GR8TSCOT

iTrader: (1)

I'm upgrading to staggered 18's on my '99 LS400. The "right" tire sizes are 245/45-18 front, 275/40-18 rear. Stock tires are 225/60-16 on 7" rims. Thus new tires are almost 1" and exactly 2" wider (front/rear) than stock.

My choices in wheel width for the wheels I've selected are 8",9" and 10". The math clearly indicates that I should go with 8" & 9", but the wheel supplier is telling me to go 9" and 10".

My concern is that I don't what the rims sticking way out, making me more vulnerable to curb rash. I'd also prefer the wheels to be lighter, and 1" wider = heavier.

Who out there has advice / insight?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

do 9 and 10. you really don't put tire and wheel measurement like how you said. 9 and 10 is a better match for those tires.

and you just need to make sure o nthe right offsets

GR8TSCOT

iTrader: (1)

I'm not sure what you mean, "you really don't put tire and wheel measurement like how you said". As an engineer, it seems pretty simple and straightforward to me. My stock tires have a treadwidth of 225 mm, just about exactly 9". They are riding on 7" wide rims. I like this setup, because I never have curb rash problems! If I get 245 mm and 275 mm wide tires (9.8" and 11" respectively) why shouldn't I maintain the 2" difference between wheel and tire width?

What do I gain by going to wider rims (9"/10" vs. 8"/9"), other than a deeper lip (good), more weight (bad), and greater risk of curb rash (very bad)?

Did I mention that my car gets its license plate from my beautiful wife, who hails from Glasgow, Scotland? She co-owns and also drives the car. The tires on her last vehicle became "anonymous" brand, due to excessive curb-rubbing...

BTW, can anyone post pics and details of their 18" staggered setup? What width wheels do you go with? What size tires? What brand/model of tires? What do you like about your setup and what don't you like? What would you do differently if you had to do it again?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i know what you mean by the "engineering" method, but tires just don't work that way. putting 245 and 275 on 8 and 9 are just too much tire for the wheel. 9 and 10 is really a better match imho

GR8TSCOT

iTrader: (1)

Here is a picture of a 275/40-18 tire on a 10" wide iForged Seneka rim. Notice how close the rim comes to the outer bulge of the sidewall. Curb Rash City. Do you guys *really* think this is the way to go?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well, let's just say whatever tires that says it has the little sidewall lip to help avoid curb rash, it's more like theory only... the way i see it, if you curb, you are going to curb it... that little rubber is not going to stop you from curbing the wheel

GR8TSCOT

iTrader: (1)

...which is why I'm leaning towards slightly narrower wheels! I haven't been able to get a picture of 275's with a 9" wheel or 245's with an 8" wheel to show how it would protect better against curb rash.

The wheel/tire "look" I'm searching for is sort of like a BMW 740 sport with (stock) staggered 18's. I've checked the specs, and they're 8" width front and 9.5" rear.

Neo

iTrader: (3)

If you are going to do 275, it would be better on 9.5. The L-Tuned wheels from Lexus was also 8 front 9.5 rear.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i know what you mean, but you should try to get a tire that's optimal for the width of the rim as well. different tires have different spec. i think 275 is "ok" for 9" rim, but for optimal performance, i think 9.5 or 10 is better.

just from my memory