Going nuts picking tires and wheel sizing - help?

[71RS/SS396]

I'm using Rivals so the 295 is only available in a 35 series which is pretty tall. I actually had more clearance problems with the 295 on the front than with the 315 because it's so much shorter.

[Flash68]

Stuff the biggest and baddest you can in there. And if that don't work, start cutting sh!t out.

Does that help?

[gerno]

Originally Posted by 71RS/SS396

I'm using Rivals so the 295 is only available in a 35 series which is pretty tall. I actually had more clearance problems with the 295 on the front than with the 315 because it's so much shorter.

Good to know. I'm pretty sure you're running the DSE subframe unlike me but do you know how much steering angle you have with the 315's?

Originally Posted by Flash68

Stuff the biggest and baddest you can in there. And if that don't work, start cutting sh!t out.

Does that help?

Helpful as always. I'd like to finish my updates some time this year, not continue to "improve" it like some people.....

Originally Posted by Sieg

FWIW IMO -Too much tire creates unnecessary clearance issues, escalates $, and adds stress to driveline and chassis components........personally I have more fun driving a car that gets a little lose vs one that sticks like glue. If you need that much tire to be competitive in a class that would change my opinion.

Good points. I'd like it to be reliable and easy to drive but also want it to stick like glue. Is it too much to ask for both?

Originally Posted by glassman

I'm going with a 275/315 combo on mine, but yet to do the tubs/rear (still aquiring data for that)....I want the Forgeline ZX3's, but have to wait, budget and rear fitmant....

Tubs aren't that bad, I was surprised. I'm really leaning back to the 275/315 combo if I stay with the 18's all around. Good luck with the budget, we all know it's never going to be there. You simply have to make it happen

[Flash68]

Seriously, most of us have been where you are. Where to stop and just Many (most?) have failed.

The 275/315 plan is obviously the safest.... most clearance... you know the tires already (Falkens)... but the real question can only be answered by you.... what effort you are willing to undertake (cost/time/headache) to achieve what you think you want. Do the bigger tires look better? Well yeah. Are they going to outperform the smaller ones by a substantial margin? Likely not, but depends on what you are shooting for. I know you are a pretty competitive guy from talking and see you. That's what makes me wonder if you'll be okay with taking the "easy" way out.

Okay, is that better? Probably not.

[71RS/SS396]

Yes I have a DSE sub. I do get some rub on the inside at full lock but the interference was worse with the 295. I have never checking how much steering angle I have but the turning radius is not as tight as a stock sub. I'm using a 10.5 wheel but was told by BFG that it was an acceptable width for the 315. Fwiw I've used a 275/335 combo and the car had a horrible push, I had to brake early and throttle the exit late to deal with it.

[gerno]

Originally Posted by Flash68

Seriously, most of us have been where you are. Where to stop and just Many (most?) have failed.

The 275/315 plan is obviously the safest.... most clearance... you know the tires already (Falkens)... but the real question can only be answered by you.... what effort you are willing to undertake (cost/time/headache) to achieve what you think you want. Do the bigger tires look better? Well yeah. Are they going to outperform the smaller ones by a substantial margin? Likely not, but depends on what you are shooting for. I know you are a pretty competitive guy from talking and see you. That's what makes me wonder if you'll be okay with taking the "easy" way out.

Okay, is that better? Probably not.

Good advice, I'm shocked... For once in my life I probably should take the "easy" way out. At this point I think the "easy" way may also be the most competitive too.

Originally Posted by 71RS/SS396

Yes I have a DSE sub. I do get some rub on the inside at full lock but the interference was worse with the 295. I have never checking how much steering angle I have but the turning radius is not as tight as a stock sub. I'm using a 10.5 wheel but was told by BFG that it was an acceptable width for the 315. Fwiw I've used a 275/335 combo and the car had a horrible push, I had to brake early and throttle the exit late to deal with it.

Good to know on the 275/335 setup as well as the 295 clearance.


At this point the idea of the 335 is gone from my choice because I don't want to cut up the front end to fit a 315 (yet) and I don't want a massive push on the track. I'm steering (pun intended) back to the 275/315 combo but will call Falken to see what the biggest rim I can run is for the front. I want to try to follow Ron Suttons advise on the front and stretch the tire so want to try for a 10.5 rim at least with possibly a 11" depending on what Falken says. With the smaller tire stretch I think the 11" will fit and give me room for more tire later. I am thinking this should increase grip and also reduce tire height to balance the profile front and rear.

I would love to go with the 19" rear for looks but I just can't find a tire that I'm comfortable with in that size. I'd take a little push for the look but I don't want to give up tire selection. Some reason I'm nervous to use the PS2's, supersports, Goodyears and the RE11 is under the 200TW rating. I'm not too concerned with Optima and Good guys but it would be nice to find something that worked.

[gerno]

Stopped by a local Vette specialty shop. They had stacks of worn out tires sitting beside their building. Picked up some 285/18, 285/19, 295/18 and 325/19 tires for free. Now hopefully I can finally make a decision.