Notices
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)

Tire width for wheel width?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 5, 2011 | 05:42 PM
  #1  
DJVe's Avatar
DJVe
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: CA
Default Tire width for wheel width?

Hi everyone, I am somewhat new here, been reading and reading for about the past 3 months. I have a 1998 SC400, and I am finally in the position to purchase some new wheels.

I wanted to go 18", and I wanted either 18x10 or 18x10.5 for the rear. The plan as of now is only a 0.5" drop. So I am asking what tire sizes for each width can I use without having to roll fenders. I was planning to stay pretty close to the 50mm offset, just slightly less.

Despite reading around the internet, can someone explain to me perhaps how you know what tire widths you can use on a given wheel width? I thought you would just use a tire the same width, but for a 10.5" wheel, that would still only be around a 265 tire, which I would assume is considered narrow for that width.

Before I get flamed, I read the sticky and tried to compile as much information as I could, but I couldn't find something close to the setup I am wishing to run. Sorry if I missed something.

Thank you in advance for any help.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2011 | 06:13 PM
  #2  
SChema's Avatar
SChema
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma
Default

At least a 275 on a 10.5 wheel. Even then it's a bit stretched. If you want the sidewalls to be more square, look at a 295 - 305.

Last edited by SChema; Mar 5, 2011 at 06:17 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2011 | 06:27 PM
  #3  
DJVe's Avatar
DJVe
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: CA
Default

ok thanks! is there a formula to figure out the appropriate tire width, or is it typically like a range for a given wheel width?
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2011 | 07:36 PM
  #4  
Kira X's Avatar
Kira X
桜犯罪シンジケート
CL Folding 10,000
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,688
Likes: 667
From: 東京都
Default

I wouldn't go any smaller than 265's on a 10.5 wheel.
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2011 | 08:21 PM
  #5  
SChema's Avatar
SChema
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma
Default

Originally Posted by DJVe
ok thanks! is there a formula to figure out the appropriate tire width, or is it typically like a range for a given wheel width?
General run of thumb if you want to run a fairly square sidewall, look for a tire that is roughly an inch wider than the wheel. This is for lower profile tires, the higher the profile equates to a narrower wheel.

In your case, 10.5 x 25.4 = 266.7mm (roughly a 265 tire). You have to understand this measurement is the sectional width of the tire, not the tread width. This number is the widest width of a tire produced by a given manufacturer.

With that infomation; a 285 equates to an 11.22 inch tire and a 295 equates to an 11.61 inch tire. I currently run a 285/30 on a 10 inch wheel and it is a square tire on the verge of slightly mushrooming. Adding another half inch to the wheel equates to roughly 13mm, so moving from a 285 to a 295 is a 10mm difference; therefore fitment of a 295 on a 10.5 wheel is going to be similar to that of a 285 on a 10 inch wheel. These measurements are with the use of BFG KDW's.

Last thing to note is tires do run narrower or wider from manufacturer to manufacturer. Nothing is guaranteed to fit 100% without knowing all elements involved.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
PR FIEBRU
Wheels, Tires & Brakes Forum
5
Mar 12, 2009 04:54 PM
mobilyte
Wheels, Tires & Brakes Forum
1
Oct 12, 2006 12:05 PM
Ag02M5
Wheels, Tires & Brakes Forum
11
Apr 23, 2002 04:29 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:48 AM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE