WITH NO RUBBING WHATSOEVER BUT I WASNT AS LOW AS PEOPLE LIKE....

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1236751_10201538665247053_420650386_n.jpg?oh=6049f d94f920a2665ac1096a816640ff&oe=5AF875BF



Dude the car looks amazing. Definitely looks better up like that than slammed on some homie chromies. I think I'll just get a set of wheels for track days and go from there. I wish I could fit 255's all around.

[RB25GUY]

Dude the car looks amazing. Definitely looks better up like that than slammed on some homie chromies. I think I'll just get a set of wheels for track days and go from there. I wish I could fit 255's all around.

Thank you for the kind words man. unfortunately, i had to scrap the car the more i took it apart the more North East ROT was found.

[Big Zee]

I HAD S13 STOCK FENDERS ROLLED AND PULLED FENDER ALL AROUND 17X9+20 235/45 255/40 FIT WITH NO RUBBING WHATSOEVER BUT I WASNT AS LOW AS PEOPLE LIKE....

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1236751_10201538665247053_420650386_n.jpg?oh=6049f d94f920a2665ac1096a816640ff&oe=5AF875BF

I don't know what witchcraft came over me but I stared at this photo for a good hour while arguing with myself the pros and cons of getting another 240 and keeping this one stock body haha.
Kudos man, your car looks great in this pic!

[Thmotorsports]

I'm sure this is a duplicate post but i'm having trouble finding the answer i need.

I recently moved and now have a drift track 30 min away and a circuit 2ish hours away. I've been drifting my 180 for a while now, but i'd like to start getting into some grippy driving.

My question is what wheel/tire sizes should I go for? I know that has been asked a million times, but i'm looking for performance, not looks. Currently, I have Enkei RPF-1's 17x9.5+18's all around. 235/40 up front and 245/45 in the rear. Front rubs at lock and I'm sure would rub under hard turning. Would i be better off getting a 16x9 or 17x9(+15?)? Can anything bigger than 235 fit under a stock front fender (rolled not pulled)? Do I even need a 235? or would a 225 be okay? I know the tire i choose plays a lot into it. Right now i'll probably get Nankangs as i cant spend $500+ for a set of tires.

My suspension is pretty well upgraded. just needs to be set up to grip, not drift.


Unfortunately a 16x9 will limit your tire choices if you're looking for a grippy 200TW tire. A 17x9 opens up lots of choices for 255 street tires. Try to find some takeoffs from your local autocross guys who are trying to stay at the forefront of tire grip. Why run a +15 offset? A higher offset will probably give you the clearance you need. Let me know, we can get you a great deal on a set of Enkeis. There are a few cast wheels cheaper than the RPF1s that make great budget track wheels.

[RB25GUY]

I don't know what witchcraft came over me but I stared at this photo for a good hour while arguing with myself the pros and cons of getting another 240 and keeping this one stock body haha.
Kudos man, your car looks great in this pic!

thank you so much for the kind words man, i really loved it that way... i havent found a clean stock bodied s13 since then:-/ im doing a 20/30mm over setup on my new hatch trying to fit 255 in the front and 275s in the rears :hs::hs::hs: