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[RIbimmer]

When my RFT's are used up, I'm planning on getting new wheels and using the stock wheels for winter. I like the idea of a square setup to get more rubber up front. My stock 17" wheel widths are 7.0 in front and 7.5 in back. Most of the aftermarket wheels that I'm considering are 17x8.

What is the effect of putting a 225/45/17 tire on an 8" wide wheel as opposed to the stock 7.5?

Any reason to consider 235/40/17, knowing that the overall diameter would be 2% less?

[cpt97m3]

Originally Posted by RIbimmer

When my RFT's are used up, I'm planning on getting new wheels and using the stock wheels for winter. I like the idea of a square setup to get more rubber up front. My stock 17" wheel widths are 7.0 in front and 7.5 in back. Most of the aftermarket wheels that I'm considering are 17x8.

What is the effect of putting a 225/45/17 tire on an 8" wide wheel as opposed to the stock 7.5?

Any reason to consider 235/40/17, knowing that the overall diameter would be 2% less?

The 8" wheel will slightly stiffen the sidewall of the 225, and give a little better steering response. For a 225, the 7.5" would be OK, but the 8 would be better. I would not put a 235 on the 7.5" wheel, but many people do.

[RIbimmer]

Thanks! This move sound like a win all the way around. I want to stay at 17" wheels for light weight and smoother ride. This idea of improved steering response is an unexpected bonus.

Anyone else want to offer their 2 cents?

[crex]

Originally Posted by RIbimmer

Thanks! This move sound like a win all the way around. I want to stay at 17" wheels for light weight and smoother ride. This idea of improved steering response is an unexpected bonus.

Anyone else want to offer their 2 cents?

I am trying to find light weight 17's with 1 series offsets as well. What wheels are you looking at? I could not find any.

[nordique14]

If you look at the specs for tires, they have a min-max rim size for that tire. It is best to try to stay close to the middle. Squeezing the widest width on a rim does not necessarily result in the best performance. Note that aspect size affects the rim size as well as the tire itself.

For example, if you look at the PS2, it comes in 3 different aspect ratios for a 235mm width on a 17" rim. Here are the different rim sizes for those tires:
Tire Min-Max
235/40ZR17 8-9.5"
235/45ZR17 7.5-9"
235/50ZR17 6.5-8.5"

Most 225mm 17" sizes (regardless of aspect) will fit nicely on a 8" rim.

[tgxmike]

I would def get 8" rims. I have 7.5" and my tire options are limited....

205/50, 225/45, 235/45 only realistic sizes for 7.5" wheel.

I would prefer to run 245/40 all around or F225/45 and R245/40, but you will need 8" wheels for 245/40.

[K03sport]

Originally Posted by tgxmike

I would def get 8" rims. I have 7.5" and my tire options are limited....

205/50, 225/45, 235/45 only realistic sizes for 7.5" wheel.

I would prefer to run 245/40 all around or F225/45 and R245/40, but you will need 8" wheels for 245/40.

What do you mean by "limited"? I know that there are a plethora of tires available in the 225/45/17 from UHP Summer (dry) to grand touring from many top tire manufacturers. (Yokohama, Michelin, Continental, Khumo, Nokian, Bridgestone, Goodyear just to name a few)

Not to mention, there is also a good selection of winter only tires in this size too.

These tires are also competitively priced too, so no $300 tires that only last 10,000 miles, unless that is what you are actually looking for.

I can't speak for the 205 or 235 tire as I have not shopped them

[tgxmike]

Originally Posted by K03sport

What do you mean by "limited"? I know that there are a plethora of tires available in the 225/45/17 from UHP Summer (dry) to grand touring from many top tire manufacturers. (Yokohama, Michelin, Continental, Khumo, Nokian, Bridgestone, Goodyear just to name a few)

Not to mention, there is also a good selection of winter only tires in this size too.

These tires are also competitively priced too, so no $300 tires that only last 10,000 miles, unless that is what you are actually looking for.

I can't speak for the 205 or 235 tire as I have not shopped them

^ plenty of tire options, but only the listed sizes fit on the 7.5" x 17" wheel.