NC SC CHAT

[maxima278]

gointopless240- hey I was wondering if you had any good deals on 18 inch tires... I'm getting a set of wheels from a friend, they are 18x8.5 front, 18x9.5 rear with a +35 offset and I'll need to get some tires for them. I'm thinking 245 40 18s but not sure what will fit. They may need spacers and I probably need my fenders rolled. Here's what it looked like when we tried the 18x8.5s on one side: (any input would be great)

[GoinTopless240]

Hey Maxima,I like the look of those rims.. clean. With a staggered set-up you are going to want staggered tire sizes. 245/40r18 might be a bit wide for the front, but I'll have to check my software at the shop to confirm that. Are you running stock suspension? is vehicle going to be lowered? Are you planning on running on serious camber? Rolling the fenders will give you a bit of extra room for suspension articulation into the wheel wells. If you run a stiffer spring setup that stock, you will want to look for an extra load tire. After the 245/40r18 there is usually two more numbers which indicate the load capacity of the tire. The higher the number the stronger the tire. Stiffer springs don't absorb smaller bump and potholes. This means the tires take more of the abuse. If the index number is too low, then get used to bent rims. The higher number does not guarantee no bends, but if gives you a fighting chance. The tires will also handle much better - ie more responsive steering and better cornering. I will do some homework on Monday and see what I can come up with.

Cancel that.. I call down to my shop and had one of my guys pull up the software and we figured out some numbers (he has a 95 240se so understands the car as well). Anyhow, your original tire was a 205/55R16 with a load index of 89. Also keep in mind that the brands of tires I deal with are only BF Goodrich and Michelin, but this information can carry to any tire company. With that said, the fronts I would suggest 225/45r18. BFGoodrich makes the KDW NT (flame pattern look) with a load index of 91 and W speed rating (call that a Z). They run about $195 each. The rears I'd go with 245/40r18 like you thought, but go with the stronger tire here if you plan on pushing it hard. Most builds of that tire are 88 load. BFGoodrich again in the KDW NT is made with a 93 load index. They run about $217 each. I know these may seem pretty steep. But the information will be helpful if you go with lesser brands for a cheaper price. If you like to drift the car and plan on eating up rears, go with an "H" speed rating on the rear. They will break free easier and not cost as much. Something along the lines of a Kuhmo or Yokohama. Sorry we don't deal too much with low end tires. Keep in mind that COSTCO prices include everything.... mounting, balancing, Road Hazard, Lifetime R&B, and Nitrogen inflation. I'm not making a sales pitch either, but many times by the time you get the cheaper quality tire and add everything else in.. you end up spending as much for those as the good stuff.... If you get a set and need help getting them mounted.. give me a yell.. I'll help you out with that..

Whew.. that was long winded.. sorry... felt like I was a work for a minute...

Hope that helps..


Modified by GoinTopless240 at 12:21 PM 2/4/2007

[Redemption1978]

What is on those wheels right now is 245/40/18 load index of I believe 97 and 275/40/18 load index of 99.

And Topless I know what you mean I feel like I'm at work every time I go grocery shopping. Checking planogram compliance, out of stocks, out of dates, and to be honest when I walked in all I wanted was a gallon of milk.

*edit. Oh yea he is already lowered on eibach springs in that picture

[maxima278]

Right now I'm running eibach prokit springs, kyb struts in the rear and I still have the stock struts on the front. That may change at some point, but will probably not be for a while.

whatever tires I get for those wheels, I'm going to want to keep them nice and clean so I probably won't take them to the track. I'll either swap the stock 16's back on (which I have 2 sets of) or I may get some cheap bronze 17 inchers for the track and for drifting. I won't do a whole lot of crazy drifting and track stuff with this particular car, just mainly mountain runs, showing off around the house, stuff like that.

I also have an S13 I paid $500 for that I plan to put lots and lots of abuse on, and I plan to use that as a track whore so that I don't end up balling up the S14. But I'll save any research on tires for that car for another day.

thanks very much for the research there. I've learned the importance of good tires a little more this weekend.

[maxima278]

be honest with me here guys, do yall think it's worth it to spend $824 on the tires suggested above, or should I look for a good price on a cheaper brand but with an ok load rating?

I'd rather SPEND $800 than WASTE $400, but I think you guys know how that goes.

Also, since I am shelling out for the wheels now, I wouldn't be opposed to cheapies for now and good ones later, as long as I'm not going to bend my rims in the meantime.

[gnvarnadore]

well just be sure not to hit any pot holes if your running cheapo's so you wont bend your rim or bust the seal and get a flat. both happend to me but the good thing is that alloy rims are easy to bend back into shape but the powder coat on them chip's off.

[gnvarnadore]

ok i have a crazy question. how do i post pics on here because every forum is different. i want to post pics of my 93 240sx that im selling for $1500 so i can have enough money to buy a 97 240sx.

[Redemption1978]

in your situation as little as you drive. I'd go with some Nitto 555 summer tires. You don't drive your car so much that wear should be an issue as well as the fact that you have enough cars that you don't have to drive your car in the rain. so the tires would actually be used as intended.... used in good weather :p

[maxima278]

I looked at tirerack and discounttiredirect for some reference point and could not find anything with below a 91 load rating, so that's good right? Found the Nittos for $133 apiece for the fronts and $135 for the rears, that doesn't sound too bad.

how much are you going to have to pay for mounting and balancing?

[GoinTopless240]

Hey Maxima,If the price is right .. hop on it... If this car is not a DD or doesn't see much road use, then go with price. The way load index work is every tire is rated for strength that way. IE: say a tire has a load index of 80. Now say the load index chart (every tire has one) says it can carry 1500 lbs at 32 psi. Now say you saw the same size tire, but with a load index of 84. At 32 psi the load index chart should be able to carry more load at the same pressure... you can always run more pressure than OE (most nissans run between 29 to 32). Usually anything over 34 will start to wear the centers a bit quick and cup the edges. 91 load index should be cool. I run 34 in mine just cause the roads down here are crap. I'm still running the 15's till I do the 5 lug conversion. The only real downside to "cheaper" tires is that 1) the construction of the tire is not the same as premium brands. IE steel belt diameter, casings..etc. 2) some of the technology is dated. Multiple rubber componds in same tread. Some still use a material called carbon which when aged gets hard and not great in the rain. Silica is the new direction.

Redemption seems to know your situation better than I do. If what he says is the case, then he's right. Limited driving and mostly fair weather situation, you could get away with a cheaper tire. If the car sit for a period of time try to take the load off the tires to prevent flat spots. I had a set of cheapies on one of my spare cars and after sitting for a few weeks, I got in a about rattled my teeth out.

I am a bit fussier about tires than most. My wife hates it... trust me. We bought her a 05 Mustang for Christmas that had only 7000 miles on it. The P-Zero Nero's that came on it are the worst. I think we only have 2 that are round...can't wait to wear them out...... maybe I need to drift Momma's car a bit..lol.

Damn it's late.. hope this helps ya.

[Td5turbo]

Hey guys, havent posted in a WHILE!!

Well, I have decided to put my S13 up for sale (unofficially, sorta)

If you are interested (no joy rides) or know of ANYONE that is interested, please mention my name/car. I am looking for around $11,000 with the price somewhat flexible. I have a fully mod list and tons of pics if interested. Email is [email protected]

Thanks!!!(a pic as eye candy!)

[gr8bryt]

ok i have a crazy question. how do i post pics on here because every forum is different. i want to post pics of my 93 240sx that im selling for $1500 so i can have enough money to buy a 97 240sx.

There is a pretty comprehensive write up if you would like to use the SEARCH option. Secondly, if you use this link, http://www.photobucket.com you may find it is more user friendly than using the aforementioned suggestion. Lastly, I know that you're trying to give us all a heads up, but if you want max exposure for NICO, be sure to put an ad in the Classified Forum if you haven't already done so. I believe the Moderators will appreciate this as well.

[gr8bryt]

in your situation as little as you drive. I'd go with some Nitto 555 summer tires. You don't drive your car so much that wear should be an issue as well as the fact that you have enough cars that you don't have to drive your car in the rain. so the tires would actually be used as intended.... used in good weather :p

I don't have as much tire knowledge as some of you, but the little that I do know would lead me to believe that Brandon is on the right track.

[maxima278]

I really appreciate that guys. The only thing that bothers me is the few times I have been caught in the rain in that car and how scary it handles during those times, especially when it ices up, but then again if at all possible it is smart not to drive 240s in bad weather if you want them to live.

td5turbo: I'm interested in a joyride. Oh wait you said no joyrides... damn

[Td5turbo]

well, i will give you a joyride for sure! BUT I dont want someone to "lead me on" if you know what I am saying (take up 3 hours of my time talking about payment and **** like that and test drive it, not know how to handle boost, hit 9k rpm and blow my motor just because some kid wants to know what a Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift car feels like!! haha).

I would be happy to take some for a ride along, who knows, you could go home and say "man, that was a fun car....I need to tell my buddy about it" you know? Your welcome to check it out, but just give me a heads up that your just checking it out you know. No point in wasting both mine and your time haha.

[gnvarnadore]

gr8bryt

thanks man ill check it out, and yes i did place the ad on the other board

[gnvarnadore]

heres the pics of the car and the rims that are on it now

[GoinTopless240]

Hey Td5,If your ever near Costco during the day, give me a yell. I'd love to see the set up. I have a S13 Vert (white with primer front end and the NICO windshield baner). Pop into the tire center and ask for me. I'm usually there most days and usually off Thursday. I haven't seen the car around town, but I live north of Chuck town. I could even put the word out at the shop for ya.. Let me know. Good luck with selling it.... it looks nice from the picture I saw.

[Redemption1978]

I thought I saw you say earlier that there was a store opening here in greenville at some point. Do you happen to know about when? I'm just currious.

[GoinTopless240]

As far as what I've heard Greenville is slated for this year, but no real date has been given. That being said, if it was anytime soon, we would have a date already. I'm guessing possibly fall, but if wet weather continues ... who knows. Rain almost always delays openings... Mother Nature just doesn't like to work well with others... I take it from your comments earlier that you are in the industry.. sounds more like a retail environment..(plan-o-grams, out of stocks, code dates). I'm gonna guess that if you're looking at those items, you must be in management as well... or at least grooming to be.. actually if you're a local.. they usually know about it before we do..

[maxima278]

td5- I was only kidding. As much as I'd love to take it for a test drive I am 3 hours from Columbia so it probably won't happen. I appreciate the offer though and if you're ever down this way let me know. I know my car with the stock SR is a really fun car and I have only just begun to unlock it's potential so I can't imagine what a finished car is like. Also, if you sell it I don't know what's out there that can top it, unless you're starting over with another 240.

[Td5turbo]

Yea, this car with 14psi and a bunch of bolt-ons hauls enough to make me scared most of the time!!! I know I can slide the rear end out exiting corners in 2nd gear even with my S15 helical lsd (lower, like under 350-400whp, grip monster...beyond that HLSD's tend to not be as predictable).

In the rain, forget it when you even do a dig from 2nd gear...once you hit boost the back end just wags with delight!!!

But yes, I love the car but right now i am looking for a nicer car that doesnt have SUCH a harsh ride and not so many rattles (basically no personality/character haha). And I will be going off to college (yes, still in high school!) and I will most likely need an AWD car. I am looking at Audi S4's (2001-ish), WRX's and STi's (2004 STi and 2005 WRX), & Mitsu Evo. As of now, the STi is the most reachable (yea, I know...I sound spoiled as poop but I put all my worth into my car.) So yea, I think a STi will fit the bill of performance and styling!

Hey Topless, I might just have to stop into Costo. Do you care about mounting stretched tires? Like say a 195/50 on a 17x8? It took me FOREVER to get a shop that would agree to mount the 225/45's on my 17x9's. Also, my name is Austin. If you ever see me, dont hesatate to come up to me, I love talking about my car hahaha!

[rps13srsc]

As far as what I've heard Greenville is slated for this year, but no real date has been given. That being said, if it was anytime soon, we would have a date already. I'm guessing possibly fall, but if wet weather continues ... who knows. Rain almost always delays openings... Mother Nature just doesn't like to work well with others... I take it from your comments earlier that you are in the industry.. sounds more like a retail environment..(plan-o-grams, out of stocks, code dates). I'm gonna guess that if you're looking at those items, you must be in management as well... or at least grooming to be.. actually if you're a local.. they usually know about it before we do..

you think you could keep us up to date id like to see about working there atleast part time

[Redemption1978]

Oh Noes Busted!

As far as what I've heard Greenville is slated for this year, but no real date has been given. That being said, if it was anytime soon, we would have a date already. I'm guessing possibly fall, but if wet weather continues ... who knows. Rain almost always delays openings... Mother Nature just doesn't like to work well with others... I take it from your comments earlier that you are in the industry.. sounds more like a retail environment..(plan-o-grams, out of stocks, code dates). I'm gonna guess that if you're looking at those items, you must be in management as well... or at least grooming to be.. actually if you're a local.. they usually know about it before we do..

Yea I'm in the industry. I'm a Senior Analyst in the BI-LO Space management department. I never wanted to be a grocery man but I've grown to love the job and looking at those things is all I do most of the day. That and build reports.

Generally when I want to find out something about a rumor here I'll try and talk to one of the truck drivers. I don't know why but they usually seem to know things sooner than us here in the office.

[LiverFailure]

Hai guys, I are 240 man near Raleigh NC. Got pics?!

In all seriousness, I'm out of the raleigh area. Anyone on this thread from there?

[Redemption1978]

Not me but I've been out that way a few times. Its not too bad an area.

[maxima278]

So Turstin, Guiedo, yall made any progress on your cars yet?

I found a coupe on craigslist with body damage and a blown headgasket for $400, I may pick that up and use the 5 speed swap on my black one and part out the rest, but that's only if this guy who wants my pathfinder comes through.

[kouki munster]

Not really, I took some time to clean the shop monday and had to work today, but I did have a little time to pull some of the smaller interior pieces out of my car. I'm going to wait untill I get the motor in the coupe then limp my car inside to strip off anything and everything I can reuse or sell if I don't need.

[Cygnus_X_1]

how much are you asking for the pathfinder?

[maxima278]

Well, if you're going to be working on one of them this weekend, let me know and I will try to come up saturday and help you. I know you're not that upset about it, but I think it sucks after all the work you did you still don't have a 240 to drive. If you have the engine bay at a point where you're ready to drop it in I think we can get the coupe running pretty quick.