[Drag-On]

Firstly, I want to apologize for the long post. I have done a lot of homework and I want to make sure I put everything on the table before I make my decision.

I am on the fence on getting getting some R-Comp tires for my car. I track my car a few times a year and am looking for a good tire upgrade when I finish off my RE070's on the OEM BBS. I am not looking for an ultra-aggressive competition wheel/tire setup but rather good weekend track wheel/tire setup.

Below are my current and projected future suspension mods that might be important in making tire decision:

Model year 06
Helix DNA coilovers (will be upgrading to RCE Tarmac 2's in the very near future)
Current Height: 14 front and 13.5 rear
Current Camber: ~ -1.75 front and ~ -1.3 rear
Gram Lights 57F (18x8.5 et45) wheels with 235/40/18 Falken RT-615's

Below are the options I am contemplating:

Option 1: 255/40/17 NT-01's on a new set of TRMotorsports MT1 wheels (17x8.5 et48)
This is the most expensive option as I will have to purchase a new set of wheels to go with the new set of tires. However, with the new set of wheels I will be getting a good offset that will allow me to run 255's with minimal modifications to my fenders.

Option 2: 245/45/17 NT-01's on my OEM BBS (17x8)
This would probably be the most cost effective option as I will not need to buy new rims. In addition, getting 17 inch R-Comps are cheaper than getting them in 18's. I might have to roll my rear fenders because the tires might rub. My biggest gripe about this setup will be that I will not be able to run 255's unless I use spacers, in which I do not want to do. Another negative about this setup is that because this the tires are rather tall and it *might* rub with the perch or spring of my current/future coilovers. However, other members such as SubyFi have been able to get no rubbing with these tires while on Tarmac 2's. I should be able to do the same.

Option 3: 245/40/18 NT-01's on my Gram Lights 57F's (18x8.5 et45)
I like this option because I will not have to get rid of my 57F's which I enjoy a lot. The big negative is that I will have to pay the cost of buying 18 inch R-Comp tires and I will not be able to go with 255's without making major fender modifications. This setup will require me to roll my fenders. I might be able to get away with minimal fender rolling because my coilover spring rates are rather stiff.

I would like to hear some inputs and feedback on what I should go with. Do keep in mind that cost is a factor and that I want to get the best bang for the buck. I also want to know if it is really worth it to shell out more $ to go from 245 to 255's. Will I be getting more lateral grip with 255's over 245's that merits the extra cost?

[T3h_Clap]

you are pretty low so going with a 255 on the 8.5 +48mm may be tough if you are trying to avoid the fender modifications.

if you were on a 8.5" i'd suggest doing a 245/40/17 if you can find one.

running a 245/45 may be tough with the stock BBS wheels due to their high offset and your coilovers.

if you're ok with playing the fender a little bit and maybe raising the car a tad i'd go with option one.

having a set of race only wheels is a very good idea.

the BBS's are great and all but the offset is high and they are skinny.

the 18" 57Fs are a good street wheel but for a track car with stock brakes i'd rather have 17s simply due to tire cost and weight.

[BoostJunkie]

I'm selling my 17x8.5 RPF1's with RA1s on them if you're interested. The tires only have another weekend or two left in them but still great track wheels. PM me if you're interested...

[T3h_Clap]

Dan's offset is a little low and may limit your tire size to a 235, but a 235 R-comp is still greater than any 255 street tire.

also with a little fender modification and camber running a wider tire on the 8.5" +40mm RPF1s is not impossible by any means.

[BoostJunkie]

Originally Posted by T3h_Clap

Dan's offset is a little low and may limit your tire size to a 235, but a 235 R-comp is still greater than any 255 street tire.

also with a little fender modification and camber running a wider tire on the 8.5" +40mm RPF1s is not impossible by any means.

Yeah with the 235s and -1.5 rear camber at 13.5" ride height it was pretty close but no rubbing. To run a 245 or 255 it would probably take either a tad more rear camber or fender rolling/trimming.

[ESmooth]

Id say to go with the 245 Nt01s on stock BBS...I basically run the same thing, only with hoosiers and they are great, no rubbing and no rolling required. The 245 hoosiers are really wide for 245s also.

Hey Dan, why are you selling your 17s?

[Andy STI]

I use 255/40/17 RA1 on an 8.5 inch, et 48 wheel with minimal if any rubbing. I am too low too, a little over 13.5inch in the back. My rear camber is -1.4. I need to raise the back and increase the camber this year because I now have 255's on a 9 inch, et 43 wheel.

245/40 on the stock wheel or an 8.5 inch wheel would be great but you need to spend a bit more to get that size(Hosiers, Pilot Cup, Yoko). I really like the 255 on the 8.5 inch or 9 inch wheel plus the 255/40 can be found for a good price in the RA1 or NT01.

[mav1c]

I ran 245/45-17 NT-01's on 17x8 +48 wheels (Rota Torques). There was very, very, very slight rubbing on the fender in the rear, and the front was very close to the spring perches on my KW V3's, which are basically the same as the T2's. I think with the stock BBS +53 offset I would have rubbed on the perches in the front. I think your best option is the 255/40-17 on the 17x8.5's. You may have to roll the fenders a little in the rear, but IMO it will be worth it in the long run. Another good option is 245/40-17 on the stock BBS 17x8. That should fit OK. Only problem there is that NT-01's and RA-1's aren't available in that size. Supposedly the Toyo R888 will be available in that size some time this year though.

[mug23]

I used to run the 5 Zigen fn01r-c 17x9 43mm offset with Bridgestone RE-01r's in 245/40/17 with RCE's T2 coilover with no fender mods and no rubbing at all.

I was lowered pretty good with -2.5 camber in the front and -1.7 in the rear. I could have just gone with -2 in the front and would be ok, but I like to run a little bit more to help out at the track.

I think that was a perfect set up for the street and I know I could go with 255/40 if I wanted to and it would still be ok with minor fender mod.

I know the R-compounds come wider then the street tires, but I would recommend this set up if you don't want too much hassle.

BTW, I'm selling my 5 Zigen fn01r-c mention above. Here's a picture of the set up. Somehow, this tire and wheel set up looks so small on the car.

[Drag-On]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Would a 17x8.5 et48 and 255/40/17 require modifications to the front fender if the car was lowered to around 14 inches in the front?

[T3h_Clap]

depends on camber settings, and spring stiffness.

although 14" front is a pretty good ride height for big wheels/tires.

the issues are generally in the rear with that size/offset.

[mav1c]

You should be fine in the front. Assuming your running more camber in the front? -2 or more?

Originally Posted by Drag-On

Thanks for the advice everyone. Would a 17x8.5 et48 and 255/40/17 require modifications to the front fender if the car was lowered to around 14 inches in the front?