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[RXC135i]

Contemplating replacing my OEM wheels but don't want to sacrifice contact patch. I have searched heavily but haven't really found a conscience answer that fits my questions.

I would like to get a squared setup using 245 A/S tires if possible. First is there a true benefit besides looks for using a 18" wheel over a 17" wheel? Second, if fitting 245 tires is there a benefit of an 8.5" over a 8"? Third, could 245 tires be mounted front and rear without modification or rubbing issues? Fourth, what are the risks of spacers to get the correct offset?

I realize that the 245/35-18s are not available in A/S tires that is why I am considering a 17inch wheel to allow for a 245 A/S setup with the proper total diameter. Also most aftermarket wheels are 8inch which is why question is a 245 will fit without major issues; tire rack and other sites suggest it will fit but at what cost?

Sorry I really don't know wheels/tires but would like a nice looking setup as I curbed my OEMs and this is a good reason to buy myself a present.

[Eyeman]

You need wheels big enough to clear your brakes, otherwise the main reason people go bigger is cosmetic.

It's hard to fit 235 width tires on the front of our car, 245 will probably be impossible without adding camber. Most using square setups use 225/35 on 18x8's.

[ILMOSTRO]

Originally Posted by Eyeman

You need wheels big enough to clear your brakes, otherwise the main reason people go bigger is cosmetic.

It's hard to fit 235 width tires on the front of our car, 245 will probably be impossible without adding camber. Most using square setups use 225/35 on 18x8's.

So if I bought a set of OEM rear 18x8.5's and put 245/35/18 on all 4 corners it wouldn't fit? I am considering doing this with R compounds for track days and keep my BMW Performance style 269's for the street with PS2's (this is what I currently run). I am also going to be upgrading to AST 4100's with Vorshlag camber plates which will be pushed all the way in on track and autocross days (which is when I would run the 245's).

Thanks for your input guys.

[ILMOSTRO]

No one? Hello?

[mineo77]

I am going to be running 18x8.5 wheels all 4 corners, but tire fitment is an issue. first off you need to make sure you get HUBCENTRIC spacers, no lugcentric esp if you are going to the track. My car is pretty low so I was planning 225 vs 235 up front and 255 rear, so my tire set up will still be staggered. main reason for the non-staggered rims is because i got a wicked good deal on them. I dont think i could squeeze a 245 in the fronts and may have issues with a 235. any info would be good, since i am on the same venture you are.

[Kim Schwartz]

I am looking into a square set up with 225/40/18 and consulted with Gill at tire rack and he told me that 8.5 won't work in the front but 8 will.

[LA-Bimmer]

Originally Posted by BR3CK

So if I bought a set of OEM rear 18x8.5's and put 245/35/18 on all 4 corners it wouldn't fit? I am considering doing this with R compounds for track days and keep my BMW Performance style 269's for the street with PS2's (this is what I currently run). I am also going to be upgrading to AST 4100's with Vorshlag camber plates which will be pushed all the way in on track and autocross days (which is when I would run the 245's).

Thanks for your input guys.

I run a 245/40 sqare set up on BFG R1 tires. You'll need the plates to get the fronts to work. I run about -2.5 to -2.7 up fron with the 245s and have no issues. I do have to raise the height a bit on my KW v3s due to the taller tire, but the sqare set up handles wonderfully on the track....very neutral. Was getting some push with the 265s I was running in the rear. Could problably work with the set up more, but the 245s work great so I'm sticking with them

[pixelblue]

any advantage running square on 17's? I keep hearing 17's are the way to go but if that's true why don't most track/race prepped cars run 17's? for example the new M3 GTS runs on 19's!

[texasmojo]

225 35 19 is my square setup. Looks good for square.