Rims, tires, and lowering oh my...

NoKturnaL · 07-11-2005, 05:21 PM

Im getting 2 Chrome 18x9 Saleen rims and 2 18x10 Chrome saleen rims. If i get 275/35 tires up front and 295/45 tires at the rear should I have any issues? will those sized tires fit the rims?

Also I wanna lower my car a bit, prolly no m ore than 1-1/4 inches. What springs, struts, shocks do ya recommend? and will I need any think else when lowering the right way?

Badfish · 07-11-2005, 05:49 PM

front sounds good, for the back, something more like 285/35 would be better for the rear

*Lances03SVT* · 07-11-2005, 06:28 PM

Yep a 45 would be to tall,285/35/18 or 295/35/18 would be perfect.

DarkSith · 07-11-2005, 07:02 PM

Saleen.com recommends 265/35/18 front and 295/35/18

txcobra96 · 07-11-2005, 07:14 PM

im running 295 35 18x10s in the back.. firestone firehawks, excellent tires.. in the past 6 years, i've used bridgestone s-02s, and s-03s, michelin pilot sport IIs and kuhmo supras in the front.. so far, the firehawks are pretty impressive.. i think i paid about 200$ each.. as for the fronts, go with a smaller size.. 255, 245..

*Lances03SVT* · 07-11-2005, 07:23 PM

I would'nt go smaller than a 265/35/18 on the front.

StangGT804 · 07-11-2005, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lances03GT

Yep a 45 would be to tall,285/35/18 or 295/35/18 would be perfect.

Yea, what he said! PERFECT FIT!! Im going with this setup after my exhaust purchase!

tripleblack · 07-12-2005, 05:28 AM

Just did the same thing to my 02 GT vert. Bought 2 295/35 W18 Firestone Firehawks from www.tiresavings.com for $189 each, also 2 275/35 W18 Falkens for $169 each. Be advised they DO NOT STOCK these sizes, so you're looking at about 2 week wait for them to ship. Shipping was $57 total. Best overall deal for the tires I could find - but service is S-L-O-W. Website says "most tire ship in 24 hours". DO NOT BELIEVE THIS. If you need 'em fast, shop elsewhere. If you need 'em cheap, and have the time, ok...

Love the wheels and tires, by the way - I'll post some pics soon as it stops raining...

I was surprised at how much the wide tires on the rear changed the way the car handles. Odd transitions on aggressive turns just went away, and it STICKS like mad! My modified gt (cai, accufab 75mm, c&L, diablo tune, etc, etc) suddenly scoots instead of spinning wheels!

The Firehawks are oe size/speed rating for the new Corvette - they can run all day at over 160mph, and they are good looking tires, too. But I have to admit I bought them for price. Only thing I regret is that they don't come in 275 size - had to go with another brand for the front tires.

As to clearance, no problem on the rears, and my car has Steeda springs and is lowered 1.2". Depending on the offset of the wheels, you may have to reverse the rear quadshocks - no big deal. 275's should clear up front as well. Both tire sizes look great on the rims, and are good choices - I have seen guys running up to 315's on the back, but that is pretty much the max, and I suspect reversing the quadshocks is a given, if not getting rid of them altogether.

I like the Steeda springs (progressive rate), though Maximum Motorsports has good units too. For quality and performance, I really believe the Bilsteins are superior - and cost a superior price. Best bargain (combo of performance and price) I've seen was on this (MT) site for their adjustable KYB's.

Keep the lowering as close to 1 - 1 1/4" as possible - this is a good compromise. If your car has some miles on her, replace the springs isolators, and avoid the temptation to elminate them to lower her further. OE rubber isolators work fine, while polyurethane will stiffen things up just a little. Your ride will be firmer as a result of these changes anyway, so be cautious with the speed bumps and curbs until you get used to the new ride height and spring rates.

My car's handling was transformed by these changes.

Best of luck with yours!

tripleblack

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8 SyndicateZ

Im getting 2 Chrome 18x9 Saleen rims and 2 18x10 Chrome saleen rims. If i get 275/35 tires up front and 295/45 tires at the rear should I have any issues? will those sized tires fit the rims?

Also I wanna lower my car a bit, prolly no m ore than 1-1/4 inches. What springs, struts, shocks do ya recommend? and will I need any think else when lowering the right way?

*madmatt* · 07-12-2005, 07:40 AM

Agreed on the steeda sports. They will give you the inch and a quarter you are looking for. I cant wait to put mine in. Im using mach one shocks and struts.

NoKturnaL · 07-12-2005, 02:39 PM

I have decided to go 18x9 Rims all around instead of the 18x9 up from and 18x10 out back. Cost Savings on tires.....

What the perfect tire size for 18x9 Chrome saleens rims on all 4 corners?

Badfish · 07-12-2005, 02:41 PM

285/35/18 :icon_thum 295 if you want a lil bigger

*Lances03SVT* · 07-12-2005, 02:41 PM

275/35/18's.

*venom* · 07-12-2005, 05:36 PM

295 35 18 is really expensive I might go to 17s but 185 for 295 is an awesome deal.

*Lances03SVT* · 07-12-2005, 05:40 PM

Yep I paid like $220 apiece for my 285/35/18's.

tripleblack · 07-13-2005, 04:44 AM

285/18's up front will scrub a little on tight turns at speed, particularly after lowering the car. 275's may be the better choice. My Falken 275/35 W18's cost $169 each from www.tiresavings.com (see my post above for my comments on this supplier).

Tires are arriving today. Hope to have them on car late tomorrow. Will post pics asap.

luck to all

tripleblack

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8 SyndicateZ

I have decided to go 18x9 Rims all around instead of the 18x9 up from and 18x10 out back. Cost Savings on tires.....

What the perfect tire size for 18x9 Chrome saleens rims on all 4 corners?

Shaker242 · 07-13-2005, 12:34 PM

I'd recommend a different size tire setup...

The stock 04 GT comes with 245/45/17 and once I lowered my car the right front rubbed on the inside... however; when I changed out my wheels I wanted to alter the grip without compromising the ride quality (daily driver). I chose 245/40/18 for the front, as wider tires will stiffen turn quality and shorten your turn radius... If you want bigger, look at 265 which I've seen a lot of at car shows with reports of no rubbing or turning problems. The rear I chose 275/35/18, this places more tire width in addition to tire length on the road. The odd F/R side wall sizes complements the spread of tire across a 18x9 - helping to keep the wheels equalized.

It is important to note that although the wheel diameter is increasing, the overall diameter of the tire remains consistent. This is crucial to preserving the speedometer reading and gear ratio. When plus sizing, the tire is wider (section width) and therefore gives us a larger footprint. Also, the sidewall becomes shorter (aspect ratio) and more rigid.

To check your speedometer once the new wheels are on, use this formula.

miles per hour = (rpm * tire diameter)/(gear ratio x 336)

So for you.. F265/40/18 & R295/35/18 or F245/40/18 & R285/35/18... you can also call Steeda or your favorite local motorsports shop for a good recommendation.

- If your lowering your car, get the Steeda X2 Ball Joints and tie rod ends... this will prevent wearing from bad toe angles etc. It might be time for you to look at caster/camber plates too. :glasses2:

tripleblack · 07-14-2005, 05:45 PM

Finally got the wheels and tires installed on my 2002 GT convertible. Pics attached.

Front: Polished 18x9 Bullits with 275/35 W18 Falken tires.

Rear: Polished 18x10 Bullits with 295/35 W18 Firestone Firehawk tires.

No fit problems. Handles much better than stock 245/45 ZR17 goodyears.

Can't tell much of a ride difference. Slightly taller than oe wheel/tire combo.
Car has Steeda sport springs and 1.2" drop front and rear.

tripleblack

*Lances03SVT* · 07-14-2005, 05:49 PM

Very nice tripleblack :headbang:

Shaker242 · 07-14-2005, 06:46 PM

I'm not much for black cars... but that's about the hottest vert i've seen!!! (except for mine <evil grin>)

07-11-2005, 05:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
NoKturnaL MustangTuning 5-oh Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Peabody, MA Posts: 1,950	Rims, tires, and lowering oh my... Im getting 2 Chrome 18x9 Saleen rims and 2 18x10 Chrome saleen rims. If i get 275/35 tires up front and 295/45 tires at the rear should I have any issues? will those sized tires fit the rims? Also I wanna lower my car a bit, prolly no m ore than 1-1/4 inches. What springs, struts, shocks do ya recommend? and will I need any think else when lowering the right way? __________________ 2002 Mustang GT Coupe 5-Speed Performance K&N Intake Accufab upper Intake Plenum Accufab 70mm Throttle Body Steeda Pullies SCT 4-Bank Chip Dyno Tuned Mac H-pipe Flowmaster Cat-Back Steeda Shifter Centerforce Clutch SLP-Line-Lock And more upgrades visually

07-11-2005, 05:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
Badfish Listen to reggae. Join Date: May 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 8,889	front sounds good, for the back, something more like 285/35 would be better for the rear __________________ '04 2.3l Evo '86 GSXR 750

07-11-2005, 06:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
Lances03SVT Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Location: Carthage, Missouri Posts: 9,244	Yep a 45 would be to tall,285/35/18 or 295/35/18 would be perfect. __________________ _______________________ 2003 Cobra SOLD

07-11-2005, 07:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
txcobra96 Junior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 13	im running 295 35 18x10s in the back.. firestone firehawks, excellent tires.. in the past 6 years, i've used bridgestone s-02s, and s-03s, michelin pilot sport IIs and kuhmo supras in the front.. so far, the firehawks are pretty impressive.. i think i paid about 200$ each.. as for the fronts, go with a smaller size.. 255, 245.. __________________ 96 Blackcherry Cobra engine built by Dennis Ramsey: bored .20 over, CP flat top pistons, Eagle H beam rods, Motorsport high vol oil pump, 80mm C&L, custom port & polished heads, match ported intake, Diablo chip, 190lb walbro, MAC LT headers, MAC off road H pipe, MAC 2.5 Catback, Hurst shifter, stock T45, 11in FR flywheel w 11in cobra clutch, Eibach Sportlines, 03 Cobra Bilsteins, Bilstein HD rear shocks, sitting on some bullshit.. deep dish FR500's coming soon!! :]

07-11-2005, 07:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
Lances03SVT Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Location: Carthage, Missouri Posts: 9,244	I would'nt go smaller than a 265/35/18 on the front. __________________ _______________________ 2003 Cobra SOLD

07-11-2005, 07:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
DarkSith Victory Is Mine Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lake City, SC Posts: 1,327	Saleen.com recommends 265/35/18 front and 295/35/18

07-12-2005, 07:40 AM	#9 (permalink)
madmatt Traitor...lol Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 7,929	Agreed on the steeda sports. They will give you the inch and a quarter you are looking for. I cant wait to put mine in. Im using mach one shocks and struts. __________________ RPMPlanets

07-12-2005, 02:39 PM	#10 (permalink)
NoKturnaL MustangTuning 5-oh Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Peabody, MA Posts: 1,950	I have decided to go 18x9 Rims all around instead of the 18x9 up from and 18x10 out back. Cost Savings on tires..... What the perfect tire size for 18x9 Chrome saleens rims on all 4 corners? __________________ 2002 Mustang GT Coupe 5-Speed Performance K&N Intake Accufab upper Intake Plenum Accufab 70mm Throttle Body Steeda Pullies SCT 4-Bank Chip Dyno Tuned Mac H-pipe Flowmaster Cat-Back Steeda Shifter Centerforce Clutch SLP-Line-Lock And more upgrades visually

07-12-2005, 02:41 PM	#11 (permalink)
Badfish Listen to reggae. Join Date: May 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 8,889	285/35/18 :icon_thum 295 if you want a lil bigger __________________ '04 2.3l Evo '86 GSXR 750

07-12-2005, 02:41 PM	#12 (permalink)
Lances03SVT Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Location: Carthage, Missouri Posts: 9,244	275/35/18's. __________________ _______________________ 2003 Cobra SOLD

07-12-2005, 05:36 PM	#13 (permalink)
venom Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,406	295 35 18 is really expensive I might go to 17s but 185 for 295 is an awesome deal.

07-12-2005, 05:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
Lances03SVT Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Location: Carthage, Missouri Posts: 9,244	Yep I paid like $220 apiece for my 285/35/18's. __________________ _______________________ 2003 Cobra SOLD

07-13-2005, 12:34 PM	#16 (permalink)
Shaker242 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 121	I'd recommend a different size tire setup... The stock 04 GT comes with 245/45/17 and once I lowered my car the right front rubbed on the inside... however; when I changed out my wheels I wanted to alter the grip without compromising the ride quality (daily driver). I chose 245/40/18 for the front, as wider tires will stiffen turn quality and shorten your turn radius... If you want bigger, look at 265 which I've seen a lot of at car shows with reports of no rubbing or turning problems. The rear I chose 275/35/18, this places more tire width in addition to tire length on the road. The odd F/R side wall sizes complements the spread of tire across a 18x9 - helping to keep the wheels equalized. It is important to note that although the wheel diameter is increasing, the overall diameter of the tire remains consistent. This is crucial to preserving the speedometer reading and gear ratio. When plus sizing, the tire is wider (section width) and therefore gives us a larger footprint. Also, the sidewall becomes shorter (aspect ratio) and more rigid. To check your speedometer once the new wheels are on, use this formula. miles per hour = (rpm * tire diameter)/(gear ratio x 336) So for you.. F265/40/18 & R295/35/18 or F245/40/18 & R285/35/18... you can also call Steeda or your favorite local motorsports shop for a good recommendation. - If your lowering your car, get the Steeda X2 Ball Joints and tie rod ends... this will prevent wearing from bad toe angles etc. It might be time for you to look at caster/camber plates too. :glasses2:

07-14-2005, 05:49 PM	#18 (permalink)
Lances03SVT Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Location: Carthage, Missouri Posts: 9,244	Very nice tripleblack :headbang: __________________ _______________________ 2003 Cobra SOLD

07-14-2005, 06:46 PM	#19 (permalink)
Shaker242 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 121	I'm not much for black cars... but that's about the hottest vert i've seen!!! (except for mine <evil grin>)

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