I'm running Autocross on TR Motorsports C3 17X9 +63 with 245/40s Star Specs on all four corners; No rubbing, No rolled fenders, No bent fender tabs.

 

It's starting to sound like I could get the rims I mentioned in 17x9 (+63) and runs 225/40/17 up front and 255/40/17 in the rear -- correct? I don't care about rotating them. The car went 11 years without a need for tires; I think it will likely be similar this time around, too.

I guess the question now is - can I also then lower the car down 85-90% of the max that the PSS9's will allow without any rubbing or mods to make it work?

Also, I'll be looking into different tires - you've all convinced me of that.

Thanks again for the help on the rims/offset and the suspension input!

Shumax

 

I have the PSS9s too. My wheels are 17x7.5+50 and 17x9+63 with 225/255 tires. I'm lowered about an inch from stock (finger gap). The rears have never (and will never) rub at those offsets. The left front has rubbed maybe 3 times on a tight right hander with the weight of an added passenger in the car. Never happens with just me in the car. Do not hesitate to buy the PSS9s. Without a doubt, best change I've made to my car in 9+ years owning it.

I would go sportier than the RE760 (have those on the TL). I've been extremely happy with Michelin PS2s ($$$, but awesome), but there are some other good options out there. Michelin Pilot Super Sports in 215/245 are an option, and they supposedly have better tread life than other max perf tires. Haven't tried them personally, but have heard them recommended.

 

I would go with 235/40-17 fronts on a 9" wide wheel. Shouldn't be a problem on +63 or +60 offset.
9" is too wide for a 225/45-17.

 

Wow! Thanks for all of the input.

Can someone basically tell me what to buy (rims, with the offset front and rear as well as the tire size) so that it will fit what I want to do? Am I being too greedy!? Thanks in advance!

 

One thing people haven't mentioned is that you'll need to run as much negative camber in the front as you can get in order to avoid rubbing issues. You should be able to get somewhere around -1.5 to -1.8 degrees in the front. As you lower the chassis, negative camber will increase, i.e., you'll be able to get more negative camber. The rear will be OK with about the same, about -1.5 to -2.0 (this is easily doable at stock height).

Tire wise, be aware there will be some size variation between manufacturers. A 235/40/R17 Dunlop Star Spec is nearly the same size as a 245/40/R17 RE-11. I have never had issues with 255/40/R17s in the rear, so size variation shouldn't be an issue back there. The front is the primary area of concern. If you want to run a 245/40/R17 on a 17x9 +60mm wheel in the front, you'll likely need about -2.0 degrees (or more) of camber.

 

I agree that a 9 inch wheel is too wide for a 225 tire.
But, realize going with 235 tires on the front and 255s on the rear, has the same issues as running a square set up. The front grip is increased more than the back grip which needs to be addressed, with either a bigger front sway bar, or disconnecting the rear sway bar.

Here's a thread from someone who made that exact mistake: https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/896...n-up-rear-end/

You can go 225 on the 8 inch wheel (in your origional Tire Rack link), and a 255 on the 17X9 +60 in the rear, without throwing off the balance of the car.

 

I'm currently running KW V3s with stock swaybars, lowered 1.25"F/0.75"R. My camber is maxed at -3.5*F/-3*R. I can (barely) fit 245/40 275/40R17 Hoosiers on AP2V1s under my totally stock fenders. They rub a little at max lat (~1.25g, yikes!).

I cannot overstate the awesomeness of the V3s. If you have the means to spend $2500 on shocks, you're cheating yourself if you purchase anything else. The adjustment goes from Buick-cushy to brutally hard with lightening reflexes, and the lifetime warranty is bulletproof. Set them to a .75" drop all around and go beat some Miatas.

As for tires, if you're looking for street only, RE050s in 225/255 are a great setup. For combined street/autocross, I'd recommend 235/255 RE-11s (I ran them briefly for a combined setup before I bought the hoosiers. Now they're my street tires).

PF01s are great wheels. I'd also recommend the OEM wheels very strongly. If you want to save weight, Motegi Tracklites are around 14lb each for 17in sizes.

 

Thanks again for all of the input, everyone. I'm sort of surprised Jim hasn't weighed. Perhaps he is busy?

I think it sounds like an 8" rim up front and a 9" rim in the rear. Now it's down to offsets. Tires I am leading to the Bridgestone RE-11's.

Thanks again, everyone - keep it coming!

 

Yes, it is starting to get busy and I was out of the office over the weekend. The higher the offset the better if you do not want to do anything to the fenders. If you stay with the narrower front wheels and tires you will be fine. I would go with 225/45R17 not 225/40R17 on the front though. The Bilstein suspension is first class. I like that it lowers the car, improves the handling without giving up the ride quality. For the tires the RE-11, Star Spec, Yoko Neova, and Kumho XS are all excellent
If I can help just let me know.