EK

Hey guys.

I am currently running 235/45/17 front and 255/40/17 rear for about 2 years now.

I want to replace them. I am thinking of having 235/40/17 front and 275/35/17 rear.

Will that be reasonable for the rear or over?

I would appreciate any sort of advice.

Thanks

WRX~Mike

iTrader: (8)

My understanding is running staggered tire sizes is an issue with our cars which can cause issues transmission's center diff...

EK

Thx mike.
I've been running always on sti and other cars wider sizes. I always have read forums and outsource info about the issue of gear or differential problems but never faced it.
Well, its a point always to consider, but would the size I am concerning fit on the bbs rims in the first place or not?

JourdanWithaU

iTrader: (39)

Wider tires are fine. It's the staggered sizes that will blow your center diff. Our cars only have a tolerance of 1/16" difference in overall diameter on the tires. If your staggered tires have the same overall diameter then you can get away with it.

As far as the widest tire, depends on the tire. Usually they will list a rim width range with the specs on the tire. As well as an optimal width. Looking at some specs, 245 might be the widest you can realistically go on a 7.5. You can go wider but you will be sacrificing responsiveness.

EK

Oops. Agree with you. I do not want to run slower acceleration for some wider back look. The same time, traction is important! Sounds confusing :s
Thanks for the advice.

Brfatal

The largest tire size you can run on 8" wide Spec C wheels is 245/40/17.

You cannot stagger widths.

EK

For curiosity, I'd tried the 275/40/17 on the rear. It fit the rim perfectly but couldn't fit the place cz of friction with suspension. I have installed Nitto ZR 255/40/17 (rear) and 235/45/17 (front) and it went just fine! This is the widest size I believe any should go with such setup.
Thanks for all the replies gents.

Brfatal

255s require an 8.5" wheel. 275s require a 9.5" wheel. You are running tires out of spec. You are voiding the warranty on your rear wheels, promoting oversteer and sidewall play, and can potentially cause tread separation if you abuse the tires.

235/45/17 Nitto NT555s have a diameter of 25.3"
255/40/17 Nitto NT555s have a diameter of 25.6"

You can't have any more than .25" variance otherwise you will damage your differential. Your front tires wear quicker and considering you're not rotating them the variance will eventually be even more than the .3" from the factory. Over the life of the tire, assuming regular street driving alone, you will double that diameter difference. If you drive hard, it will be even more.

Stop doing things your way and start doing them the right way. You either need larger wheels and match the tire sizes or you need to get the correct tires for what you have. The largest tire you can run on an 8" wide wheels is 245/40/17, though 235/45/17 is more ideal.

EK

I forgot to update u dude. My wheels r 8 inch wide not 7.5. And relax dude I've been running the same size rear and previously the front was 235/45/17 now 235/40/17. Old tires lasted for 2 yrs now in a 50 degrees C conditions and got no issues!
I'll try to post pictures for u soon.

Brfatal

I know, I've said 8" twice so far in this thread.

04GG

iTrader: (33)

Well, you said BBS, so if you are talking stock 04 BBS, they are 7.5 not 8. The 8" ones were 05 and up and don't fit the 04. So are you talking about the stock 5X100 04 BBS rims?

JourdanWithaU

iTrader: (39)

Spec C has 8" wheels.


I missed that detail.