18" Tyre Sizes

[team_v]

I need some opinions on tyre sizes for the tig.
Upgrading from 16"x6.5" to 18"x8" wheels, i can run either 235/50R18's or 255/45/R18's.

The car will driven on surfaced roads 99% of the time and only taken on dirt roads if they come up when camping.

My concern is that the 255's may be too big as 8" is the minimum size rim for the tyre. There is also the added cost for the 255's.

The 235's are the standard tyre size for the 18" factory wheels.
Any opinions on what would be the better choice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Clay

[Pullstarter]

I run 235/50-18 and they're great, plenty wide enough in my opinion and still comfortable to ride on :)

[Arctra]

This site should answer all your questions: http://www.carbibles.com/tire_bible_pg1.html and http://www.carbibles.com/tire_bible_pg2.html

I think Page 2 is what you want to be looking at.

Happy reading!

[team_v]

I run 235/50-18 and they're great, plenty wide enough in my opinion and still comfortable to ride on :)

Thanks for the info Pullstarter.

I am leaning more towards the 235's as they are the factory standard and they will be cheaper.

I put them both into 1010tyres calculator and the 255's are actually more similar in size and accuracy to the standard 16" tyre fitment than the 235's.
That and the added traction were pretty much the only reason i am considering the wider tyres.



Thanks for the link Actra.
It is a very interesting site.
I think i will just end up with the 235's as it will be a road car with a bit of spirited driving, not a track weapon.

[Pullstarter]

If you have a look inside the petrol cap the reccomended tyre size for 18" is 235/50-18, that's the size the optional factory 18"s come with anyway, I guess you can't go wrong with a factory reccomended size? As a rule of thumb within 1% of the standard factory diameter is fine.

[team_v]

Thanks for that Pullstarter.

I had a look in the brochure about what tyres they run on the optional 18" factory wheel and found the 235's there.

They are just within the 1% difference (0.91) where as the 255's are almost identical (0.12)

Looks like i will be going with 235 kumho's.

[Pullstarter]

I'm running the KU31 Ecsta Kumhos in that size and very happy with them. A little noisier than stock but barely noticable (after a couple of days you won't even notice). Good all round traction and pretty forgiving, excellent value for money IMO.

[team_v]

I am looking at the Kumho Ecsta 31's.

Just need to get a quote on price from tempetyres and some other local tyre places.

Thanks for your help guys, it has been invaluable.

[Pullstarter]

Are you getting wheels and tyres or tyres only? I got my RS4 Reps with KU31s for $1499 fitted from Tempe Uleh :) For tyres only you should be paying around $180-ish each.

[sama13]

I currently run a 255/45R18 BFG's KDW and I feel it perfect I like the added width as for the tuning that I'm planning is going to be helpful. I'm running a 9" wide wheel and it feels it up just perfect and I also got those because of the speedometer proximity to stock.

[team_v]

Are you getting wheels and tyres or tyres only? I got my RS4 Reps with KU31s for $1499 fitted from Tempe Uleh :) For tyres only you should be paying around $180-ish each.

I am looking at getting tyres and wheels.
I have asked tempe for a quote on the set of wheels wrapped in the kumho 31's.
I still have to ask around to see if anyone else can do it any better.

They quoted $200 each for Kumho KU19 in 255/45R18


Once again, thanks for the input Pullstater, you have been a great help.



I currently run a 255/45R18 BFG's KDW and I feel it perfect I like the added width as for the tuning that I'm planning is going to be helpful. I'm running a 9" wide wheel and it feels it up just perfect and I also got those because of the speedometer proximity to stock.

I was initially looking at the wider tyres for better traction and the better speedo accuracy.
But running a 8" wheel with those tyres does seem a bit overkill where as they would cover the 9" wheels beautifully.

[team_v]

Quick update:

Tempe have quoted $200 each for the 235 Kumho Ecsta 31's so they are the same price as the 255's

Fitted whith a new set of 18" wheels they have quoted $1600.

[Tigga1]

Quick update:

Tempe have quoted $200 each for the 235 Kumho Ecsta 31's so they are the same price as the 255's

Fitted whith a new set of 18" wheels they have quoted $1600.

which ones are you getting?

[team_v]

which ones are you getting?

I was looking at some RS6 replica's.
I have to get the car first before i can order them, i just wanted to know if it would be worth upgrading and how much it would cost.

[Pullstarter]

Those rims may be a little dearer than mine V but still sounds like a good deal.

[Sharkie]

I'm running the KU31 Ecsta Kumhos in that size and very happy with them. A little noisier than stock but barely noticable (after a couple of days you won't even notice). Good all round traction and pretty forgiving, excellent value for money IMO.

How would you rate this as a "performance" tyre ? Almost (80%/90%) as good as say a Goodyear DS-G3? At less than half the price if its almost as good its got to be worth it.:)

[Pullstarter]

How would you rate this as a "performance" tyre ? Almost (80%/90%) as good as say a Goodyear DS-G3? At less than half the price if its almost as good its got to be worth it.:)

I would say they're 95% as good as the Falken 452s I had on the VR6 which were probably the best tyres I've ever had on a car. Longevity I can't comment on as yet of course but from all the reviews i've read they seem to get decent to good mileage.