How to Properly Select and Size Tires for Performance

[az3579]

I came across this very good read posted on the High Performance Driving & Racing Enthusiasts Facebook page on how to properly select a tire for performance. It's actually slightly contradictory to what we think is correct in selecting the proper tires and sizes for our cars. I highly recommend checking this out, maybe even making it a sticky if everyone else agrees.

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/ID/3974/How-to-PROPERLY-select-and-size-TIRES-for-PERFORMANCE.aspx

[BMWCurves]

Interesting read! I figured there was a sweet spot between wheel width and tire width, but never knew specifically. TireRack or some other company did an interesting article that compared wheel widths as well and the diminishing returns between total grip, ride comfort, and acceleration. I'll see if I can dig it up.

Now I'm in a pickle. My future tire/wheel upgrade plans were to get a squared setup with Continental ExtremeContact DW tires size 245/35-18 on 18x8.5" ET45 Apex ARC-8 wheels. TireRack states that those tires have a tread width of 8.7", 0.2" shy larger than the wheel width. Other tires I was considering were Bridgestone Potenza S-04s or Michelin PSSs, but their tread widths are 8.8" and 9", respectively. So I could either opt for the larger 18x9" ET42 Apex ARC-8 wheels, or downsize to a 235/40-18 tire. In that size, all of those aforementioned tires are all 8.5" tread widths. On top of that I don't want to downsize the rear tires' width too much and reduce rear grip (see: overly tail happy). Hmm...decisions.

Anyways, my conundrum aside, very interesting read and something people should take a look at before they pick up their next set of tires and/or wheels!

[az3579]

I've ran 235's all around before (Conti DWS) on the track before and the car was no more tail happy than with 255's. Trust me, our cars aren't powerful enough for it to be a problem. Lol

Besides, if you choose a grippy compound then you shouldn't have to worry about it anyway.

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[TheFinanceGuy]

Thanks for sharing BP

[hcbeck2689]

Used that article to help me pick out tires for my dad's new arc 8s. 9.5-10" tires go anywhere from 255-285, might have seen a 295. I think he will see a significant increase in handling when we swap his 225 fronts 255 rears for 265 and 275 (running 9.5&10" staggered)


-Holden

[az3579]

Used that article to help me pick out tires for my dad's new arc 8s. 9.5-10" tires go anywhere from 255-285, might have seen a 295. I think he will see a significant increase in handling when we swap his 225 fronts 255 rears for 265 and 275 (running 9.5&10" staggered)


-Holden

Nice, hope it turns out to be just as desired.

[hcbeck2689]

Yea me too. He is downgrading from 19" ssr gt3s so it won't be a huge increase in looks or weight, but the 18s will give more cushion for our crappy roads


-Holden

[Xceler8]

Quick question. 2004 ZHP Sedan, Stock wheels, have been running 235/40-18's on the front.... look like it is within the 0.5" recommended by the article. So, 245/35-18 too big? Anyone run that size on the front of a stock ZHP?

[az3579]

Quick question. 2004 ZHP Sedan, Stock wheels, have been running 235/40-18's on the front.... look like it is within the 0.5" recommended by the article. So, 245/35-18 too big? Anyone run that size on the front of a stock ZHP?
I run that size for my summer wheels in a square format (same size all around). The tires look perfect on the rims, which are BBS CH015 wheels, 18x8.5 all around. For my next set, I will select a size based on the article to see if I notice a difference in performance.

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[danewilson77]

I run 245/40-18 square and lowered

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[Xceler8]

AZ3579: based on the article a 245/40/18 on a 8.5" wheel is within .3" of what thy recommend for a Bridgestone S04 Pole Position. Stock ZHP front wheels are 8" in front so the tread width will be oversized by 0.8"


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[az3579]

AZ3579: based on the article a 245/40/18 on a 8.5" wheel is within .3" of what thy recommend for a Bridgestone S04 Pole Position. Stock ZHP front wheels are 8" in front so the tread width will be oversized by 0.8"


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I have 245/35's on non-stock wheels... but this was chosen long ago before I ever came across that article.