[Ron Sutton]

Originally Posted by FETorino

Ron I am digesting. I sent you some more info and some more thoughts.

Your point on rim width was one I was getting at when this stared. I felt first I needed to determine the widest wheel I could fit on the front and then size the tire. I came up with the 18x10.5" wheel within my body, frame, suspension limitations. My feeling was the 285 35 18 on that wheel was a better fit than a 295 or 305 because of the slight stretch. I believe I was thinking along the lines you are stating. Correct me if I'm wrong.

• The stretched tire would actually have as big or larger effective contact patch due to teh treads flatter profile at the same pressure.
• The stretched tire would allow me to run more tire pressure allowing for more load capacity while still maintaing the contact patch over a larger tire on the same width wheel.
• The stretched tire would stiffen the sidewall (screwing up my ride) but improving the tires turn in and holding power.

To maintain my aesthetic goal of no flares the 10.5" wheel was my max. I can run a larger tire on that wheel but my feeling was the one I chose was the best fit for my car.

You are on track with all 3 points. The first point of the tread width being a little wider is a very minor gain. Points 2 & 3 are the bigger gains.