Best width and profile for 18" rims.
- Thread starter Ryanc
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Ess_Three
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Again, 225/40/18s would be perfect...
Although I would normally suggest 8.0" wide wheels, I like the way Ryan is thinking with the 7.5" wide wheels...
In my view, 8.0" wide works well...and I wouldn't run 8.5" wide as they are too wide and are likely to tramline more (and weigh more!)
7.5s...Hmm..
I've often thought the S3 was overtyred as standard, with little adjustibility or panache...
I also have a Mk3 Golf GTI that runs the standard 7.0" wide 16" wheels with 215/40/16s, and handles impecably...
So, by that example, 225/40/18 will fit and work well on the 7.5" wide wheels, once the tyre pressures are played with...
But here's a thought: Insurance problems aside...how about a set of 215 wide tyres?
215/40/18s? Not a great choice though, by all accounts...
215/35/18s would also work...but I'd avoid a 35 profile on a 215 tyre.
215/40/18 Yokos might be an interesting option...light, precise, better adjustability etc...
Failing that, 225/40/18s are perfect.
Although I would normally suggest 8.0" wide wheels, I like the way Ryan is thinking with the 7.5" wide wheels...
In my view, 8.0" wide works well...and I wouldn't run 8.5" wide as they are too wide and are likely to tramline more (and weigh more!)
7.5s...Hmm..
I've often thought the S3 was overtyred as standard, with little adjustibility or panache...
I also have a Mk3 Golf GTI that runs the standard 7.0" wide 16" wheels with 215/40/16s, and handles impecably...
So, by that example, 225/40/18 will fit and work well on the 7.5" wide wheels, once the tyre pressures are played with...
But here's a thought: Insurance problems aside...how about a set of 215 wide tyres?
215/40/18s? Not a great choice though, by all accounts...
215/35/18s would also work...but I'd avoid a 35 profile on a 215 tyre.
215/40/18 Yokos might be an interesting option...light, precise, better adjustability etc...
Failing that, 225/40/18s are perfect.
Ess_Three
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[ QUOTE ]
I take it under no circumstances to run a 7" alloy as the standards are 7.5"?
[/ QUOTE ]
I see no reason that a 7" wheel with a 215 width tyre couldn't be used...it'd certainly be a match for the chassis...
The only question would be around a 7" wheel and 215 width tyre when the standard is 7.5" and 225...will the insurance company have something to say?
I don't know...
For the track though...no worries.
I used to run 180 wide tyres on a 6" wider wheel on my Integra on the track - standard width was 195.
They were way better...
I wouldn't run a 7" wide wheel and a 225 tyre though...not a good combination.
I take it under no circumstances to run a 7" alloy as the standards are 7.5"?
[/ QUOTE ]
I see no reason that a 7" wheel with a 215 width tyre couldn't be used...it'd certainly be a match for the chassis...
The only question would be around a 7" wheel and 215 width tyre when the standard is 7.5" and 225...will the insurance company have something to say?
I don't know...
For the track though...no worries.
I used to run 180 wide tyres on a 6" wider wheel on my Integra on the track - standard width was 195.
They were way better...
I wouldn't run a 7" wide wheel and a 225 tyre though...not a good combination.
Ess_Three
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[ QUOTE ]
So as a track tyre 215/40/18 on a 7"x18" rim might be interesting?
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, I'd think so...
But which type of tyre?
For a 215/40/18 you must be looking at a road based tyre...or road lagal trackday tyre.
These are good if you need to drive on the road...
but if the 7" wide wheels are dedicated trackday tyres, save yourself the intermediate step and go straight to slicks...Avon do a rather nice competition tyre in the 210/635/R18 size which is rated for a 7" rim...
This will lower your gearing a bit too...which may, or may not, be a good thing...but if you've never driven on slicks - you should.
I used to take 8 seconda a lap off my best Knockhill time by switching to slicks.
So as a track tyre 215/40/18 on a 7"x18" rim might be interesting?
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, I'd think so...
But which type of tyre?
For a 215/40/18 you must be looking at a road based tyre...or road lagal trackday tyre.
These are good if you need to drive on the road...
but if the 7" wide wheels are dedicated trackday tyres, save yourself the intermediate step and go straight to slicks...Avon do a rather nice competition tyre in the 210/635/R18 size which is rated for a 7" rim...
This will lower your gearing a bit too...which may, or may not, be a good thing...but if you've never driven on slicks - you should.
I used to take 8 seconda a lap off my best Knockhill time by switching to slicks.
Interesting stuff glen,might go for the yoko parada 2 ,215/40/18.Just waiting to hear alloy weights.
