235/40 is closer to stock height than 225/45 which is slightly taller than stock.
Final word on tires size with 18x8 please
- Thread starter lamp3
- Start date
235/40 is closer to stock height than 225/45 which is slightly taller than stock.
yup, that's why i run 235/40/18's.
really?
Almost all others report that with even one person in the back, over bumps she rub. Guess it does depend on tire.
Almost all others report that with even one person in the back, over bumps she rub. Guess it does depend on tire.
I think it really all depends on the offset of the rim. We really should all be using around a 50mm offset on our MS3's. I'm planning on an 18x8 50mm offset with 235/40/18 Pirelli Pzero Nero's and the cobb stage 2 suspension kit.
when I was autoxing, if you had wheels on that were not stock size, you weren't in stock classes anymore. I think our wheels are only 7.5" wide, so shoot... roll the fenders, do full suspension and have at it!
I run 225 width RTs on my WRX with 8" wide wheels and it's plenty. I've gone with 235 and 245s and did worse. You start to loose a lot of feel and control with the wider tires on the 8" wide wheel, where as with the 225, it feels very tight and crisp. Sometimes feel and response is better then grip in autox.
Also, I'm lucky to get 10k miles out of the RT with 5-6 events. Forget about driving these when it's wet too.
Another alternative to look at that's reasonably priced are the new Dunlop Direza (sp) and the Bridgestone RE01, both of which would serve better as both daily and track.
Also, I'm lucky to get 10k miles out of the RT with 5-6 events. Forget about driving these when it's wet too.
Another alternative to look at that's reasonably priced are the new Dunlop Direza (sp) and the Bridgestone RE01, both of which would serve better as both daily and track.
225/40 is best, seven inches wide is the stock unit. And about rub, watch the wheel offset and the spring drop. I believe it is time for the Cobb stage 2 for me. After one quick call to Cobb. My 225s look very aggressive and traction is awesome. I also thought I wanted 235 but I am totally pleased with my wheel tire combo.
So I just put 225/40's (RT615's) on OZ Ultraleggera 18x8's w/48 offset on my MS3. I only did this approx 3-400 miles ago, and have had no rubbing issues at all. And I love how it drives/handles. Good improvement over stock.
However, I have noticed that the outer inch or so of the rear tire doesn't seem to be touching (i.e. no dirt or wear on it...). Am I ok to continue running this size w/o any suspension mods or do I need to do something so I don't wear the inside of the rears prematurely? Something like a camber plate, etc? Currently the suspension is completely stock. Tires/Rims is the only change to the car I have made.
Also, I did a little auto-x last season and plan to do a little this season as well, FWIW.
However, I have noticed that the outer inch or so of the rear tire doesn't seem to be touching (i.e. no dirt or wear on it...). Am I ok to continue running this size w/o any suspension mods or do I need to do something so I don't wear the inside of the rears prematurely? Something like a camber plate, etc? Currently the suspension is completely stock. Tires/Rims is the only change to the car I have made.
Also, I did a little auto-x last season and plan to do a little this season as well, FWIW.
Yeah, sounds like your camber is a little out. There is the Mazdaspeed camber plate or another that is waaaay cheaper and adjustable.
http://www.***************/SPC_Camber_Arm_MS3_Mazda_3_p/67420.htm (ok, that doesn't work...) it's street unit...
I was kind of thinking the same thing. Maybe the 225 width exaggerates it from the 215 stock width. I was actually thinking about running it for a bit and being diligent (which I am anyway
) about rotates. I'd just watch it close for problems...
I was kind of thinking the same thing. Maybe the 225 width exaggerates it from the 215 stock width. I was actually thinking about running it for a bit and being diligent (which I am anyway
We do have plenty of neg camber stock, but I think the 8" width does promote more inside wear and less outside wear.
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- 2007 MS3
I'm not reading this entire thread, so if this was already pointed out, don't crucify me, okay?
I wouldn't be at all surprised if plenty of us are running too much pressure in our tires as well. This lifts the edges of the tires. Add in the negative camber and you have a tire that is running on the center and inner edge. The only time the outer edge would get any real wear is when you throw the car hard into a corner and body roll overcomes all that camber (by design) and forces the outer edge to take some weight. If you want more even wear, play with your tire pressure a little and see if that helps.
AutoXRacer
Member
My personal experience with 18x8 RX-8 (50mm offset) wheels is that the 225/40/18 tire is too narrow for such a wide rim. 235/40/18 minimum for an 8" wheel. My current 225/40 Kumho MXs are tapered; the rim edge protrudes further than the sidewall of the tires. When I stack my wheels/tires, its metal on metal (rim edge to rim edge) and the Kumho MX has rim protectors... So obviously 225/40/18 on a 18x8 wheel is small/narrow. It will work, but its not ideal and a square fit.
My next tires will be 235/40/18!!!
And the Falken Azenis do run wider than other tires of the same size.
My next tires will be 235/40/18!!!
And the Falken Azenis do run wider than other tires of the same size.
