sc430aloha

I am looking for wider tires to fit the stock 2002 wheels - 18x8 + 45. The current ones are 245/40/18 run flats and want to replace with non run flats.
I was thinking of the following:

Front: 255/40/18
Rear: 265/40/18 Will they fit without altering the fenders?

How about wider tires: 275/35/18

Thanks
Ken

zig@tr

The 265/40R18 tire needs a 9" wide wheel minimum and the 255/40R18 needs a 8.5" wide wheel minimum. The stock wheel is only 8", so the tires would have a tough time seating the bead and would honestly look bulgy and like they have been pinched onto a narrow wheel. Also, it's a not a good idea to mix your front run flats with the rear non-run flats.

sc430aloha

I am planning on running non RFT on all wheels. The only reason I was thinking of wider rear tires is more clearance and rear drive traction.

Do you think that one size wider (255/40) would create a problem on a 1/2 inch narrower wheel?

My goal is to get a better handling car so maybe going from run flats to a high performance non run flat tire of the same width will do it. Right?
Thanks for your comments.
Ken

zig@tr

Not necessarily, but I think you would be better off getting a really good performance tire rather than being concerned with gaining an extra 10mm of tread width. That 10mm is so minor in tread width it really boils down to just finding a really sticky tire. Let me know the tread life you are hoping to get out of the tire and I would be glad to give you the best match.

sc430aloha

I am looking at the Michelin Pilot Super Sport 245/40/18 and the 255/40/18. Like you said, I'm not sure that I would be able to notice any difference between the two sizes while driving on the street, not matter how "spirited" the drive.
I appreciate your comments.
Ken