Another thought on replacement tires

[Rkammer]

Was just browsing the Tire Rack site and came up with a thought on tires for the MM. A size combo that would maintain he size difference ratio would be 275/40 x 18 on the rear and 245/40 x 18 on the front. The car would be lowered almost 1 inch and 3.73 gears could be used which would almost exactly (within 50 RPM) equal the RPM of the 4.10 gears with OEM sized tires. Fatter footprint in the back too. Load spec would drop on the front tires about 200 lbs but still should be OK for the MM.

Has anyone considered this kind of arrangement? Is the lower stance a problem? It certainly opens up the tire options as these sizes are offered by numerous tire manufacturers in a wide range of prices. There would be a weight savings of about 25 lbs total and, the stock wheels could be retained. :)

[SergntMac]

and, the stock wheels could be retained.
And you were doing so well...

275 wide tires require a wider wheel in the rear.

[torinodan]

????????275 typo????????

[Rkammer]

And you were doing so well...

275 wide tires require a wider wheel in the rear.
The spec wheel is 9 1/2" with the range being 9 to 11". Aren't the stock wheels 9"? Even if they are 8" I think they would work with the 275/40 x18 tire. Especially since they are on the back not, the front. Many enthusiasts run 275 series tires on 8" rims (and smaller) without any problem. I think this will work.

[SergntMac]

The spec wheel is 9 1/2" with the range being 9 to 11". Aren't the stock wheels 9"? Even if they are 8" I think they would work with the 275/40 x18 tire. Especially since they are on the back not, the front. Many enthusiasts run 275 series tires on 8" rims (and smaller) without any problem. I think this will work. Stock Marauder wheels are 18X8, and 275/40 tires require a wider wheel. But, drive on my friend, do what you want, it's your car.

[Rkammer]

Stock Marauder wheels are 18X8, and 275/40 tires require a wider wheel. But, drive on my friend, do what you want, it's your car.
I would consider it but for the cost of about $700 for a set mounted and balanced. Then, if it didn't work out, I'm SOL! There's always the widened rims for about $500 for the rear pair. Not a bad investement for being able to select from a much wider range of available tires IMO.

[AzMarauder]

I would consider it but for the cost of about $700 for a set mounted and balanced. Then, if it didn't work out, I'm SOL! There's always the widened rims for about $500 for the rear pair. Not a bad investement for being able to select from a much wider range of available tires IMO.
Ray,

Thanks for the ideas on the tires. Perhaps you could widen the rear wheels a bit and go this route. I am going to play a little bit along these lines. I have some rims coming... I once tried to STUFF 275s onto 17 x 8 rims and it didn't work. The tires wanted a minimum of 8.5 and they just wouldn't mount up well. Tire Rack took them back because they made the mistake when I called and asked if they would fit my rims. So nothing lost but time.

Looking to see if I can get my new rear rims widened by an inch....

I'll keep you informed.

[RCSignals]

Here are some extra wheels to widen

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7990968661&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

[Rkammer]

Here are some extra wheels to widen

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7990968661&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
Think I may bid on them. anyone want to split them with me? 2 each?

[2003DOHC]

Think I may bid on them. anyone want to split them with me? 2 each?


Ray you have a PM.

[AzMarauder]

Think I may bid on them. anyone want to split them with me? 2 each?
Ray,

I have some aftermarket rims that I am going to try and widen. So I won't be able to join in the joint purchase.