Would it be wise to run +53s on all four corners but having them at different widths (7.5 and 8.5)?

 

Very common, won't be a problem. A lot of people run staggered wheels with same offset (popular 8/9 +45) or even same width/offset non-staggered.

 

The Ce28s I had were 7.5+50 and 8.5+52. What you are asking will not really affect much. Essentally what you will end up with is the front wheels may not be as close to the fender as the rear or vise/versa. Generally when wheels are staggered, the offsets are also staggered and set accordingly to match how the wheel will sit on the car.

Having a matching offset is ideal when you want the same size wheels/tires front and rear. This allows for rotation of tires etc etc. I would recommend that if you are looking for a handling improvement and a new set of wheels that you consider doing 17x9 all around.

 

Instead of making a new thread or searching, (even though I'm looking hard as I type) would a square setup usually out handle, as well as make the handling more neutral than a staggered setup?

I'm at this crossroads now, getting my fenders trimmed Sunday so I should be ready for either way. I currently run a 255 out back and won't do anything less. I fear that's a little large up front on a 9" rim though?

 

No, it will bias to over steer generally, even more so on the Ap1 due to its factory bias to already oversteer (especially 00-01)

Putting more tire up front gives you more turn in grip, this can be very beneficial, and the handling can be more manageable at slower speeds such as Auto X. For high speed road course you better dial in the susp, sway bars and know how to manage a loose rear or you will be a slower and less confident driver. Half of going fast is feeling confident in the car. In my experience a square set up would be more appropriate on a Ap2 if its going to be done. Or even a 245F/255R set up. But there is personal preference to how we like our cars to manage grip and handling bias. I think its foolish to be an inexperienced s2k driver and go strait for a square set up with out muc reference point, because some say its better/faster. Not always, and its not that strait forward.

On my 01 with factory Sway bars, I am still biased a bit to over steer with 255 up front and 295 in back. Running a square set up would be a problem. On an Ap2 that same tire stagger would make the Ap2 feel neutral in grip at speed to even slightly push.

On a ap2 I would run 245 up front with 255 in back, keeping the factory sway bars. I think this would improve grip up front with 9" rim substantially, wile still keeping the car more balanced/manageable.

 

Thank you for the info

I am considering buying cheaper aftermarket wheels to mess around with what I like before taking the plunge into more expensive sets and realizing I don't like what I did to the car.

I've got an AP2 currently and an Eibach front Sway really helped my confidence level. I think a little more front bite would be nice initially, but I LOVE the way the car is handling mid corner and behaving on the way out.

225/255 on stock wheels currently.

 

Adding more tire up front is going to disturb the balance you currently like. With that stiffer front sway bar you have currently, you should be pushing more over stock, which can feel more safe and predictable at speed, but it isnt the fastest. If you add more tire up front you could remedy this, balancing out the car making it more neutral under throttle. Alternatively upping the front sway bar weight again will help maintain your current handling balance wile offering you more total grip. Experimenting is good if you have the resources necessary to do so. Good luck

 

I don't race or track this car, so it's more or less just for spirited driving and feeling comfortable to enjoy the car.

No doubt loose is fast though, our auto-x cars were always loose and always delivered

I don't mind disturbing the current balance if it's going to be for the better, but I also don't want to overdo it.

I read a little last night guys were squaring their wheels up but running a 245 Front and 255 or larger Rear. Sounds intriguing lol

 

Also with a 9" wide wheel and 50+ offset with stock ride height you should not have to pull or roll the fenders. Definitely fit your wheels and tires first and roll what you have to. Cart is before the horse if you are rolling first unless you know from experience what will fit.

 

Got a nice 4 corner trim last weekend in anticipation of fitment issues

Thinking of a 245 F, 255 R if I run an RPF1.