255/45/18 EAGLE F1's all the way around

[fastcar]

Howdy gang,

So I finally did it, I went symmetrical. I knew I preferred the staggered look, but did not want to give up the effective gear ratio I currently had, which is what you do when going to 255/55s (they are taller). So, my only choice was going down to the 245's. I ended up with the 'empty rear wheel well syndrome'. The pics don't look too bad, but I think it's worse in person. The wife just looked at it and shook her head.:shake:

I plan on lowering it 1 to 1-1/2 inches all the way around, so this should help a bit...

In hindsight, I don't think it's worth worrying about the effective axle ratio. Going up to the 255/55's decreases the effective ratio from 4.10 to 4.04. That's just a 1.5% decrease in leverage. Maybe that's just .02-.05 in the quarter? But, I hate yielding ground in any way, so my idealistic side prevented me from doing it. However, I miss the look a lot, and think I'll change my mind after I bald the rears.;)

While moving up to the 255/55's may not be a big deal, going down to the 255/45's IS. It's like having 4.30 rear gears! (4.34 to be exact). That's a 5.9% increase in torque!!! If you went from 3.55's to 4.10's, you know what a kick in the pants that was. Well, it's not AS dramatic, but let me tell you, it's noticeable.:D

Someone here has 4.56's, and it clearly must be very nice (at the track and around town).

Size.

The 255's are WAY better than the 235's up front. What a difference in the corners. I have a feeling it may be the tire, as well as the size. Whatever the reason, these tires are a big improvement over the BFG's from my first impressions. They do not feel tentative, but really dig in. When they spin, you can feel them 'biting' and really working to grab the pavement. Same in the front. I only got 10 minutes on the way home from the shop, so I'll post as I learn more.

It's cool, because they screech and howl, unlike the BFG's, which were virtually silent. VICIOUS 1ST GEAR WHEEL SPIN AND SIDEWAYS ACTION AFTER HITTING SECOND GEAR. Those 4.34's are really sweet.:coolman:

Some pics. I know, it's pretty dirty, someday I'll have a garage...

fastcar :burnout:

[fastcar]

BTW, no ABS light (yet)...

Just got back from another 30 min. Definitely a step up in grip, and feel as you push the tire.

However, I have more road noise :bigcry: Also, I think one of the tires may have a flat spot. I'm getting a very soft beating noise that matches speed, worse between 30-40 mph. Seems like right front. This might be because the tires are Mustang take-offs, and the previous owner didn't disclose an issue.

I'm using 45 lbs. I do not notice any additional harshness from going down in profile.

fastcar :burnout:

[Krytin]

I did this over a year ago - you won't get an ABS light
I run 36 psi in the front and 40 psi in the rear.

Lower the car front and back - you'll love it!

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

yeah if you have a once per revolution noise, something is wrong w/ that tire. This is why I keep trying to resist buying used tires, there are so many things that can be wrong with used tires from improper care.

[fastcar]

I did this over a year ago - you won't get an ABS light
I run 36 psi in the front and 40 psi in the rear.

Lower the car front and back - you'll love it!

Thanks, Krytin. I heard some members were having issues, some were not. So far I am in the fortunate group... I am definitely looking forward to dropping this car down. It's handling so much nicer just with the tire change, I can't wait to feel it with a lower CG.


yeah if you have a once per revolution noise, something is wrong w/ that tire. This is why I keep trying to resist buying used tires, there are so many things that can be wrong with used tires from improper care.

Just got back from Newport, and ran it between posted and 110. I don't know if it's because I was delirious, but I didn't notice the thumping, and I am now apparently used to any increase in road noise. I contacted the seller, and he said he had no rhythmic noise, and that performance tread tires with a large contact area normally generate more noise than those with
smaller contact areas. Makes sense to me, but not sure if it's true or not.

I had them road force balanced, and they really shine at high speed as far as smooth goes.

Overall, I recommend these tires, though my wife thinks the tread pattern is 'gay'. I'm having a little trouble getting used to the looks, as well. I definitely recommend 255's to anyone, however. No issues with clearance, at least with factory ride height. And they fill out the rim just right.

fastcar :burnout:

[Glockafella]

If you have a SCT3 you can set your revs per mile @ 695 and you'll be dead nuts on accurate.

[Krytin]

Thanks, Krytin. I heard some members were having issues, some were not. So far I am in the fortunate group... I am definitely looking forward to dropping this car down. It's handling so much nicer just with the tire change, I can't wait to feel it with a lower CG.


fastcar :burnout:

If you are REALLY going for LOW let me know - there is a modification you will need to make in the right front wheel well liner/electrical harness you will want to do before driving it low.

[fastcar]

If you have a SCT3 you can set your revs per mile @ 695 and you'll be dead nuts on accurate.

Hi Glockafella, great to meet you. Thanks for the tip. Altering the tune was the next thing on the list for me. I have an SCT Xcal 2 that Lidio sold me in 07. Can I do the same thing using this?


If you are REALLY going for LOW let me know - there is a modification you will need to make in the right front wheel well liner/electrical harness you will want to do before driving it low.

Krytin, I'm cutting exactly 1 coil out of the front. Do you think clearance will be an issue? Thanks guys,

fastcar :burnout:

[Krytin]

Could be with the 255's.
Look up under the pasenger side wheel well (front) - you will see a squared of section on the liner running along the wheel arch. There is a electrical harness a little over an inch in diameter running just above the liner along the inside of the fender/wheel arch. This feature is not on the driver's side.
The fix involves removing the liner, cutting away the squared section that is in the path of tire travel and relocating the harness to the top side of the liner in the engine compartment along the edge of the top inside fender. The harness has plenty of slack to do this and I don't understand why Ford put it where they did in the first place!?
I'll try and get a picture later today.

[fastcar]

I'll try and get a picture later today.

Thanks, man! So you had issues with wheel rub? Are you lower than 1" drop?

fastcar:burnout:

[Krytin]

Yes and YES!

The top of the tire/surface of the tread is dead even with the opening at the top of the wheel well - maybe just a hair higher. The first large dip in the road I hit cracked the fender liner!!
The new liner I got from Ray the Dealer got the modification I mentioned and all has been well as far as liner clearance and underhood water/road debris spray is concerned.
The top of the tire on my car can hit the inside top of the wheel arch when the wheels are turned to either lock AND I drive over a bump like where my driveway apron meets the street in front of my house - not everytime but once in a while.