For those who have 19 inch rims, I need help deciding which tire size is optimal.....

FAST 5 · 4th March 2005, 04:19

Hi Guys,
Here's my question, if one has 19 inch rims, what tire size should I use for the front? The front rim width will be 9 inches. The tires for the rear will be 285/30/19. The rear rim size will be 10 inches.
So should the front be 255/35/19 OR.....
should the front be 255/30/19 ???
When giving me your option/advise please keep in mind I have Dinan's Stage # 2 suspension, which lowered the car's overall height by approx. 3/4 inch. I don't know which tire size to pick for the front of my car. When you tell me your recomendation, please tell me why your picking the size, so I understand the reasoning.
Thank you very much for your help.
Robert

Jayson · 4th March 2005, 04:25

I'd go 255-35

and 295-30

ard · 4th March 2005, 05:03

Well, what tires?

here is my method: what is the stock size? rolling diameter of the tire as well as revs/mile

I try to get the same numbers with the new size. For the M this is 25.7 and 25.6 (front and rear) and 809 and 819 (front and rear)

Now, look at the tires you want on tirerack- look up the 'specs' tab. I try to find a tire that has a 'width range' in the middle for my size. For example, the Mich PS in the 285/30-19 had a range of 9.5 to 10.5, and the spec numbers they provide are measured from the tire on a 10 inch rim (just what you proposed) the rolling diameter is 25.8 and rev/mile is 807. Perfect.

Good luck on the fronts for a 9" wheel... you'll either be over or under...maybe 255/35??

All this assumes adequate offset and clearance- some minor sidewall geometry difference can matter when you are tight.

Anyway, this is how I've always looked at this- like to hear any other thoughts.

A

M5Kid · 4th March 2005, 05:23

With a 9" front wheel, I would go with 255-35-19, this way your keeping the rolling diamter closer to stock. However, a 255mm tire on a 9" wheel may be a little narrow, perhaps bump it up to 275-30-19, which is what Dinan reccomends for their front 9" wheel.

Also, keep in mind you may experience an increase in tramlining with a 275mm front tire.

Travis

Beamer_usa · 4th March 2005, 05:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayson

I'd go 255-35

and 295-30

Do thr fenders have to be rolled out to take a tire that wide

FAST 5 · 4th March 2005, 13:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by ard

Well, what tires?

here is my method: what is the stock size? rolling diameter of the tire as well as revs/mile

I try to get the same numbers with the new size. For the M this is 25.7 and 25.6 (front and rear) and 809 and 819 (front and rear)

Now, look at the tires you want on tirerack- look up the 'specs' tab. I try to find a tire that has a 'width range' in the middle for my size. For example, the Mich PS in the 285/30-19 had a range of 9.5 to 10.5, and the spec numbers they provide are measured from the tire on a 10 inch rim (just what you proposed) the rolling diameter is 25.8 and rev/mile is 807. Perfect.

Good luck on the fronts for a 9" wheel... you'll either be over or under...maybe 255/35??

All this assumes adequate offset and clearance- some minor sidewall geometry difference can matter when you are tight.

Anyway, this is how I've always looked at this- like to hear any other thoughts.

A

Ard,
The tire of choice for me will be the Pilot Sport. The original version is my first choice (if I can find it at Tire Rack) and the PS2 will be second choice if the originals are no longer available in my needed size.
Thanks!

MAH · 4th March 2005, 15:06

I am assuming moving to 19 inch wheels is not for performance. It might look a little nicer and ride a bit firmer and cost more for tire replacement and be more prone to curb and pot hole damage and hurt acceleration. Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to rain on your parade. It always amazes me when people think that upsizing their wheels is for performance reasons, but they do look nice.

Mark

ard · 4th March 2005, 17:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAH

I am assuming moving to 19 inch wheels is not for performance. It might look a little nicer and ride a bit firmer and cost more for tire replacement and be more prone to curb and pot hole damage and hurt acceleration. Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to rain on your parade. It always amazes me when people think that upsizing their wheels is for performance reasons, but they do look nice.

Mark

I agree 100%... but I wasn't going to go there.

Tin · 4th March 2005, 17:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAH

I am assuming moving to 19 inch wheels is not for performance. It might look a little nicer and ride a bit firmer and cost more for tire replacement and be more prone to curb and pot hole damage and hurt acceleration. Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to rain on your parade. It always amazes me when people think that upsizing their wheels is for performance reasons, but they do look nice.

Mark

I think the other main reason was to make sure the wheels cleared the Dinan Brembo BBK that he's got on order

FAST 5 · 4th March 2005, 18:05

My current front tire size is 255 but Im not sure just how wide I can go without running into any rubbing issues with the inner fender liner, especially since the Dinan suspension lowered the height of the car by 3/4 of an inch.
Anyone???