Smart call. You'll look good as well as remain fast. Make sure you get the proper size tires in 17" to maintain the same outer diameter on your wheel and tire combination as the OE 16" size

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S Racer
[B]Smart call.

 

Heh...S Racer, where'd you get the greenguy??

 

Which wheels did you order bud?

By the way...I highly recommend you change your rear tire size to 245/40/17. Your front 215/45/17 is good to go.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Phantom
[B]

Which wheels did you order bud?

By the way...I highly recommend you change your rear tire size to 245/40/17.

 

Hey Ludedude,

Go to your "MyS2000", then "Edit Options", at the bottom go into the "Avatar" and look through til you find "Mr. Catch-me".

By the way, I would run 225/45/17 on the front to keep the weight distribution balanced. 215 is too small

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S Racer
[B]Hey Ludedude,

Go to your "MyS2000", then "Edit Options", at the bottom go into the "Avatar" and look through til you find "Mr. Catch-me".

 

Just for a point of reference, back in the day I had a 1986 Trans Am that came from the factory with 16x8 rims and 245/50 Eagle VR Gatorbacks on it so offhand I'd say that a 245 width tire fits on an 8 inch rim. Yes, they were 16's (big f'in deal in 1986 LOL) but the width isn't affected by diameter. I'm sure that Tire Rack's website has the answer to your question though, or better yet ask the tire manufacturer since I'm sure they know the answer

 

Bud,

245/40/17 is approved for a 17x8 wheel. Check it out:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?mak...3+Pole+Position

[QUOTE]Posted by S Racer:
By the way, I would run 225/45/17 on the front to keep the weight distribution balanced. 215 is too small

 

I don't think the 18" will give you an advantage on the track unless you did suspension upgrades, camber, swat bars and anti roll bars. We do have very light weight wheels in the 18" that will work fine on the car. It is true that the 18" will be more likely to be damaged from potholes but they do look great..
The other thing is the car doesn't have enough power to work the 255/35R18 or 265/35R18 tires.
The contact patch would be wider with a lower profile tire even if the width is the same. I normally recommend a 245/40R17 on the rear or 255/35R18. In these applications the 255/35R18 will have more square inches of contact and it will be wider foot print.. I am not sure what verticle contact patch is.
You can run either on the track or the street. What I would say is buy what you think looks best. If you are not racing for money it just doesn'tt matter.
If I can help let me know.
Thank you

Jim 800-428-8355-364