DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

This is for my GF's NSX (not my GS), but thought you experts may be able to help us out with a tire size decision.

She's getting a set of Work VS-SS wheels with 17x8 front and 18 x 10 in the rear.

Tires on factory wheels for the NSX are a bit weird, because they are staggered (like the sizes she is buying, but 1 inch smaller) and have a specific tire for each wheel (I'm sure there is a term for this that I don't know).

We need to decide what size tires to get. Recommended sizes from NSX forums are kind of bizzare and I don't quite understand why:

215/40/17 with 265/35/18 (rear seems small to me)
225/35/17 and 285/30/18 (rear seems big to me)
225/35/17 and 275/35/18
215/40/17 and 275/35/18

For some reason, she's getting advice to stay away from the 275 in the rear because they're taller than the others... There seems to be a limited number of tire manufacturers that make tires in these sizes.

Here's a pic of a red NSX with the same wheels (her's is black)


Thanks in advance!

Grimpy

I know this is not an option, but I would put 225/35/17 in the front and 265/40/18's in the rear. Reason for the 35's in the front, no engine weight... IMO ...

Is this true? Lower the series ( 35, 30 ), easier to bend/crack rims than say 40 series?

GS4Will

Dave,

very nice wheel chice. i just checked few jdm wheel makers' fittment guide for you, most advice sizes for 18s in 255/265/35/18.

nsx is a very uniqe car. i actually had a chance two yrs ago to almost acquire one from a movie set demo, so i frquented nsx forum for lots of info, and the upgrades in tyre sizes are quite interesting. from talking to japan last time, i was informed that for nsx, actually the factory set up is the most ideal to max the handling potential of this exotic object. that been said, there are still many car guys around the globe is tuning the nsx. heck, 17/18 make that car looked awesome

so i would say stay with 255/265/35/18 and the latter size has many choices to choose from.

btw, nice choice of wheel

mumbles

David,
I have found this little applet invaluable when sizing tires. Just put in your stock tire size and the size(s) you are considering, and it prints out the difference and how rpm, etc... will be affected. Tire Calculator