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Old 11-07-2007, 03:56 PM   #1
xxxjuhstenxxx
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Default Wider = Better?

I am getting some new wheels they are gonna be rotas (not sure what model yet) and I have decided on either 18x7.5 or 18x8, What offset should I run? I know that a wider tire gives you more surface area and that equals more grip, what I was wondering is should I go 245's in rear? How wide can I go on a 7.5" wheel? What size tires should I go in front? The same? Thanks.



-Justin
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Old 11-07-2007, 04:21 PM   #2
lethal.adv
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when I shopped for my wheels at tirerack.com they have a range of what you can use.

I would use same size tires for both front and rear.
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Old 11-07-2007, 04:31 PM   #3
REXtard04
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Offset on ROTA's seems to be around +48 normally, which is fine. On 18x8 wheels, you can run 235/40/18 without any problems, even 245/40/18 will work but is close to the "fender rolling" size....this is the exact setup I have on my ROTA's with tires (which are for sale by the way if you're interested in the ROTA P1 in Hyperblack).
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Old 11-07-2007, 05:02 PM   #4
waktasz
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You can't run different tire sizes front and rear.
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Old 11-07-2007, 05:46 PM   #5
ein86
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Quote:
Originally Posted by waktasz View Post
You can't run different tire sizes front and rear.
yes you can. quite a few people do it for auto-x and track days (wider front tires), which im betting the OP wouldnt be doing it for these reasons though. if i remember, subaru recommends that there not be more than .25" difference in circumfrence between the front and rear tires? why is that, OP? cause you'll mess up your center diff. so generally speaking, yes, get the same size tires....unless you know what you're doing.
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Old 11-08-2007, 08:53 AM   #6
waktasz
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ein86 View Post
yes you can. quite a few people do it for auto-x and track days (wider front tires), which im betting the OP wouldnt be doing it for these reasons though. if i remember, subaru recommends that there not be more than .25" difference in circumfrence between the front and rear tires? why is that, OP? cause you'll mess up your center diff. so generally speaking, yes, get the same size tires....unless you know what you're doing.
Show me an example of such nonsense. Different size wheels, yes, but different tires, even of the same diameter, I've never seen anyone do.
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Old 11-08-2007, 11:45 AM   #7
Howl
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xxxjuhstenxxx View Post
I am getting some new wheels they are gonna be rotas (not sure what model yet) and I have decided on either 18x7.5 or 18x8, What offset should I run? I know that a wider tire gives you more surface area and that equals more grip, what I was wondering is should I go 245's in rear? How wide can I go on a 7.5" wheel? What size tires should I go in front? The same? Thanks.



-Justin
Wider is better for traction on smooth paved surfaces, but there is always a trade-off.

1. Your fuel economy will drop.
2. Your car is more likely to tramline (makes nice leisurely drives rather stressful)
3. It will be harder to maneuver at low speeds.
4. On gravel, snow or even rough pavement you are more likely to roll over the loose surface material rather than dig down into the firm stuff (i.e. don't plan on driving fast on gravel roads).
5. Your unsprung weight will increase.

If you can live with these trade-offs then wider tires are a good way to go.
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