Who here running 255 rears on their AP2? If so, what rims/offset, and do you have any problems with clearance/rubbing? I'm not dropped, and don't mind a slight camber adjust, but don't want to get into fender rolling... Just wondering if 255s are an option, based on local experience, or do I stick w/ 245s?

 

I'm running 255/40R17 on my car but I'm also running a wider offset (+43) and wider rim (9"). I don't think you'll rub by adding another 10mm.

Keith

 

Thks Keith - I'd run std rim width (8.5) w/ a slightly wider offset - 59mm vs 65mm oem

 

On my Mugen MF10s I had....
225/45/17, 255/40/17
with 17x7.5 +52 and 17x8.5 +59 lowered 2 inches and I didn't rub. Also I had UK alignment with no fender modification so you're good to go!

 

Be careful, Graham. Doesn't your car have VSA? If so- just adding width in the rear also adds a little bit of height. If you change the rear you should also change the front.
The funny thing about changing tire sizes is how and when it has an effect on handling. Wider is better, yes. More surface area =more gription. BUT-Adding even just a little to the factory width wheel can cause adverse handling. You may not even notice it til its too late. Adding (even just 10mm) can and probably will cause the rear to feel wormy or even as if its floating around behind you. It will take slightly longer to 'set' when going into a corner and will likely feel less stable/consistent throughout the corner.

I had the 255/225 set-up on my car and it was a vicious animal in the corners. I also had the wider wheels with the factory offset spitting the extra width. We all know you are made of money. Get some Volks, then add the bigger tire, and be done with it.

 

Yes it does have VSA. The OEM RE-050s are 'odd' for their size - much narrower tread width in front than most 215s - so any replacement tires are going to change the balance...

Not surprised your S was an animal with a 255/225 set-up - you're supposed to have the wider tires on the rear

Adding 10mm to the rear adds 4mm to the height of a 40 aspect tire - that's about half the tread depth if your tire has 10/32s ... so I'd have thought that was within 'wear limits'

As for setting in a corner, isn't that a function of the side-wall height & stiffness rather than the tire width? Plus, even if I could afford them, how do Volks solve the problems of a wider rear tire?

 

You can fit 255's all the way around with absolutely no problems.

The internet "fad" that you have to keep a stagger with tire/wheel size is bullshit. Add as much front grip as you possibly can and then adjust your alignment appropriately (rear toe in).

I've run 255's on the following setups

17x8.5 +65
17x8.5 +60
17x8.5 +59
17x9 +63
17x9 +55 (need to run at least 2.5 deg of rear camber though)


I have a set of AP2V2's for sale - all rears with 2 machined to fit the fronts. With 255's Star Specs.

 

Thanks TheNick - any issues from running 255s on 8.5" rims? Rim-width for 255s is meant to be 9", allegedly...

 

None. Will be slightly less feel on turn in as the sidewall will be slightly sloppier but it won't matter on the street.

 

Rocking AP2v1s, on an AP1, 225 F, 225 R...dropped on Espelirs. LOVE IT.