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View Full Version : What Wheel Size for 235/35/18?



thorfinn
05-02-2016, 08:58 PM
To the point:
Currently have OEM wheels 19x9? Peelers with Dunlop ??? 255/35/19 installed.

I'm wanting to move to a smaller light weight 18" wheel and my goal is to have an overall smaller wheel including tire. I would appreciate very much some suggestions on a tire and wheel combination to accomplish this.

I'm looking at 18x8.5 wheel. Can a 245/35/R18 tire fit on this size rim? Or is a 18x9 or 18x9.5 better suited for that fit. I'm not opposed to 235/35/18 either. I have read that a 245/35/r18 tire might be too low profile and might be a rough ride. Thoughts? Experience?



Background and other comments and questions:
Very new to this forum... Been searching and reading as much as I know how to...

Lurking in this forum for ~1 month prior to purchasing a 2011 silver S4 Prestige. It was between G37s, WRX, 335is, 335i and a 550i. All awesome cars but, I'm confident I made the right choice (I have always wanted an AWD car).

Might sound lame but, I'm trying to maximize acceleration through a smaller and lighter wheel. More torque at the wheel and less wheel weight I'm thinking will help me achieve this.

The other goal is to have something a little more unique looking as there is another S4 with Peelers and a silver A4 at my work. Vanity stuff. I'll sacrifice having a bigger gap but, would also like some guidance on spacers if needed to get a more flush look if the wheels have a higher offset.

Another question, would a smaller tread width reduce handling and if so, how dramatic would it be. Probably a track driver question?

LYKUNO
05-03-2016, 07:59 AM
You'll want to consider the speedo error effect on going to non-standard size tires. Check the revolutions per mile on the tires you're considering on the Tire Rack's site (look at the "specs" on each of the tires for this info). You can also view the recommended/optimal wheel rim widths per the size of tires you're interested in here.

My winter tires are 235/45-18 and provide a great ride and pothole protection albeit with minor speedo error due to the higher sidewalls. My summer tires are PSS in 255/40-18 on an 18x9 ET40 HRE R40 wheel, with no speedo error and a pretty flush fitment on non-lowered suspension. This combination weighs in at 44.8lb/s per corner, considerably lighter than the OEM 19" Ti wheel/tires.

Johnnycash
05-03-2016, 08:05 AM
Might sound lame but, I'm trying to maximize acceleration through a smaller and lighter wheel. More torque at the wheel and less wheel weight I'm thinking will help me achieve this.

you can achieve this and still have a 19inch wheel [which is the best fit for these cars imo] just get a rotary forged/forged wheel and do not sacrifice looks/aesthetic etc

putting a smaller wheel with even smaller tires on this car would be a mistake, and the potential performance benefits are nominal at best, you can do many other things to make your car look unique and or gain performance.