Wheel offset question...rather specific one

[pwdrskr]

Hey all, rather specific question, I'm about to order a custom wheel set for a lowered 2019 pre-facelift RS5 and need to figure out the proper offset. I want to use Michelin A/S 4 all season 285/30/20 tires and need to make sure they won't rub in front if I order et20 offset custom wheels. The Michelin A/S 4 tire has a very square sidewall profile as compared with other tires such as the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06+, for example. The squared off profile could make this tire rub where other tires wouldn't with an et20 offset. I'm currently running with an et24 effective offset (et30 wheels w/6mm spacer) with the Michelin A/S 4s and have no rubbing (after pulling the bolt at the top of the wheel well).

So, question for the collective, is anyone running an et20 offset wheel with a Michelin A/S 4 all season 285/30/20 tire on the front of a lowered 2019 pre-facelift B9 RS5?

Thanks in advance!

Edit: wheels in question are Vossen EVO-1R

[MN_Pugsley]

MOPS@Nemisis is a fantastic resource for these kinds of things if you dont get an answer in here. I worked with him directly in DM.

[pwdrskr]

MOPS@Nemisis is a fantastic resource for these kinds of things if you dont get an answer in here. I worked with him directly in DM.

Actually, he's who I'm ordering the wheels from. He and I have been emailing back and over this exact question.

BTW, the wheel in question are Vossen EVO-1Rs in 20x10 guise...

[Rs5nardo]

Actually, he's who I'm ordering the wheels from. He and I have been emailing back and over this exact question.

BTW, the wheel in question are Vossen EVO-1Rs in 20x10 guise...

On a side note. Damn. Nice wheels. Expensive.

[Zombie5150]

I bought my Vossens/tires/sensors/locks/lug bolts from Mops. Great to work with. I’ve got the size set up you’re looking at (Michelin summers) but my car is at stock height so I’m not much help. Absolutely no rubbing. Wheel et20.

[VVG]

Hey all, rather specific question, I'm about to order a custom wheel set for a lowered 2019 pre-facelift RS5 and need to figure out the proper offset. I want to use Michelin A/S 4 all season 285/30/20 tires and need to make sure they won't rub in front if I order et20 offset custom wheels. The Michelin A/S 4 tire has a very square sidewall profile as compared with other tires such as the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06+, for example. The squared off profile could make this tire rub where other tires wouldn't with an et20 offset. I'm currently running with an et24 effective offset (et30 wheels w/6mm spacer) with the Michelin A/S 4s and have no rubbing (after pulling the bolt at the top of the wheel well).

So, question for the collective, is anyone running an et20 offset wheel with a Michelin A/S 4 all season 285/30/20 tire on the front of a lowered 2019 pre-facelift B9 RS5?

Thanks in advance!

Edit: wheels in question are Vossen EVO-1R

How wide are the current wheels? Every 1/2" more width at the same offset gets you 6.35 mm closer to the fender. You are correct that as tolerances get tighter, the specifics of individual tires makes a difference.

Also, how much lowered are you? I am actually surprised you had to remove the wheel well bolt. The coupe has a stock 26mm offset so you are 2mm more aggressive there and then only 5mm more from the 285 tire, so that is only 7mm closer to the fender at the top corner edge of the tire.

[Mops@Nemesis]

I bought my Vossens/tires/sensors/locks/lug bolts from Mops. Great to work with. I’ve got the size set up you’re looking at (Michelin summers) but my car is at stock height so I’m not much help. Absolutely no rubbing. Wheel et20.

😎



And yeah, ET20 on 285 is the balance of most flush with no rubbing.

[pwdrskr]

On a side note. Damn. Nice wheels. Expensive.

Cheers! Can't wait to get them on the car...the wait begins!

I bought my Vossens/tires/sensors/locks/lug bolts from Mops. Great to work with. I’ve got the size set up you’re looking at (Michelin summers) but my car is at stock height so I’m not much help. Absolutely no rubbing. Wheel et20.

100% agree, the Nemesis guys, MOPS and Martin, are outstanding to work with. Martin helped dial in the perfect wheel and wheel specs for our RS6. Couldn't be happier!

I'm actually looking at using the all season Michelins instead of summers. Apparently the summers aren't as squared off as the as all seasons tires are. I'm going to test fit my current set up, Vorsteiner V-FF 104 wheels 20x10, et 30 with Micheline A/S 4 all season tires, with a 10mm spacer for an effective et20 offset. That should give me an idea of what the new wheels/tires with an et20 offset will look like and if there will be rubbing. This is today's project.

How wide are the current wheels? Every 1/2" more width at the same offset gets you 6.35 mm closer to the fender. You are correct that as tolerances get tighter, the specifics of individual tires makes a difference.

Also, how much lowered are you? I am actually surprised you had to remove the wheel well bolt. The coupe has a stock 26mm offset so you are 2mm more aggressive there and then only 5mm more from the 285 tire, so that is only 7mm closer to the fender at the top corner edge of the tire.

Current Vorsteiner and new Vossen wheels will be the same: 20 x 10, so no change there. The only question is what offset to select.

I'm lowered ~0.9" on 034 Dynamic+ lowering springs. The 285/30 tire barely rubbed, and only on deep compressions or really hard cornering. The Michelin A/S 4 all season is quite squared off as compared to the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06+ all seasons I was running before. Plus, going from 275s to 285s was enough to pull the bolt.

You are correct that the OEM offset is et26, however, the OEM wheel width is 9". So, I've gone from a 9" et26 wheel with 275/30 tires to a 10" et24 wheel with 285/30 tires in my current set up. Now, I'm trying to settle on an offset for the new custom wheels so that I don't need spacers. An et20 offset with 285/30 tires is perfect in the back. It's the fronts I'm trying to nail down. I want a square set up with all four wheels the same specs, too....

[VVG]

Cheers! Can't wait to get them on the car...the wait begins!



100% agree, the Nemesis guys, MOPS and Martin, are outstanding to work with. Martin helped dial in the perfect wheel and wheel specs for our RS6. Couldn't be happier!

I'm actually looking at using the all season Michelins instead of summers. Apparently the summers aren't as squared off as the as all seasons tires are. I'm going to test fit my current set up, Vorsteiner V-FF 104 wheels 20x10, et 30 with Micheline A/S 4 all season tires, with a 10mm spacer for an effective et20 offset. That should give me an idea of what the new wheels/tires with an et20 offset will look like and if there will be rubbing. This is today's project.



Current Vorsteiner and new Vossen wheels will be the same: 20 x 10, so no change there. The only question is what offset to select.

I'm lowered ~0.9" on 034 Dynamic+ lowering springs. The 285/30 tire barely rubbed, and only on deep compressions or really hard cornering. The Michelin A/S 4 all season is quite squared off as compared to the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06+ all seasons I was running before. Plus, going from 275s to 285s was enough to pull the bolt.

You are correct that the OEM offset is et26, however, the OEM wheel width is 9". So, I've gone from a 9" et26 wheel with 275/30 tires to a 10" et24 wheel with 285/30 tires in my current set up. Now, I'm trying to settle on an offset for the new custom wheels so that I don't need spacers. An et20 offset with 285/30 tires is perfect in the back. It's the fronts I'm trying to nail down. I want a square set up with all four wheels the same specs, too....

The front-back thing is always going to be an issue on the RS5. You really don't want to increase the rear track on these cars compared to the front as they already have a tendency to understeer. On the other hand, from a visual standpoint, the rear needs about another 5mm flush compared to the front. Honestly, I would keep with a 20x10 ET 24 and then go with the 285 tires. I think this will give you the best combination of fitment, proper geometry, and looks that you can get. I know you would rather not use a spacer, but no harm with a 5mm spacer in the rear if it really still bother you that much. This will still allow you to keep all 4 wheels the same spec and rotate front to back and side to side.

[pwdrskr]

The front-back thing is always going to be an issue on the RS5. You really don't want to increase the rear track on these cars compared to the front as they already have a tendency to understeer. On the other hand, from a visual standpoint, the rear needs about another 5mm flush compared to the front. Honestly, I would keep with a 20x10 ET 24 and then go with the 285 tires. I think this will give you the best combination of fitment, proper geometry, and looks that you can get. I know you would rather not use a spacer, but no harm with a 5mm spacer in the rear if it really still bother you that much. This will still allow you to keep all 4 wheels the same spec and rotate front to back and side to side.

Appreciate the thoughts. Looking at my car now with the Vorsteiners, 285/30s, and 6mm spacers in front, it appears the fronts could come out a bit to be flush with the fender edge. The only question being whether the tire rubs. However, if there isn't rubbing, then there'd I'd get the square set up you're talking about since the rears are already at an effective et20 offset.

Another wrinkle, I've been debating about switching to a summer tire over the all seasons. We live in San Diego now, so there's almost a zero chance the car ever sees freezing temps. I'd keep the Vorsteiners/all seasons for the rare instance I'd need to take the car somewhere that requires all season or winter tires. Of course, I'd need to find a place to store them..that would mean selling the stock RS6 wheels/tires, something I've been procrastinating...

[VVG]

Appreciate the thoughts. Looking at my car now with the Vorsteiners, 285/30s, and 6mm spacers in front, it appears the fronts could come out a bit to be flush with the fender edge. The only question being whether the tire rubs. However, if there isn't rubbing, then there'd I'd get the square set up you're talking about since the rears are already at an effective et20 offset.

Another wrinkle, I've been debating about switching to a summer tire over the all seasons. We live in San Diego now, so there's almost a zero chance the car ever sees freezing temps. I'd keep the Vorsteiners/all seasons for the rare instance I'd need to take the car somewhere that requires all season or winter tires. Of course, I'd need to find a place to store them..that would mean selling the stock RS6 wheels/tires, something I've been procrastinating...

So it looks like the Michelin all-seasons are quite a bit wider at the tread than the Conti DWS. 10.8 vs 9.9" according to the Tirerack. That is 22mm, or 11mm per side. Quite significant when you are looking at tight tolerances on a lowered car. On the other hand, the stock 275 Conti summer tires have a tread width of 10.3", so you are only extending out 6mm closer to the fender from stock, with the 285 Michelin all-seasons. You would likely be safe with another 4mm of flush without rubbing, so I would say to go with a 22mm offset max with the Michelin all-seasons, or 24mm if you want to just be safe.

[pwdrskr]

So it looks like the Michelin all-seasons are quite a bit wider at the tread than the Conti DWS. 10.8 vs 9.9" according to the Tirerack. That is 22mm, or 11mm per side. Quite significant when you are looking at tight tolerances on a lowered car. On the other hand, the stock 275 Conti summer tires have a tread width of 10.3", so you are only extending out 6mm closer to the fender from stock, with the 285 Michelin all-seasons. You would likely be safe with another 4mm of flush without rubbing, so I would say to go with a 22mm offset max with the Michelin all-seasons, or 24mm if you want to just be safe.

I test fit a 10mm spacer with the et30 offset Vorsteiner wheels and Michelin A/S 4 285/30/20 tires and got lots of rubbing on the underside of the fender. Interestingly, the contact wasn't at the apex of the fender. Rather, it was a few inches down the arch in both directions. The contact was enough to abrade the PPF the installer wrapped around the the edges of the of the fender. I suspect that rolling the fenders a bit might solve the problem. However, I've never rolled fenders so don't know what's involved.

You've nailed the issue! The wider tread of the Michelin A/S 4, nearly a full inch, is the reason there is rubbing. I suspect that a bit of fender rolling (something I've never done) could resolve the rubbing issue. As would switching to a different tire, of course. The wider tread width looks better IMO. In fact the Michelin A/S 4 285/30 spec. tires on our RS5 appear wider than the same spec. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06+ tires on our RS6 (different diameters of course: 20" vs. 22").

[VVG]

I test fit a 10mm spacer with the et30 offset Vorsteiner wheels and Michelin A/S 4 285/30/20 tires and got lots of rubbing on the underside of the fender. Interestingly, the contact wasn't at the apex of the fender. Rather, it was a few inches down the arch in both directions. The contact was enough to abrade the PPF the installer wrapped around the the edges of the of the fender. I suspect that rolling the fenders a bit might solve the problem. However, I've never rolled fenders so don't know what's involved.

You've nailed the issue! The wider tread of the Michelin A/S 4, nearly a full inch, is the reason there is rubbing. I suspect that a bit of fender rolling (something I've never done) could resolve the rubbing issue. As would switching to a different tire, of course. The wider tread width looks better IMO. In fact the Michelin A/S 4 285/30 spec. tires on our RS5 appear wider than the same spec. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06+ tires on our RS6 (different diameters of course: 20" vs. 22").

Yeah, as we push the limits of fitment, differences in actual tire geometry do come in to play even for the same sized tire. Years back, when I owned a different Audi, I had actually posted some comparison pics of the actual widths of different tires. I don't remember the exact specifics but I know I had a 255 winter tire that was as wide as a 265 summer tire, and they were both wider at the tread than a 275 summer tire of a different brand.

I have rolled the fenders on 2 previous Audis. A Stage 3+ B5 S4 and a B7 RS4. It is simple and can be done very cleanly with just a few basics that you can get at Home Depot, although I am not sure if it would actually affect any PPF that you may have installed. My guess is that with the small amount of fender rolling actually required, you would be fine.

[Ed99]

20x10.5 20et with 285/30/20 seems to be the sweet spot!!!

Anyone has pics to post with these specs?

[VVG]

20x10.5 20et with 285/30/20 seems to be the sweet spot!!!

Anyone has pics to post with these specs?

The sweet spot depends significantly on whether you will lower the car and how much. To my eyes, and depending on the specific tire, a 10.5" width and the slight stretch with a 285 tire at an offset this aggressive might make the car look raised from certain angles on a stock suspension. Plus, you just don't need 10.5" width to properly seat a 285 tire so it becomes unnecessary added weight.

Personally, I have settled on 285/30/20 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on 20x10 ET 22 for my Sportback summer set-up. Will be ordering these sometime after the holidays. I don't actually need them until next spring. I'm currently running Vredstein Wintertrac Pro in the OEM 275/30/20 size on the stock wheels. For now, my plan is to stay with the stock suspension. If that changes, I will likely add the ABT springs at about 1/2" lowering.

[pwdrskr]

20x10.5 20et with 285/30/20 seems to be the sweet spot!!!

Anyone has pics to post with these specs?

The sweet spot depends significantly on whether you will lower the car and how much. To my eyes, and depending on the specific tire, a 10.5" width and the slight stretch with a 285 tire at an offset this aggressive might make the car look raised from certain angles on a stock suspension. Plus, you just don't need 10.5" width to properly seat a 285 tire so it becomes unnecessary added weight.

Personally I have settled on 285/30/20 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 on 20x10 ET 22 for my Sportback summer set-up. Will be ordering these sometime after the holidays. I don't actually need them until next spring. I'm currently running Vredstein Wintertrac Pro in the OEM 275/30/20 size on the stock wheels. For now, my plan is to stay with the stock suspension. If that changes, I will likely add the ABT springs at about 1/2" lowering.

I agree, a 10.5" wheel isn't needed for the 285/30 series tire. Offset, as I and others have posted in this thread can be tricky depending on the brand of tire that will go on the wheel. For example, a Continental DWS 06+ will be fine with an et20 wheel. On the other hand, the Michelin A/S 4 will rub, a lot.

Also, the tires will have a higher degree of stretch on the 10.5" rim. I personally strongly dislike the stretched tire look. Not to mention, if taken too far, can be unsafe, I believe. To each their own...

[Dr. Jekyll]

I have a few pictures that might help with your fitment questions. I just got 285/30 Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02's (just released) mounted up to my 20x10 ET25 BBS CI-Rs. Below are a few pictures of the wheel/tire setup with 5mm spacers (effectively ET20) and 10mm spacers (effectively ET15). I'm about 3/4" to 1" lower than stock on ABT HAS.

Interestingly, the front fenders appear to be a little wider than the rear on the RS5 sportbacks. With the 5mm spacer, the rear appears flush but the front is slightly tucked. It's not super noticeable, but I could tell when looking at the car from the rear.

I was running the stock 275/30 Contactsport 6's with the CI-Rs and 10mm spacers (effectively ET15) previously and didn't rub at all (same ride height). But the tires were a bit stretched. I haven't driven the car with the 285's yet, but the 5mm spacer setup seems to be the best. It's the most flush and appears to give enough space for the tire that I doubt it'll rub. I could probably get away with 7 or 8mm spacers, but I think at my ride height I'd risk rubbing if I go any wider.

FWIW, I have 275/30 Michelin AS3+ all seasons on my stock wheels. Michelin tires, especially the all seasons (AS3+ or AS4) run super wide and are way more square as compared to the Conti's. So a 285/30 PS4S or AS4 may require a little less offset to fit, especially if you're lowered.

All that said, I concur with Mops. I think 20x10 ET20 with 285's is perfect for a flush-ish fit and minimal chance of rubbing. But the exact ET might be +/- a few mm depending on your ride height and tire type/manufacturer.

285/30 ECS02 on 20x10 BBS CI-Rs with 10mm spacers:







285/30 ECS02 on 20x10 BBS CI-Rs with 5mm spacers:







And a side shot with the 5mm spacers (I'll probably drop the rear down a 1/8-1/4"):

[Ed99]

I have a few pictures that might help with your fitment questions. I just got 285/30 Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02's (just released) mounted up to my 20x10 ET25 BBS CI-Rs. Below are a few pictures of the wheel/tire setup with 5mm spacers (effectively ET20) and 10mm spacers (effectively ET15). I'm about 3/4" to 1" lower than stock on ABT HAS.

Interestingly, the front fenders appear to be a little wider than the rear on the RS5 sportbacks. With the 5mm spacer, the rear appears flush but the front is slightly tucked. It's not super noticeable, but I could tell when looking at the car from the rear.

I was running the stock 275/30 Contactsport 6's with the CI-Rs and 10mm spacers (effectively ET15) previously and didn't rub at all (same ride height). But the tires were a bit stretched. I haven't driven the car with the 285's yet, but the 5mm spacer setup seems to be the best. It's the most flush and appears to give enough space for the tire that I doubt it'll rub. I could probably get away with 7 or 8mm spacers, but I think at my ride height I'd risk rubbing if I go any wider.

FWIW, I have 275/30 Michelin AS3+ all seasons on my stock wheels. Michelin tires, especially the all seasons (AS3+ or AS4) run super wide and are way more square as compared to the Conti's. So a 285/30 PS4S or AS4 may require a little less offset to fit, especially if you're lowered.

All that said, I concur with Mops. I think 20x10 ET20 with 285's is perfect for a flush-ish fit and minimal chance of rubbing. But the exact ET might be +/- a few mm depending on your ride height and tire type/manufacturer.

285/30 ECS02 on 20x10 BBS CI-Rs with 10mm spacers:







285/30 ECS02 on 20x10 BBS CI-Rs with 5mm spacers:







And a side shot with the 5mm spacers (I'll probably drop the rear down a 1/8-1/4"):

That looks really good and thanks for sharing the info. Looks like front is perfect fitment and the rear can go another 5mm for sure to match up the front.

So 20x10 15et front and rear would be perfect correct?

Do you have more pics to share...would love to see more and looks like the rear can be lower a tad bit more too!!

[Dr. Jekyll]

That looks really good and thanks for sharing the info. Looks like front is perfect fitment and the rear can go another 5mm for sure to match up the front.

So 20x10 15et front and rear would be perfect correct?

Do you have more pics to share...would love to see more and looks like the rear can be lower a tad bit more too!!

I think ET15 with 285's is going to be too much. ET15 in the front looks flush, but there's not much room for the wider/taller 285 tire. So I'm pretty sure it'll rub. ET15 and a 285 tire in the rear actually pokes out from the fender slightly. The rear actually looks better with ET20 on 285's.

With the stock 275's on the same wheels, ET15 was perfect. But the tires were a bit stretched and shorter, so it did not rub at all.

I recently installed an 034 rear sway, which slightly raised the rear. I'm going to try to adjust the springs to drop the rear back down, but the tension on the bar (which raised the rear) is likely caused by the lack of adjustable sway bar end links. So I may end having to replace the end links to get the rear height where I want it. I'm currently rocking my stock wheels with PSAS3+'s for the next few months, but once I lower the rear and get the summers back on I'll post more pictures.

Few more pictures of the different spacer setups:

285/30 ECS02, 20x10 BBS CI-R ET25 with 10mm spacers F/R (ET15 effectively):







285/30 ECS02, 20x10 BBS CI-R ET25 with 5mm spacers F/R (ET20 effectively):

[pwdrskr]

I think ET15 with 285's is going to be too much. ET15 in the front looks flush, but there's not much room for the wider/taller 285 tire. So I'm pretty sure it'll rub. ET15 and a 285 tire in the rear actually pokes out from the fender slightly. The rear actually looks better with ET20 on 285's.

With the stock 275's on the same wheels, ET15 was perfect. But the tires were a bit stretched and shorter, so it did not rub at all.

I recently installed an 034 rear sway, which slightly raised the rear. I'm going to try to adjust the springs to drop the rear back down, but the tension on the bar (which raised the rear) is likely caused by the lack of adjustable sway bar end links. So I may end having to replace the end links to get the rear height where I want it. I'm currently rocking my stock wheels with PSAS3+'s for the next few months, but once I lower the rear and get the summers back on I'll post more pictures.

Based on my testing of an et30 wheel with a 10 mm spacer, effective offset of et20 with 285/30 tires, an et15 and 285/30 would be too much. Even with a "rounded off" tire like the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ I think there'd be significant rubbing. Maybe with fender rolling there could be a fit.

I ended up ordering an et20 wheel and will put Michelin PS4S 285/30/20 tires on. The PS4S isn't as squared off like the A/S 4 is. I may still look into fender rolling. No idea where to do go for that in the San Diego area, though...

[Ed99]

Based on my testing of an et30 wheel with a 10 mm spacer, effective offset of et20 with 285/30 tires, an et15 and 285/30 would be too much. Even with a "rounded off" tire like the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ I think there'd be significant rubbing. Maybe with fender rolling there could be a fit.

I ended up ordering an et20 wheel and will put Michelin PS4S 285/30/20 tires on. The PS4S isn't as squared off like the A/S 4 is. I may still look into fender rolling. No idea where to do go for that in the San Diego area, though...

Would you guys consider running 295/25/20 in the rear vs 285/30/20 to prevent potential rubbing due to 30 series sidewalls and with 295 would give a wider grip and stance?

[pwdrskr]

Would you guys consider running 295/25/20 in the rear vs 285/30/20 to prevent potential rubbing due to 30 series sidewalls and with 295 would give a wider grip and stance?

Personally I wouldn't due to the difference in overall diameter between a 285 and 295 tire. Also, the two tires would look different on the same sized wheel.

[Dr. Jekyll]

Would you guys consider running 295/25/20 in the rear vs 285/30/20 to prevent potential rubbing due to 30 series sidewalls and with 295 would give a wider grip and stance?

I agree with pwdrskr, on an AWD car (especially Quattro), the tire diameters need to be same front and rear. So all 4 tires should either be 285/30 or 295/25.

I considered 295/25's for a more square shoulder and smaller side wall (compared to 285/30's or 295/30's). However, the 295/25's have an significantly smaller sidewall than even 275/30's, which are already super thin. For rim protection and ride comfort, the 285/30's would be superior.

Go with 275/30 PS4S's on 20x10 if you want to the wheels to be flush (e.g. run ET15) and you want to slam the car. The PS4S run wide, so they won't be as stretched as the stock Conti 275's. Michelin tires also look better stretched as compared to the Conti's. That said, the 275/30 PS4S will have a shorter sidewall than a 285/30 and will still be slightly stretched on a 20x10 rim. So you should be able to clear the fenders even with an ET15 setup.

I seriously considered going with the 275/30 PS4S for the above reasons. However, I ended up going with the 285's for the slightly larger side wall and the meaty-tire look (as compared to the flush/stretched look). Not to mention, TTE720's are in my future so I'll need as much tire as I can get...

[VVG]

I agree with pwdrskr, on an AWD car (especially Quattro), the tire diameters need to be same front and rear. So all 4 tires should either be 285/30 or 295/25.

I considered 295/25's for a more square shoulder and smaller side wall (compared to 285/30's or 295/30's). However, the 295/25's have an significantly smaller sidewall than even 275/30's, which are already super thin. For rim protection and ride comfort, the 285/30's would be superior.

Go with 275/30 PS4S's on 20x10 if you want to the wheels to be flush (e.g. run ET15) and you want to slam the car. The PS4S run wide, so they won't be as stretched as the stock Conti 275's. Michelin tires also look better stretched as compared to the Conti's. That said, the 275/30 PS4S will have a shorter sidewall than a 285/30 and will still be slightly stretched on a 20x10 rim. So you should be able to clear the fenders even with an ET15 setup.

I seriously considered going with the 275/30 PS4S for the above reasons. However, I ended up going with the 285's for the slightly larger side wall and the meaty-tire look (as compared to the flush/stretched look). Not to mention, TTE720's are in my future so I'll need as much tire as I can get...

Hmmmm.....so at least according to the Tirerack, the Michelin Pilot Sport all-season run really wide at the tread, but the Continental tires are actually wider at the tread than the Pilot Sport 4S.

Just saying.

[Ed99]

I agree with pwdrskr, on an AWD car (especially Quattro), the tire diameters need to be same front and rear. So all 4 tires should either be 285/30 or 295/25.

I considered 295/25's for a more square shoulder and smaller side wall (compared to 285/30's or 295/30's). However, the 295/25's have an significantly smaller sidewall than even 275/30's, which are already super thin. For rim protection and ride comfort, the 285/30's would be superior.

Go with 275/30 PS4S's on 20x10 if you want to the wheels to be flush (e.g. run ET15) and you want to slam the car. The PS4S run wide, so they won't be as stretched as the stock Conti 275's. Michelin tires also look better stretched as compared to the Conti's. That said, the 275/30 PS4S will have a shorter sidewall than a 285/30 and will still be slightly stretched on a 20x10 rim. So you should be able to clear the fenders even with an ET15 setup.

I seriously considered going with the 275/30 PS4S for the above reasons. However, I ended up going with the 285's for the slightly larger side wall and the meaty-tire look (as compared to the flush/stretched look). Not to mention, TTE720's are in my future so I'll need as much tire as I can get...

That makes sense and if staying with 285/30 tires I am wondering if going with 20x10.5 21et which is the same as 20x10 15et would be better since its half inch wider wheel? Would that work just to get a bit wider stance vs running a 20x10 wheel? Would 20x10.5 21et clear inner suspension front and rear?

[Zombie5150]

Of course I’m biased since I’m running 20x10’s with 285’s but I think the set-up looks spot on. Tires aren’t stretched or anything. In fact, a buddy stopped by the other day and was specifically looking at the wheels and tires. He said it looked perfect to him as far as fitment and flush. I personally wouldn’t want to go any wider but that’s just me (and I like really wide tires coming from a lifted 4x4, lol).

[Dr. Jekyll]

Hmmmm.....so at least according to the Tirerack, the Michelin Pilot Sport all-season run really wide at the tread, but the Continental tires are actually wider at the tread than the Pilot Sport 4S.

Just saying.

Tirerack's measurements don't always tell the whole story. On paper, the Conti's measure wide but in actuality they are more narrow than the Michelins.

Example 1:

285/30 PS4S on 20x10 BBS LMs (Jimminez's RS5) - ET17 F / ET12 rear (the ET12 rubbed).








Compared to 285/30 Conti ECS02 on 20x10 BBS CI-R (ET20 F/R):



The sidewalls of the ECS02's are more rounded so the tires may appear slightly wider at the sidewall (which may also be skewing the Tirerack measurements). But look at the ECS02's bead as compared to the PS4S's. The ECS02 is still slightly stretched on a 20x10 and the PS4S is not. In addition, look at the tread of both tires. The tread on the PS4S is roughly equal to rim width, giving it a more square appearance. The tread on the ECS02 is slightly narrower than the rim width, which leads to the slight stretch.

Example 2:

Compare the 275/30 Conti SportContact 6 (stock tire) on a 20x10 wheel and a 275/30 PS4S on a 20x10 wheel. The Conti SC6 is supposedly a wider tread than the PS4S, but that is absolutely not the case in reality. The SC6 is clearly stretched and the PS4S actually looks ok.

275/30 Conti SC6 on 20x10 BBS CI-R (Don't mind the damage - I hit a pothole and destroyed by sidewall and rim... awesome)



Compared to 275/30 PS4S on 20x10 Niche wheels:



I spent a long time trying to find the right tire/wheel/spacer setup that would fit my car since I'm so low. So I have a ton of examples illustrating the above.

[VVG]

Tirerack's measurements don't always tell the whole story. On paper, the Conti's measure wide but in actuality they are more narrow than the Michelins.

Example 1:

285/30 PS4S on 20x10 BBS LMs (Jimminez's RS5) - ET17 F / ET12 rear (the ET12 rubbed).








Compared to 285/30 Conti ECS02 on 20x10 BBS CI-R (ET20 F/R):



The sidewalls of the ECS02's are more rounded so the tires may appear slightly wider at the sidewall (which may also be skewing the Tirerack measurements). But look at the ECS02's bead as compared to the PS4S's. The ECS02 is still slightly stretched on a 20x10 and the PS4S is not. In addition, look at the tread of both tires. The tread on the PS4S is roughly equal to rim width, giving it a more square appearance. The tread on the ECS02 is slightly narrower than the rim width, which leads to the slight stretch.

Example 2:

Compare the 275/30 Conti SportContact 6 (stock tire) on a 20x10 wheel and a 275/30 PS4S on a 20x10 wheel. The Conti SC6 is supposedly a wider tread than the PS4S, but that is absolutely not the case in reality. The SC6 is clearly stretched and the PS4S actually looks ok.

275/30 Conti SC6 on 20x10 BBS CI-R (Don't mind the damage - I hit a pothole and destroyed by sidewall and rim... awesome)



Compared to 275/30 PS4S on 20x10 Niche wheels:



I spent a long time trying to find the right tire/wheel/spacer setup that would fit my car since I'm so low. So I have a ton of examples illustrating the above.

All great info!! And I think it really illustrates that point that when you get down to millimeter levels of fitment, the tire geometry becomes a huge factor.

[VVG]

Of course I’m biased since I’m running 20x10’s with 285’s but I think the set-up looks spot on. Tires aren’t stretched or anything. In fact, a buddy stopped by the other day and was specifically looking at the wheels and tires. He said it looked perfect to him as far as fitment and flush. I personally wouldn’t want to go any wider but that’s just me (and I like really wide tires coming from a lifted 4x4, lol).

Agree. I think 10" looks great and any more you are just adding unnecessary weight. I've got my final set-up to order sometime next month:

BC Forged RZ23 in brushed bronze ( I have the bronze package) 20x10 ET22 with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in 285/30/20. Wheels will weigh in at just around 21lbs, saving me almost 6 lbs per corner. This will be on the stock suspension and should be fully rub-free. If I decide I want it a little lower, I will add the ABT HAS kit, but hoping I won't have to. Offset is the same as stock so my scrub radius is unchanged also.