18" or 19"

[CarJunkie]

I am starting to think that having a second set of wheels/tires will be necessary.

Question: For absolute performance grip, is 18" better than 19"? I would tend to think so. Slightly less responsive but grip may be better.

My stock 359's show the abuse they have endured, so I am debating having them refinished and keeping them for daily duty, then going to 18" Apex ARC-8's for autocross and track duty. That is probably the least expensive option and tire choices would be much better and cheaper in 18".

The other option is to relegate the stock OEM's to track duty and get a nice set of 19's for daily use, and would be open to recommendations.

Thoughts?

[ayao]

I think the general impression is that best absolute performance (I.e. Fastest lap times) comes from the fattest staggered rubber you can stuff in the back (maybe 295?) 18" square is supposed to improve turn in and impart a more neutral balance to the car.

[craina]

Its nice to have two sets. As you stated 18" tires are cheaper and there are a few more options so thats what I would recommend. Now you need to decide whether you want a square setup or staggered. Lots of people like to put as much tire in the rear as possible and run a staggered 265/285, 275/295, etc. I prefer a square setup, 265 or 275, so that I can rotate front to rear and I don't mind sliding around a little. I have run 18x10 et25 and 18x9.5 et31 both with 275, you will need to dial in more negative camber but you've got that covered .

[CarJunkie]

Originally Posted by craina

Its nice to have two sets. As you stated 18" tires are cheaper and there are a few more options so thats what I would recommend. Now you need to decide whether you want a square setup or staggered. Lots of people like to put as much tire in the rear as possible and run a staggered 265/285, 275/295, etc. I prefer a square setup, 265 or 275, so that I can rotate front to rear and I don't mind sliding around a little. I have run 18x10 et25 and 18x9.5 et31 both with 275, you will need to dial in more negative camber but you've got that covered .

Will 18x10 et25 fit on all 4 corners with 275/35 tires? That size has an amazing selection of tires available, RE71r, Direzza star spec, Rival S, RS-3, Hoosier A7 or R7 . . .
I may be headed in that direction. Options for good autox/track tires in 18" staggered setups are much more disapppointing. I saw more choices in 19" sizes if staggered.

[craina]

Originally Posted by CarJunkie

Will 18x10 et25 fit on all 4 corners with 275/35 tires? That size has an amazing selection of tires available, RE71r, Direzza star spec, Rival S, RS-3, Hoosier A7 or R7 . . .
I may be headed in that direction. Options for good autox/track tires in 18" staggered setups are much more disapppointing. I saw more choices in 19" sizes if staggered.

Yes it will. You will need to dial in more negative camber up front and I experienced a very slight rub on the front fender liners at full lock. Nothing to be concerned about IMO. Plenty of room in the rear, could even use a 5mm spacer... M3Adjuster runs 285 square so there is more room still...

[CarJunkie]

Thanks. I probably have enough room up front with my camber settings. I am leaning toward a square track setup and keeping the 19's for daily use.

[ayao]

Other tires in 275/35/18 include NT01 (punches way above its weight for the cost especially when DTD has its eBay sale) and Maxxis RC1.

[xjan]

I am running 265 square on style 260 (4x rears 9,5"), light and from Bmw... Used sets run for ca 1000usd max

[buddalun]

Originally Posted by xjan

I am running 265 square on style 260 (4x rears 9,5"), light and from Bmw... Used sets run for ca 1000usd max

Do you have pics of this setup? I have always liked the 260M form the E9X M3s. Curious to see how it looks on our 1Ms. TIA.