How bad is stock tires on 8" wide rims?

[Wurf]

Just looking for some responses / feedback regarding running the factory 215 wide rubber on 8" wide aftermarket rims? I know they'll be stretched a bit but most importantly I want to know if I'll hate the way it handles or not. I've read some forum member comments saying they hated the way the car handled but it seems some people are OK with it.

Trying to decide if I really need to bite the bullet and buy new tires with a set of 8" wide rims or not. There is plenty of life left in two of the stock tires anyway.

 

[Design]

That's not stretched at all. In fact, the section width on that tire should be just under 8.5" As long as the offset/weight is similar, and the width is within the tire's intended use, I wouldn't see why there'd be much of a difference.

 

[Wurf]

Now that you mention it I wonder if I confused a post regarding running a 8.5" wide rim and the stock tires. I see what you mean though.

Still looking for feedback from anybody running the stock rubber on 8" wide rims and how they think it compares to handling with the stock 7" wide rims. I just don't want to regret it after I get them mounted.

 

[8.5MS3]

there wont be much difference in terms of handling or performance, the tires will not stick out as far and that makes the wheels more vulnerable to curb rash. you would be fine with the stockers.

 

[Wurf]

Thanks - I feel better about it running them now.
I won't be buying rims until maybe next April and I'll just be shopping until then.

Thanks again guys.

 

[Remspeed3]

I would get a decent offset like a 44 and up on a 8'' wide wheel..that will allow you to run a 235-40...Im running 8'' wide with stock tires and a 38 et and Im not crazy about it, I have actually curbbed two of my wheels because of the stretched tires. And 235-40's are alittle cheaper.

 

[Wurf]

That's the plan for me. Close to stock offset and run the stock rubber till it's all gone, then switch to a 235/40. I noticed same thing about price - 235 are cheaper and wider selection than the stock size tires. Had my eyes on a set of RX8 at partsgroup but somebody else bought them out from under me. I'm not in a hurry though.

 

[ChrisG]

I have stock tires on RX-8 wheels and the rim definitely is more "exposed" than the stock wheels with the same width tire, but there's no other issue that I am aware of.

I have my winter setup on now, stock wheels and Blizzak LM-22, and they do look more "tucked under" than the 8" wheels.

 

[BudUMfan]

I also am doing this, this week. I have rx8 wheels getting painted right now, and running stock rubber until I see cords, then 235/40/18's!

 

[Wurf]

Bud - You're in Royal Oak - I'm over on the other side of the state in Kzoo.

Let me know what differences you notice in handling with the stock 215 rubber on the wider RX8 rims. Just curious what I'm likely to experience.

By the way, the speed seems to do great in the snow with stock rims and Michelin XICE-2's around here. They ride nice too.

 

[BudUMfan]

I'll let you know Wurf. I currently have some all season's. PZero Nero's, and they are WAY better than the original rubber. Seems like the roads are only snow covered for a few times a winter, but may go with dedicated snow tires when next winter rolls around. I estimate the stock rubber to last until the summer. This may happen today with the RX8's. I think they will be finished. I'll post some pics.

 

[BudUMfan]

Here is the stock rubber on a freshly painted RX8 rim. Mine!

 

[Wurf]

Looks good on red.
Are those powder coated, 2 part paint or rattle can?
Not my color choice but they do look nice.

Are the Pirelli 215 section width? If so, they don't look overly stretched at all.
How does it handle?

 

[8.5MS3]

Here is the stock rubber on a freshly painted RX8 rim. Mine!

you lie about the stock rubber! read the sidewall!!!! look a the tread pattern!!!!

lol looks good man. cant wait to see how my 245s look on em

 

[BudUMfan]

Looks good on red.
Are those powder coated, 2 part paint or rattle can?
Not my color choice but they do look nice.

Are the Pirelli 215 section width? If so, they don't look overly stretched at all.
How does it handle?

Handles fine, can't tell a difference. Should have said stock SIZE, my mistake.
They used to be PC, but had em blasted and painted gloss black, then clear over at Aston Martin/Jag. I know someone over there. Yes, 215/45/18.