Tire Sizes for the Spec.B OEM Wheel

So I'm getting to be due for a set of tires and I'm trying to find the best option - bang and buck are of equal importance to me. It seems to me that heading into the stealership and dropping off a mint for new OEM rubber wouldn't be my best route - but maybe at some of the lightly used prices, the Potenzas may be OK. What I'm really curious about is should I go explicitly with the 215/45/18 size, or should I sway in a shorter and wider direction - such as the 225/40/18 that seems to be suggested for the Spec.b in the wheel/tire technical forum sticky (not sure if he was talking specifcally about the stock wheel). Any input is appreciated, as always.

 

-S

I think it's worth noting that I have no intention of driving in snow in the next 30k miles - certainly not to warrant a tire size that is better suited for M&S.

I stuck with the stock size and went with the Goodyear Eagle GT. It's good in the wet and dry, so-so in snow.

I did a 225/40/18 contiextreme for winter. No problems so far. Speedo is off 1.8% or so according to a tire size calculator. 225/45/18 is slightly closer in size but larger. I'd rather slightly under gear than over gear given the choice.

Sorry it took so long to post but here are my pics. The tires are pretty meaty with deep channels and are very quiet on the road. They are 225/40 R18.

 

first pic is S Drive vs RE50's

second is S Drive vs my all season G sports for winter

Third is S Drives on the front.

 

This is what I put on the stockers...

I went with 225/40s on the OEM 18" wheels (Goodyear F1 A/S), and I wish I'd jumped up to 235/40s, because it looks like they'd fit.

 

I was gun-shy, having dealt with rubbing issues with 245/40s; but those were on ET48 wheels. IIRC, the OEM wheels are ET53, and the ~half-inch difference with the OEMs and 235s probably wouldn't rub. HPH

I went with a 225/40/18 Sumitomo HTR ZIII just cause it was about 15 per tire cheaper than the 225/45 version of the same tire. They fit fine and have worked well for me this summer but were worthless when the snow came.

 

http://www.edgeracing.com/tire/6813/

225/40 here on my winter/allseason goodyear eagle gt...if i dont get rims later this year will be buying a new set of summers in the same dimensions to run on the stockers

Isn't 225/40 squeezing it a bit too much on the OEM wheel? 225/40 is meant for a 7.5"-9" rim?

 

I was looking at 225/45's just cause they were meant for a 7" rim.

Just to clarify .... 225/40 and 225/45 are the same width tires.

But with a 225/40, the sidewall would be angled in more than the 225/45.

Gotcha.

 

When I first read your post I thought you were confused. Second time I figured you weren't .....

I put 225/45/18 on my spec B rims. Falken FK 452's . Not a bad tire for the price.

From what i'm told, 225/45-18 and 225/40-18 will both fit without a problem, but tirerack (who we know are VERY conservative) will only guarantee the 225/40-18 and recommend it highly over the 225/45-18. I'm not sure why, it seems that the 225/45 have more accuracy with the speedo and what not, but perhaps they are concerned about rubbing?? I don't know, but many many people run 225/45-18 with no problem on the stock rims.

Also, how long did your stockers last you?

Also, how long did your stockers last you?

 

I had same question. 08 Spec B needs new tires already?

 

Sounds like a boss I had once. Tires on his new company A6 lasted only 6k b/c he drove like a crazy bastard.

Stockers didn't last very long.. they had a treadwear rating of 140... I bought my set used, and only managed to get another 4 or 5 months (maybe 8 or 9k mi.) out of it.

I'm at 22k miles. They're not completely done, but there's evidence of aggressive driving in the tread wear. Damn valets. I'm going to just go ahead and get some new ones now since I've heard such bad things about the stockers, and such good things about other tires (i.e. Hankook RS2). I'd like to experience some of this glory first hand.

Had a question about 225/40/18. Will they create a larger wheel gap since its a shorter tire?

^ yes...they are a lower profile. I long sold my spec b wheels but I kept the tires. The 215/45 fill the wheel well better than my 225/40 winter setup..but it is not a huge difference.

I ended up getting 225/45/18 Contiextremecontacts for my rims.... to be installed next weekend.

Let us know how they look and perform. I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a pair for my SpecB soon. I've got my car lowered and wonder if the 40 series tire and stiffer springs would be too harsh. Did any of you guys running the 225/40's notice a change is "harshness"

 

Cheers,

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I bought Drew888's Pirellis and I'm pretty darn happy.

 

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101852

 

As Drew noted, they are a bit quieter, but great for 7/10 street driving.

Good thread, I'm considering the same thing right now. Unclemat told me that 225/45/18 tires are huge, and that if i'm switching to 225s, that I should go with the 40 sidewall instead.