Max tire size for stock MS3 rim?

[ledhed]

I need to replace the stock rubber on my 07 MS3.
I was wondering what the max tire size is for the stock rims?

Was thinking a wider tire might help with traction a bit.
Will 225/45 or 235/40 work?

If so will it change the look and feel much?

Oh, and I was thinking about the Kumho Ecsta ASX or the Yokohama Avid W4S, so if you have any experience with these tires please let me know. All the reviews I've found for these tires say that they perform well, and they are a good price.

 

[Southbay]

Tire Rack says both sizes will fit.

. . . but I wonder. I'd really like to fit Falken Azenis RT-615 in 235/40x18, on the stock wheel w/ the stock suspension. Anyone have any experience w/ this tire? Will it fit? No rubbing issues? The tread width is a full inch wider than the stock Bridgestone tire (215/45x18).

 

[Southbay]

Oophs. I posted before searching the forum. I see John Blutarski has the Falken Azenis 235/40x18 on this car . . . w/ beautiful Enkei R7 wheels. (I have the same wheel & tires -- but in 17 in -- on my Audi A4. They're great.)

 

[pidass15]

I got 225/40 on my car. I think 235/40 would look funny.

 

[SPEED3TYPE2]

ive had 235/40 on for 6months. they guy at discount said they are a more accuate fit than 225/45

 

[john blutarski]

235/40

 

[ledhed]

Tire Rack says both sizes will fit.

I checked Tirerack, both the Kumho and Yoko 235/40's say Rim Width Range of 8-9.5"

The Stock rim is 18x7 right?

Yoko 225/45's say they will fit a 7-8.5" rim.


Any chance you could post a few pics SPEED3TYPE2?
Would love to see what they look like.

Thanks.

 

[bacarl]

ive had 235/40 on for 6months. they guy at discount said they are a more accuate fit than 225/45

235/40 is as close as you can get to stock rolling diameter, meaning your speedo and odo will be affected minimally. A 235 tire is not ideal fitment on a 7" wheel. It's way too wide.

 

[ledhed]

I want to keep the stock rims, but I want a wider tire. What would be the negatives of a 235/40 on an 18x7 rim other than looks?

I guess 225/45's are also an option, but thats only an extra 0.4" of width, was hoping for more.

 

[15min5k]

Yokohama Parada Spec2's fit (225/40/18) stock MS3 rims

 

[MikeHTally]

This site is a big help for resolving this question:

http://www.wheelsmaster.com/rt_specs.jsp

 

[bacarl]

I love that site! Seems like I reference it in every other post I make on the wheel/tire forum

The negative of using a wide tire on too narrow a rim is that you sacrifice grip and response. High performance tires have stiff sidewalls that help counter the lateral forces on the tire during cornering. You want that sidewall to be vertical and straight so it can maintain stiffness. If the rim is too narrow the sidewall gets pinched in at its base, allowing it to flex and not keep its optimal profile. Also because the sidewall isn't where it's supposed to be, I believe the contact patch tends to get contorted, which is where you lose grip. I'm not an expert so I can't quantify those effects, they're just general rules of thumb; eg I can't say that a 235 on a 7" would perform worse than a 225 due to the reasons I gave. But generally you want to match tires and rim sizes appropriately, otherwise you're not getting the max that the parts can offer.

 

[ledhed]

looks like I might have to find some OEM RX8 rims. At least that way it still looks somewhat stock and has a wider rim to accommodate the 235/40.

What is a reasonable price for a set of RX8 rims in good condition?

 

[Kain]

looks like I might have to find some OEM RX8 rims. At least that way it still looks somewhat stock and has a wider rim to accommodate the 235/40.

What is a reasonable price for a set of RX8 rims in good condition?

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123719628&page=2

 

[ericrapp]

looks like I might have to find some OEM RX8 rims. At least that way it still looks somewhat stock and has a wider rim to accommodate the 235/40.

What is a reasonable price for a set of RX8 rims in good condition?

If you want more traction look at a softer compound tire. A 225/40/18 on stock wheel should be just fine. Mine look mighty wide to me and definitely a big traction and handling upgrade without the weight gain of going bigger. I am now using an 8" wide wheel but a little lighter than stock. Very pleased

 

[bacarl]

what's the tire, eric?

I liked your abacus comment in that thread, Kain (hah)

 

[ericrapp]

A Nitto 555. Incredible traction, probably one of the best i have used for the street/ track. but abit noisy, bad in rain and wear faster than most. I will get them again though as I only drive my car in the spring to fall season.

 

[chuci]

If you want more traction look at a softer compound tire. A 225/40/18 on stock wheel should be just fine. Mine look mighty wide to me and definitely a big traction and handling upgrade without the weight gain of going bigger. I am now using an 8" wide wheel but a little lighter than stock. Very pleased

I'm down to the TSW Trackstar 5, it comes in 40 and 50mm offset. What is the better choice with a 235/40 and stock suspension - if I have to roll/flare the fenders I will.

 

[bacarl]

definitely 50mm. Will fit perfect.

 

[Santo]

I stuffed a 225/40 on the stock 7" rim, I lost a lot of response, I'm looking now to buy a set of 8".