Ok, I have a 02 WRX Sedan. I just got 17X7.5 Rota Tarmacs with 48mm offset.

I am finding better tires in the 235-45/17 size than the 225-45/17....so....will they fit.

I know, every tire is different. I am looking at a section width of 9.9 I think...is that too wide?

You won't rub w/ the 225's, that's what my car has. I don't think the 235's will rub though.

Originally posted by bjteel
Ok, I have a 02 WRX Sedan. I just got 17X7.5 Rota Tarmacs with 48mm offset.

I am finding better tires in the 235-45/17 size than the 225-45/17....so....will they fit.

I know, every tire is different. I am looking at a section width of 9.9 I think...is that too wide?

235 width is pushing it a little on 7.5" width, 8" would be better. 235/45/17 would not be a good choice, it's a taller tire and acceleration will be hurt- if looking at 235 go 235/40/17- its slightly shorter (and thus quicker).

big sky

I have Enkei Bortex RPM 2 17x7 rims 48mm with 235/40/17 Kumho 712's along with Eibach pro kit spring and I have no problem with rubbing or tire bulge. Yours being 7.5 width there might be contact with the front springs. The 235's look good and stick even better.

Most 235-40-17s are not suggested for anything narrower than an 8" wheel by most manufacturers. A 235-45-17 is usually safe and acceptable. I was looking into this issue just last night on TireRack.com. :)

I checked all the top tires by Yokohama, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Dunlop, Michelin and Kumho. The only company that listed a 235-40-17 as safe for a 7.5" wide wheel was Kumho with the Ecsta MX. The others would have you run a 235-45-17 with its associated taller height and thus higher gearing (and possible rubbing issues.)

-Adam

Edit: tire brands.

Not arguing. I was just advising that I have not had any problems. I know of a bunch of others running 235/40/17 with out a problems.

No problem at all. Just pointing out what I read. :)
-Adam

I've been looking at this alot too as the STX rules have been relaxed to include tires up to 245 width. I think 245's could have some issues unless everything was perfect- offset, camber, section width, lowering- too many variables- unless you lived down the street from tire rack and they wouldn't mind mounting a bunch of different tires and rims to try them out- not likely, thus my focus on 235. I too have found that most tire manufactureres list 8 as a minimum - add Toyo to your list. Also I didn't find the MX in 235/40/17 here:http://www.kumhotireusa.com/pages/pcr/mxspecs.htm

I think the 7.5 would work, but obviously the 8" would give a better contact patch and less chance of damage to the sidewall. As you can guess there is not a lot of offerings in 17X8 in a 5X100 wheel w/ a decent offset- 48ish.

Big Sky

What about 235/40/18? Would that be ok with h&r springs?

Originally posted by pook
What about 235/40/18? Would that be ok with h&r springs?

I doubt it...I have 225/40/18 on my car and going that wide would probably cause it to rub because with my drop the rear wheels tuck a little under the fender...having a wider tire would probably make it rub...

Hi Everyone,
I've was running Azenis Sports 225x45x17 without any problems. I'm now running 235x45x17 (proxy RA-1), which Toyo states can run on 7.5" rims without a problem. But you should check each tire manufacturer to make sure.

Steve

most JDM tuners are using 235/40/17 on 17x8 +38mm offset wheels. just need to roll the fenders a little to prevent rubbing. IMHO, this setup fills up the fender gaps very nicely and the car looks more aggressive this way.

As you can guess there is not a lot of offerings in 17X8 in a 5X100 wheel w/ a decent offset- 48ish.


Enkei has two offerings of 17x8 rims. The RPF1 with 45 offset, and the NT03 with 48 offset.