98Luder

Hey guys
I wanted your opinion for handling. if a 18x9 with a 265/35 would handle better or a 18x9.5 255/35? I guess basically narrower wheel with wider tire vs wider wheel with narrower tire

The 18x9 265/35 set up would be like a muffin top, would handling be sloppy but would it have more contact patch?

The 18x9.5 255/35 would definitely be stretched but definitely no play in the sidewall.

98Luder

This is not one of those do you think this will fit or will not fit. I'm just wondering about the handling/performance aspect of the 2 setups.

imstimpy

Ignoring absolutely everything but the single question- 18x9.5 255.

volcomboy390

ughhh how bout 18x9.5 with a 265......

98Luder

of course that would be too easy to say 18x9.5 and 265/35

i'm just comparing the 2
but then again you see all the guys with 17x10 running 255/40, nobody ever goes wider which leads me to believe that wider wheel and a stretched tire is better?

Bullwings

The tire options beyond 255 on 17" rims is pretty slim.

As far as your original question

18x9.5 w 255 will FEEL better and more responsive. It will inspire more confidence and consistency for a faster single hotlap (until it heat soaks and gets greasy).

The 18x9 w 265 will feel less responsive but will have a higher heat capacity threshold before getting greasy from lapping and will probably have a higher lateral peak g-load (assuming the sidewalls are stiff enough and don't fold and flex over). In the hands of a pro, I would guess that this will be faster.

This is a similar question to the stock wheels of (17x7 w215 F / 17x8.5 w 245 R) versus 17x7 w 225 F/ 17x8.5 w 255). The 215/245 setup felt faster and more responsive; however, the 225/255 setup handled the heat better after repeated hot laps.

The real answer is, if you're not able to turn laps that are consistently within a 0.200 second spread on a 2minute/lap road course, you're probably not up to driving par to really tell the difference as far as which is faster.

98Luder

Thank you appreciate that honest opinion. Basically, unless you are a really good driver you won't notice much of a difference.
These ponder these questions when i'm driving home from work. It's good to know and helps with future decisions.

98Luder

Thank you appreciate that honest opinion. Basically, unless you are a really good driver you won't notice much of a difference.
I ponder these questions when i'm driving home from work usually. It's good to know and helps with future decisions.

Thanks guys.

s2000Junky

The best rule of thumb is to match the tires section width to the rim width for the best tire performance ie grip and response, so 9"-225 10"-255 11"-275 and on down the line. The only reason to deviate from this is if you have class rules that dictate a max rim width allowed and therefore packing on as much reasonable amount of rubber on that rim to gain as much advantage in grip at the compromise of everything else is done, and or if you run a dual purpose street/lapping day car and just don't run a wheel choice that is purely performance focused with fitment etc.

I run 17"s wheels that are 10" up front/255 and 295 in the rear with a 11.5" wheel.

98Luder

S2000junky so you'd say the 255/35 with the 18x9.5 would be more optimal then the 265 on a 9"?