Whats a Fat Setup
01-16-05, 09:22 PM
#2
The term "fat" tire setup refers to using tire specs that would give you more sidewall than a "normal" setup. The benefit for low-profile tires would be more rubber which usually translates to a better ride.
I will give you an example for the GS, as that is my car.
In general, the only rim size that makes the most use out of this spec is 19. Typical normal tire size for 18s (I'll skip staggered setups for simplicity) is 245/40. For 19s, 245/35 and for 20s 245/35.
If we go by the definition above, the spec for 20s is already "fat" as to be closer to OEM size, you'd run 245/30. The problems with this size for 20s are that is is not as readily available and the rubber would be very thin (about 3") and will make driving not as optimal. Running this "fat" (but really for usable application, this is normal) size for 20s, we get the outside diameter (OD) of the wheel at 26.8" which is about 1" bigger than OEM.
For 18s, the side wall is about 4" for a 245/40 setup. This gives us an OD of 25.7, right at OEM. I suppose you can run a "fat" 18 setup at 245/45 with side wall of 4.3" and OD of 26.7". This would give you even better rim protection and ride but for many, the extra rubber for this setup takes away from the aggressive look of low-profile tires.
Now, for 19s which I said earlier is the size that benefits from the "fat" spec. 245/40 on 19s will have a sidewall of 3.9" and OD of 26.7". These numbers mean that the 19s will ride as well as 18s, will have minimal impact on visuals as the sidewall is the same as "normal" 18s, and will give the car the extra lift (since the OD is the size of 20s) for more ground clearance while reducing the fender gap better (also because of the OD), and thus requiring less of a drop.
There is a bit of rubbing and fitment issues when you are running at the OD of 20s. This is one of the reasons why some prefer to stay at the OEM OD.
Anyway, it is a personal choice of how each person want the balance of ride quality, looks, and compliance to OEM spec.
Believe it or not, this is only a slightly detailed overview since there are a few other things to consider but hopefully, this gives you a start on understanding this "fat" term better.
I will give you an example for the GS, as that is my car.
In general, the only rim size that makes the most use out of this spec is 19. Typical normal tire size for 18s (I'll skip staggered setups for simplicity) is 245/40. For 19s, 245/35 and for 20s 245/35.
If we go by the definition above, the spec for 20s is already "fat" as to be closer to OEM size, you'd run 245/30. The problems with this size for 20s are that is is not as readily available and the rubber would be very thin (about 3") and will make driving not as optimal. Running this "fat" (but really for usable application, this is normal) size for 20s, we get the outside diameter (OD) of the wheel at 26.8" which is about 1" bigger than OEM.
For 18s, the side wall is about 4" for a 245/40 setup. This gives us an OD of 25.7, right at OEM. I suppose you can run a "fat" 18 setup at 245/45 with side wall of 4.3" and OD of 26.7". This would give you even better rim protection and ride but for many, the extra rubber for this setup takes away from the aggressive look of low-profile tires.
Now, for 19s which I said earlier is the size that benefits from the "fat" spec. 245/40 on 19s will have a sidewall of 3.9" and OD of 26.7". These numbers mean that the 19s will ride as well as 18s, will have minimal impact on visuals as the sidewall is the same as "normal" 18s, and will give the car the extra lift (since the OD is the size of 20s) for more ground clearance while reducing the fender gap better (also because of the OD), and thus requiring less of a drop.
There is a bit of rubbing and fitment issues when you are running at the OD of 20s. This is one of the reasons why some prefer to stay at the OEM OD.
Anyway, it is a personal choice of how each person want the balance of ride quality, looks, and compliance to OEM spec.
Believe it or not, this is only a slightly detailed overview since there are a few other things to consider but hopefully, this gives you a start on understanding this "fat" term better.
Last edited by Neo; 01-16-05 at 10:26 PM.
01-16-05, 10:15 PM
#4
neo pretty much coverd it all about the fat setup. just to recap, to me fat is all about the ride comfort. especially when you step up to 19, the drop in the tire profile is going to affect the ride quite a bit. if you are not used to it, you will probably be irritated. the fat setup effectively make your car back into the 18s setup in terms of the tire sidewall, it's pretty darn good
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