Hi,
I was wondering if you all could guide me, since I am new to wheels/tires...
My 05 6MT is expected in around early October and I am planning on upgrading to the A-spec wheels.

Since the A-spec seems to be quite prone to curb rash, I was thinking about upgrading to a 245/40/18 tire to provide more protection. Am I correct in thinking that it would?
Are there any disadvantages to going 'wider' in terms of road feel, rubbing, etc? Or would a 245 tire work fine (even with the Brembos).

I am probably going to get the 04 gunmetal wheels since the new wheels dont appeal to me aesthetically. Plus, I'm guessing that they'll be cheaper

Thanks for any advice!

 

First of all, according to another thread, they are going to a 8" wide wheel instead of 8.5 for 2005. This should help considerably.

Second, I had a G35 sedan that I upgraded to 18x8's and first put on 235/45-18 tires. Later I upgraded to 245's. I think either is a reasonable choice. I did not notice any real performance difference, but the 245's did have a heavier "feel" to them (over rough roads there was some difference in feel - but not enough to make me regret my choice).

Regarding curb rash, with the new wheels and 235's, as long as you get tires with rim protectors you should be fine. In fact, I thought the 245's on my G35 actually stuck out a little further from the rim than I really liked.

 

245/40/18 tires will fit just fine. the ride quality depends on the tire you choose. protecting the rims are slim even with the rim-protector bead provided on a tire like the Falken ST115. caliper clearance is a rim issue not a tire issue.

if you want to fill the well a tad more you may want to test fit a 245/45/18 tire.

i suggest you work with a local shop if possible. if you know exactly what you want the www.hptire.net is a good place for tires.

IMHO, i would not opt for a-spec wheels, i would go after a set of OZ, Enkei, RonJon, or Volk rims.

 

Good God, man. A 245/45-18 is over an inch taller than the stock tire. That is not a good thing.

 

235/40/18 is what the 18" A-spec wheels come with, i think those would be ideal, but if you do go with the 245/40/18, it shouldn't rub with a wheel that has the right offset.
This is a 245/40/18 tire on the 18" x 8.5" wheel and a 42mm offset, he has no rubbing...

 

RonJon,
I was thinking about getting the Falken Ziex 512 (all season tires) for the 2004 A-spec wheel (18x8.5). Tire size would be the 245/40/18 to provide some curb protection. Do you know if the offset on these tires would be ok (to prevent rubbing)? Thanks!