The widest that I have gone are 18x8.5 w/ 225/40/18 tires. But I would recommend 18x8 w/ 235/40/18 tires. If potholes are your real concern, then stick with 17" with more rubber. It depends on what you want to do (i.e. occasional road racing/autox/drag racing/street). If I had to do it over again, I would have probably get 17x8 since 17" tires are a lot cheaper plus the rims are lighter.

 

If i went with 17X7.5 or 17X8.0 what size tires would give me decent protection from potholes? Thanks.

 

If i went with 17X7.5 or 17X8.0 what size tires would give me decent protection from potholes? Thanks.

17x7.5 I would go with 225/45/17. 17x8 I would go with 235/45/17. Careful with the 17x8 with 235 tires, make sure you get the right offset and you may need to roll or shave your rear inner fender.

 

You know how the stock 17X6.5 have 215/50/17 and when you look at them, the tires come out a little to protect the lip of the rim? Would i get the same effect using 235/45/17s on a 17X7.5 rim? If i did this, would they fit with no problems? Thanks for your help.

 

I currently have 235/40-17 and the rear lip had to get rolled.It really depends on the offset too.The tire covers the lip of the rim.It sticks out just enough.

 

I have 235/40/17 tires on 17x8 Konig Villians. Offset is 40+ mm I believe. No rubbing at all, fenders are stock. I am thinking of going with 245 or maybe even 255 next time I need tires. I think there is enough room to clear.

 

I have 235/45R17's on 7.5" wide rims with a 35mm offset. They fit perfectly. After rolling the rear fenders I don't have any rubbing problems.

Kumho recommends a rim width between 7.5" and 9" for their ECSTA Supra 712 (235/45R17), so a 7.5" wheel will work fine and should offer better protection from curbs and potholes verses being mounted on an 9" wheel.

If you're curious as to what tire sizes will fit on different rim width's, go to Tire Rack's web side (http://www.tirerack.com) and search for tires in the size you are wanting, select a tire, then click the 'Specs' link. There, you can view that manufacturer's recommended rim width range for each size they offer as well as other specs that may be helpful in determining if a wheel/tire combo you are considering will fit.

For example, this page is for the Kuhmo's:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?make=Kumho&model=ECSTA+Supra+712

 

rolling the inner fender lip

so, if I go with 235/45/17 on 17x8 w/35 offset with 1.5" drop I would need to roll the inner fender lip! What's involved with that, is it difficult? Is there way to avoid this with other offset w/ mentioned tire/wheel sizes? I suppose 225/40/17 tires should do the trick, but I want the widest possible!!!

spyderx
99 GSTspyder

 

rolling fender lip

I would also like to know how to "roll the fender lip" .

In my case I'm getting 17x8 w/ 225/45 17 with 35mm offset. . . so i don' t think it'll be a problem.

this combination won't stick out will it?

 

My current setup is 3000GT rims that are 17x8.5 with 225/45/17 tires mounted on them. I have no rubbing whatsoever but my car is stock height. I would like to upgrade to 235/45/17 all around but I'm not sure if they'll clear the arms in the back. There isn't much room back there as it is right now. I'll post fitment results when I buy new tires.