[adio3x]

Hey all. I ordered a set of 18x8.5 +44 wheels, but I'm starting to think I made the wrong choice. The wheels are coming from Japan, so I have some time to think if I want to go up to a 9.5.

My end goal is to have a 2-3 finger gap, I'd like to run an aggressive meaty tire, but not have to run a whole lot of negative camber. The recently purchased 15 FXT is my daily, but I plan on doing the occasional autocross day or PDX event.

Bear with me, I haven't had to deal with tires under 285s for the past 10 years lol. Not exactly sure what the widest I can run. From the info I've collected is, 245/50/18 seems to be the most popular choice. Is it at all possible to fit a 255/45 or 255/55 or would that be a bad choice for a 8.5? I have parts collected, will be running Real 441 coilovers, whiteline lower control arms, and whiteline toe arms.

I don't think I want to go up to a 9.5 (+40), from my searches, if you're not going to be flush with the fender or lower, you're going to have a goofy poke stance. I'm not about that life.

Sorry if that's all over the place lol. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ak1nza]

Some pics of 235/50/18 on 18x8 +43. If you want flush, 245/50/18 on 18x8.5 will get you there in my opinion. 18x9.5 with wider 255+ tires and I think you would rub on full lock. At full lock I have barely 1-2 fingers before hitting the wheel well.

To get 2-3 finger gap you’ll need to lower the car more than an inch. Third pic is a comparison between stock and lowered on STI pinks which is just over a half inch drop. On 235/50/18 I have a bit more gap due to a slight smaller diameter.

Hope this helps. Hopefully some others with 18x9.5 +44 will chime in so you have all the information you need.




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[aggie113]

I don't think you'd have issues with rubbing running 255/45. I've run 265/40 (free tires) on my 18x9. I'm now running 255/45. I run a 40 offset. The 255s are flush with the fenders. If you want to cheat a little you can install the fender covers and that'll give you an extra 2-4mm of poke

You can run 255 on 8.5 but you may find a bit of sidewall roll if you do aggressive turns. All depends on the tire as some cheat more than others when measuring.

 

[VXSS]

As you said, the easiest, popular choice.... I'm running a 245/50 currently on a 18x8 et45, lowered on RSRs. Wheel well flush. I also have the OEM wheel well trim so that trims down an extra 2mm of well space if anything. No rub. Sadly, a 245/50 still looks like a bulbous SUV tire. But, also handy here in our crappy roads and occasional ugly winters.

A while back I tested an 18x8.5 et44 with a 255/40 and it fit like a glove, "but that was also before I was on my springs". I would say it would be ok without rub for most daily use. But if you plan to autoX, I think hard cornering "MAY" give you some friction "if lowered". And sadly, fender rolling an SJ in the rear is rather involving work from what I have learned here. Of course, now that I am lowered, I want to revisit a possible 255 setup again.

Remember though, there is some wiggle room with a performance alignment, at the cost of faster tire wear (depending).

GL!

 

[Scooby24]

I always consider the worst case scenario too...and that being you get a flat. The same rolling diameter as stock was important to me in case I need to fit that spare tire. Otherwise I'll be having to call a flatbed and I wasn't willing to go there.