Widened Wheel Survey

[Windsor58]

All,
I'm researching new tires and would like some help. And I know you guys (and ladies, too, of course) have opinions and like to share them... :D

If you are running widened wheels, can you post the make, model and size tires you are running (front and back) and your opinion of their wet, dry and light snow (if applicable) performance? Also interested in if they are noisy or quiet (or get noisy after a while). Observations on wear would be useful as well. If you are running non-stock pressures, please note that as well. Any other observations that you think someone would be interested in knowing before spending the money, please add as well.

Thanks.

[PantherP71]

Add some pictures to :D

[Peace2Peep]

Running the following:

255 45 18 Nitto NT555 Front

295 45 18 Nitto NT555 Rears ( Widened Rear Wheels )

I'd say the traction is great...these do start out quiet and a little soft, but as you do some burnouts and a couple of drag passes they settle in. They lose grip very gradually and with moments to correct at the limit.

I feel like these sizes look the best on the 300A Marauder. Some seem to look like exaggerated staggered looks...this one looks very agreeable and almost stock...but with attitude!

They do seem to get louder late in the game but its just the wear bars coming through. They last quite a while and have excellent wet traction in my estimation. I am on my second set as the first set came with the car at 7K miles...now I'm at 40K and loving them.

[lincolnpimp]

OEM Fronts

295 45 18 Nitto NT555 Rears
on widened rims

I had to remove the upper shock covers, and bend the upper shock mounts in some to clear the sidewall.

The Nittos are great, however I would never have done anything with the wheels without the Detroit TruTrac and 31 spline axles.... The OEM set up would not stand a chance against this traction.

[Marauderman]

Running the following:

255 45 18 Nitto NT555 Front

295 45 18 Nitto NT555 Rears ( Widened Rear Wheels )

I'd say the traction is great...these do start out quiet and a little soft, but as you do some burnouts and a couple of drag passes they settle in. They lose grip very gradually and with moments to correct at the limit.

I feel like these sizes look the best on the 300A Marauder. Some seem to look like exaggerated staggered looks...this one looks very agreeable and almost stock...but with attitude!

They do seem to get louder late in the game but its just the wear bars coming through. They last quite a while and have excellent wet traction in my estimation. I am on my second set as the first set came with the car at 7K miles...now I'm at 40K and loving them.

+1 ^^^^ I too have the same and agree.....

[FordNut]

Same here.

[Embassy]

Running the following:

255 45 18 Nitto NT555 Front

295 45 18 Nitto NT555 Rears ( Widened Rear Wheels )

Ditto.

Either the lowered stance of the Nittos give my Marauder a slightly harsher ride.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/644609/fullsize/img_3184.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/644602/fullsize/img_3182.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/644610/fullsize/img_3194.jpg


Click the Marauder link in my sig for pics of how the widened wheels improve the Marauder's appearance.

[Zack]

Unless you are after the look, IMHO widened wheels are a complete waste of money.

Even with a blower and drag radials, you are still gonna lose traction on the street, and your burnouts are limited cause the damn tires cost so much.

Just my .02

[Joe Walsh]

I like and run the P255 front/P295 rear Nitto 555s as well.
It does give the Marauder the 'full fenderwell' look that it needs.

I have a set of P305 Nitto 555R DRs, but I need to get another set of widened rims to run them.

[FordNut]

I have a set of P305 Nitto 555R DRs, but I need to get another set of widened rims to run them.

That's what I did. They won't fit in the trunk, at least with the organizer. So I can carry them to the track strapped to one of those cargo racks that plugs into the trailer hitch.

[magindat]

While this is completely irrelevant to your research, Chip,

I'm running a 20x10 65mm offset rim which was originally 20x8 40mm offset with BFG KDWNT 295/45/20.

They suck. Don't stick. Don't work with ABS. Might just kill you in the rain. But look BAD AS HELL!!!

Next tire change will be 315/35/20 Nitto Invos.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/3/DSCF6220.jpg

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/3/DSCF6218.jpg

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=28 2736&d=1219868637

http://bmserver2.ciestudios.com/img/nitto_invo.jpg

[Windsor58]

Thanks for the info everyone.


...

Next tire change will be 315/35/20 Nitto Invos.



Rich - how ya gonna get those 315s to fit? You got a big sledgehammer?? :)

[RoyLPita]

BTW, I am one of those few members here who have 295/45-18 tires on non-widened 18" MM wheels.

[dpotter]

You just had to go there didn't you Brian! I have widened rear stockers on GY Eagle F1 295/45's, BFG KDWS 235/50's up front. Great traction wet or dry, boosted.

Agreed with Zack but hey, the looks alone are worth the $$ IMHO:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3630137222_6e2a8a3ce7_o.jpg

Zack, thanks again for that stunning badgeless grill :beer:

[Windsor58]

dpotter - that's a fine looking blue. And I say that as a proud black owner. Have you had any problems with the F1s leaking in the tread area? I read a few posts last night about them leaking in the tread area. I need to go check my Cobra. It's been stored in the garage for several months, now, and I haven't checked the pressures on it lately.

[FordNut]

When I first got a set of widened rear rims I ran a set of Goodyear Eagle F1-GS 295/45-18's. The Nittos are better in every aspect. Rain grip, dry traction, handling, and ability to match fronts.

[Windsor58]

Has anyone run Hankooks?

[RoyLPita]

Has anyone run Hankooks?

I've got them and so does NAVCHAP on widened wheels.

[Windsor58]

I've got them and so does NAVCHAP on widened wheels.

How do you like them? I'm leaning towards the Nittos, but am concerned about cold weather and light snow that I might get caught in up here in CO. Do you have different front model from the back? It looks like they make one model in 295, but would have to get a different model for the fronts as they don't have them in 255 45s.

[dpotter]

Windsor58, I've had zero probs running the F1's daily.

FordNut, I really like the look of the 555's, saw them yesterday on Rumble's MM. Your feedback is greatly appreciated as I know for sure I can get the Nittos for less than I paid for the F1's. I may go all four corners with the Nittos once I blow the GY's off, I swear this Trilogy is the best mod ever~!

Question for you though, what can I get away with on the Nittos? I had to use RR spacers with the F1's due to a slight rub on the shock cover at normal ride height. I would ideally run a 315. I think I can run a 295 Nitto w/o spacers, I prefer not to run spacers but will if needed to get to 305-315 if I only need the 1/2" I'm running now. Any idea how far I can go w/o spacers running a Nitto OR with 1/2" spacers? I'll do what I need to w/o tubbing her for a 315. 295's good but 315's optimal for me.

Thanks, hope this exchange helps the OP.

[guccijayda]

i currently have hankooks 295/45/18 on the rears and the stock 235/45/18s on the front and it has that muscle'ee' staggered look and still maintains that front end slant(or w/e you call it). The exact width measurement of the hankook ventus 295's is 11.7 inches.

Yup the 295's are mounted on the stock 8" rims! Drives fine, rides fine, great for straightline with the wide footprint, but not for autocross(sidewall flex with stock unwidened rims) which i dont do anyways. Looks great and aggressive i could literally fit two hands on the width of my rear tires! Before the tune I couldn't squeel tires on a launch even with the stock 245's nevertheless my 295s!With lidios 3.55 tune installed i can actually chirp tires on a launch with my 295's! But just for a split second... lol wonder if they will grab whatsoever with my 4.10's...cant wait!

I have lidios tune, jlt intake, flowmaster 40's and getting my 4.10s installed tommorow!! Ill post a thread after i break them in for 200miles or so.

[FordNut]

Windsor58, I've had zero probs running the F1's daily.

FordNut, I really like the look of the 555's, saw them yesterday on Rumble's MM. Your feedback is greatly appreciated as I know for sure I can get the Nittos for less than I paid for the F1's. I may go all four corners with the Nittos once I blow the GY's off, I swear this Trilogy is the best mod ever~!

Question for you though, what can I get away with on the Nittos? I had to use RR spacers with the F1's due to a slight rub on the shock cover at normal ride height. I would ideally run a 315. I think I can run a 295 Nitto w/o spacers, I prefer not to run spacers but will if needed to get to 305-315 if I only need the 1/2" I'm running now. Any idea how far I can go w/o spacers running a Nitto OR with 1/2" spacers? I'll do what I need to w/o tubbing her for a 315. 295's good but 315's optimal for me.

Thanks, hope this exchange helps the OP.

No spacers. I also run the 305/45-18 Nitto 555 Drag Radials with no clearance problems. BUT I have the Naake rear shocks which have a lot more clearance than the OEM shocks. I don't know of a 315 that will work, they have lower profile so the rev's per mile will be off and will affect ABS/TC.

[RoyLPita]

How do you like them? I'm leaning towards the Nittos, but am concerned about cold weather and light snow that I might get caught in up here in CO. Do you have different front model from the back? It looks like they make one model in 295, but would have to get a different model for the fronts as they don't have them in 255 45s.

I like them. I plan on getting them again because I like the stance that the tires give the unwidened wheels and since stock BFGs are always in short supply. It is far different than what is usually seen. You are correct that Hankook does not have matched tread front and rear but they are fine no matter what.

[dpotter]

Thanks FordNut, that's likely my next selection.

[RR|Suki]

Unless you are after the look, IMHO widened wheels are a complete waste of money.

Even with a blower and drag radials, you are still gonna lose traction on the street, and your burnouts are limited cause the damn tires cost so much.

Just my .02

I have to agree and disagree

In truth if you make any real amount of power nothing is gonna hold the tires in first gear on the street, it's certainly important to come to terms with that. However I wouldn't say they are a total waste, on the stock size it was really bad but, at least with the wider tires I can pedal through first while still going forward... I do also agree about the burnout bit... stupid things are expensive as hell :flamer:

[blackrauder]

Yes 255/55/R18 in the rear. When i hit the gas you get just enough spin and then it grips. They sell them at pepboys 137.99 a piece, they have a really nice ride

Has anyone run Hankooks?

[magindat]

Thanks for the info everyone.



Rich - how ya gonna get those 315s to fit? You got a big sledgehammer?? :)

:eek: Clearance will be in single digit millimeters! ;)

:rolleyes:

Oh yeah!

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

295s on a stock width rim, lol, ok that explains a lot. I would not recommend doing this, these cars have enough body roll without adding sidewall squirm into the equation

[magindat]

BTW, I am one of those few members here who have 295/45-18 tires on non-widened 18" MM wheels.

I know it works, Brian, but that is DANGEROUS!

Tire tech....

Tires are rated for certain rim widths in order to keep sidewall flex within a certain range. The stuff (steel, nylon, whatever) baked inside the sidewall MOVES within it's rubber 'sheathing' as the sidewall flexes. Within a certain range, the movement allows the stuff to 'stick' to the rubber around it. Outside of that range, the stuff comes loose and is now free floating in the sheath. This DRASTICALLY reduces sidewall strength. It is also the phenomenon that causes 'run-flat'.

So for us, putting that big azz tire on our relatively skinny azz rim puts the tire in 'run-flat mode' from jump street. It won't be a problem today or tomorrow, but panic steer sometime in the tire's life, and you're gonna wreck. Period.

Not doggin YOU, Brian - not all! I know you have a handle on the risks.

I been seeing this more and more and well, people should know what's up.

[im4darush]

I am running a 305 nitto on a widened stock wheel. No clearance issues. This is on a blown car making 450 hp at the wheels. Let me just say that these tires help quite a bit when it comes to traction. Especially when they are a bit warm. I have a 3000 stall with 4:30 gears so traction is obviously an issue, but nowhere near as bad as a regular size radial. They are NOT a waste!

[Windsor58]

I like them. I plan on getting them again because I like the stance that the tires give the unwidened wheels and since stock BFGs are always in short supply. It is far different than what is usually seen. You are correct that Hankook does not have matched tread front and rear but they are fine no matter what.

Brian - which model are you running on the front? Are you running the Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105 in 255 45 18s?

[guccijayda]

I know it works, Brian, but that is DANGEROUS!

Tire tech....

Tires are rated for certain rim widths in order to keep sidewall flex within a certain range. The stuff (steel, nylon, whatever) baked inside the sidewall MOVES within it's rubber 'sheathing' as the sidewall flexes. Within a certain range, the movement allows the stuff to 'stick' to the rubber around it. Outside of that range, the stuff comes loose and is now free floating in the sheath. This DRASTICALLY reduces sidewall strength. It is also the phenomenon that causes 'run-flat'.

So for us, putting that big azz tire on our relatively skinny azz rim puts the tire in 'run-flat mode' from jump street. It won't be a problem today or tomorrow, but panic steer sometime in the tire's life, and you're gonna wreck. Period.

Not doggin YOU, Brian - not all! I know you have a handle on the risks.

I been seeing this more and more and well, people should know what's up.

Im not encouraging other members to put 295's on their stock rims. The phrase "do at your own risk" seems right. Just for your information. I know whats up. Yes I knew there would be some sidewall flex, its normal when you use a wider tire. Dangerous? Yea it can be considered unsafe in situations. I chose to get 295's on stock wheels even with its drawbacks. Like they say, to all their own. There are many members on here that run 285's and 295's on stock wheels and none of them complain. Some people autocross, drive crazy on turns, but some just like straight line racing(what our cars were made for), etc. It's all on the owner's preferences. I'm sure the rest of the owners with oversized wheels from 255+ do not just pick random wide tires and hope its gonna fit or even mount on. I researched b4 i got my 295/45/18's from this forum. And the Hankook ventus 295/45/18's(11.7" footwall) run relatively narrow compared to other 295s. 295's can range from 11.5-12.5". Even though they are still the same "295's"

Also. please note, the width of the tires for instance 295's, are not all the same. Diff companies , diff tire models, have different rim size specifications and recommendations. There are a some 295's recommended for 8-8.5 inch rims, some for 9-9.5 inch rims, it all depends on the manufacture and the exact model of the tires.

[BUCKWHEAT]

I am running a 305 nitto on a widened stock wheel. No clearance issues. This is on a blown car making 450 hp at the wheels. Let me just say that these tires help quite a bit when it comes to traction. Especially when they are a bit warm. I have a 3000 stall with 4:30 gears so traction is obviously an issue, but nowhere near as bad as a regular size radial. They are NOT a waste!

Agree. I have stock fronts & widened rears, one set winter, other set summer. The summer tires are 305-45-18 Nitto 555DR's. Don't go above 50 in the rain. The winter tires (on the wider rims) are stock BFG POS tires. Centers wear out on the widened rims same as the 8" OEM's.

On the street, the DR's do hook in spite of the S/C & 4:30 gears.

[RoyLPita]

Brian - which model are you running on the front? Are you running the Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105 in 255 45 18s?

I'm running stock BFGs in the front.

[merc]

When I first got a set of widened rear rims I ran a set of Goodyear Eagle F1-GS 295/45-18's. The Nittos are better in every aspect. Rain grip, dry traction, handling, and ability to match fronts.

My NT555 295's are worn and have cracks. I replaced them with the Nitto NT05's. Hopefully they will meet or exceed my expectations.

http://image.mustang50magazine.com/f/mustang-tech-articles/50-gets-a-first-look-at-nittos-all-new-performance-tires/12891101+cr1+re0+ar1/nt05-is-the-successful-byproduct-of-nitto-combining-its-nt01-and-the-e.jpg

[RR|Suki]

idea stealer!!!! :D With a tread wear of 200 they should stick a good deal better than the other ones... at least that's my hope.

[merc]

idea stealer!!!! :D With a tread wear of 200 they should stick a good deal better than the other ones... at least that's my hope.

If it's a good idea then let's spread the joy. :)

[WildMarauder]

Sooooo? Please let us know how the NT05's work out. I have the NT555's, and they are not grippy enough for my Marauder. The Invo's look better for a street driven car like mine, but they don't make them in the size for our widened wheels.

[merc]

Sooooo? Please let us know how the NT05's work out. I have the NT555's, and they are not grippy enough for my Marauder. The Invo's look better for a street driven car like mine, but they don't make them in the size for our widened wheels.

I have the NT05's at the house now. They feel sticker then the NT555 but don't have the same thickness in tread groves. It looks like a 18,000 mile tire. Hopefully they will fill the void between the NT555 drag radial and the NT555 street radial. I should have the tires mounted next week.

[RR|Suki]

I have the NT05's at the house now. They feel sticker then the NT555 but don't have the same thickness in tread groves. It looks like a 18,000 mile tire. Hopefully they will fill the void between the NT555 drag radial and the NT555 street radial. I should have the tires mounted next week.

Make sure you post pics :D

[WildMarauder]

Please let us know how these tires have worked out. The 555's don't grip well enough on my supercharged car with high stall converter. The 555R's won't hold up to Florida rain. Do the center ribbed NT05's grip dry, and are they good in rain?


I have the NT05's at the house now. They feel sticker then the NT555 but don't have the same thickness in tread groves. It looks like a 18,000 mile tire. Hopefully they will fill the void between the NT555 drag radial and the NT555 street radial. I should have the tires mounted next week.