265/45/18 - Will It Fit In Front?

[MidnitMarauder]

Hey guys, new to the forums, just finishing up a fun build on a SC Marauder with a Teksid block and all forged internals.

Next up is a new tire setup --- has anyone ran 265/45/18's on the front before? I would really like to run a square setup of 265/45/18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports on all 4 corners.

Compared to the stock 235/50/18's, there is only 0.1" difference in diameter (0.5%). Having the square setup allows rotation and to take advantage of the 30k mile warranty that Michelin offers.

I've seen many guys say the 255/45/18's fit fine with no rubbing, I can't see another ~5mm on the inside really making a difference. If it did, I fee like I could just throw on a 1/4" spacer up front to take care of that.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! I look forward to becoming part of the community.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Do you have Traction Control? If you do, then you will have to turn the traction control off everytime you get in the car. The traction control will kick on when it detects the same size revolutions front to rear. It needs to maintain a 3%-6% difference in tire diameter.

[MidnitMarauder]

No, I've got an earlier '03 with no traction control, mainly just concerned about the tires fitting.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Well, at least that is not an issue.(TC) and I am sure the masses will want to hear more about the S/C type, block, parts,HP numbers and of course pics... Goodluck with it

[MOTOWN]

No traction control you are good to go! any pics of your build?

[Blk04MM]

Are you looking for traction or handling ??

[MidnitMarauder]

Well, at least that is not an issue.(TC) and I am sure the masses will want to hear more about the S/C type, block, parts,HP numbers and of course pics... Goodluck with it

I bought it with 24k miles and a hurt block with a reinhart vortech kit. For now, we will be spinning the stock vortech to the max. The car is an absolute cherry, barely a nick or scratch anywhere, interior still has faint new car smell.

High level build details:
Teksid aluminum block
Custom forged pistons, bumped up CR just a bit
H-beam forged rods
ARP bolts & studs
8-thread heads, ported, resurfaced
New gaskets etc
New pullley for blower with associated fueling
Has the aftercooler
Tranny J-mod & tune
Will lower it a bit
Full 5 channel amp, headunit and speakers going in
Already has Mach 1 lip, debaged grill



No traction control you are good to go! any pics of your build?

I will put some pics of build together when we are done!


Are you looking for traction or handling ??

A nice mix for daily driving which the Pilot Super Sports should provide.

[Krytin]

I'm running the 255/45/18 on all four since '08 - no problems.
The 265's should fit fine if you're not too low. Worst case you will have to trim the passenger side front fender liner and relocate the harness to the top side of the liner - that's what I did and it's been sweet ever since!

You will love the way it handles especially if you level the ride out.

[Blk04MM]

Oh you bought the car that was for sale here. Nice.

Maybe tires & control arms will give you what you looking for

[MidnitMarauder]

Oh you bought the car that was for sale here. Nice.

Maybe tires & control arms will give you what you looking for

I sure did, very nice previous owner. Whats the story on the control arms? Front/Rear? What does it improve?

[RubberCtyRauder]

I sure did, very nice previous owner. Whats the story on the control arms? Front/Rear? What does it improve?


Rear control arms are stamped steel, pretty flimsy actually. Solid ones from either Metco Motorsports or Sparta performance (a vendor here) will stabilize the rear axle when launching and when cornering..a new watts link too from either would be in order too.

[Blk04MM]

I sure did, very nice previous owner. Whats the story on the control arms? Front/Rear? What does it improve?

Nice buy!


Rear control arms are stamped steel, pretty flimsy actually. Solid ones from either Metco Motorsports or Sparta performance (a vendor here) will stabilize the rear axle when launching and when cornering..a new watts link too from either would be in order too.

There u have it.