b0mbrman

Sorry...stupid question I know...what's the answer?

xviper

Simple answer: Yes!
Round about answer: Not necessarily.
I'm assuming that you know the front wheels (stock) are 6.5" wide and the rears are 7.5" wide. For example, I've got staggered snow tires on my car right now BUT I've got the same width of wheel on all 4 corners.
Any given wheel can accommodate a limited "range" of tire widths before you get into a problem.
If you put a tire that is TOO NARROW for the wheel, the tire's sidewall (at its bead) gets PULLED OUT more than it should. Subsequently, you will need to put a bit MORE air pressure into that tire to keep the middle of the tread planted on the ground as it will tend to bow into ITSELF (in the middle) towards the center of the wheel.
If you put a tire that is TOO WIDE for the wheel, the tire's sidewall (at its bead) gets "PINCHED" IN more than it should. Subsequently, you will need to put a bit LESS air pressure into that tire to keep the middle of the tread planted on the ground as it will tend to "bow" into the PAVEMENT in the middle.
Additionally, if the bead (and sidewall) is pulled apart or pinched in too much, the bead itself will not be at an ideal orientation for sealing up against the rim of the wheel. This "stress" will intrude upon the performance of the tire/wheel combination.

b0mbrman

Interesting...So will 18x7.5 rims all around work on my S if I get 225 tires up front and 255 tires in back?

xviper

Might need Jim to confirm but offhand, I would say YES. 225 is what is normally on the stock 7.5" rim. Even though we all know the tire's "footprint" is wider than normal on a rear SO2, the bead width should be about the same. And I've seen people with 255 on those same 7.5" rims. The fact that you are talking 18" rims should not make any significant or detrimental difference. But I would think that 255 is getting close to the limit of what you can use.

b0mbrman

hmmm...so what would be better for rear tires?

It couldn't be 225 could it?

xviper

Only the OEM SO2 will give you that wide a footprint and we all know that is only available in a 16" size. A 225 in an 18" size (even in an SO2) will not be "special" and won't give you the same footprint width. I'd go with the 255 like you mentioned but get a confirmation from Jim or at least more than just my say so. Have you considered going with a wider rear wheel? Like maybe 8.5" or 9"?

b0mbrman

Sure, how do I get Jim's attention?

xviper

He may be on vacation 'cause he's usually pretty good at spotting these threads in this forum. Try sending him a link to this thread via email:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/member.php?s=&a...nfo&userid=4010

Carlson

No, definitely not, or the rear end would slide all over the place when you drive it hard.

Besides, I dont think you want your rear wheels to be the same weight as your front wheels. Unless you are into "Initial D" drifting action, I would put at least +40 tires on the rear. 205 front, 245 rear or 215 front, 255 rear or 225 front, 265 rear etc...

I am thinking about 17" wheels with 205 front and 245 or 255 rear.

Jim@tirerack

The 255 width tire will not fit on the 7.5 wheel. If you do 7.5 front and 8.5 rear the you can do 225 front and 255 or the 245 rear.
Sorry it took so long. I have been a little busy with my other duties. If you ever have a question you need answered right away just send me an email at jim@tirerack.com

Jim