tire size question

[MainEvent212]

I'm buying new tires tonight and i've hit a speedbump if you will...i'm making about 230 WHP and plan on getting more out of my car...i'm buying rear tires now...

my wheels are 17x8 and offset can be changed cuz i have adjustable spacers

the front tires are kumho ecsta supra 712225/45/17

the questions are...1. what kind of tire? i say probably kumho ecsta supra 712 just to match, but i think the kumho ecsta MX would make a nice rear tire as well...

2. what size? im debating between three sizes

A> 245/45/17-i say this because the G35's tire setup is this way...225/45 fronts and 245/45 rears

B> 245/40/17-this will keep the rear tires shorter in sidewall...i dont think it's a big deal personally...i calculated and the sidewalls will be 11cm w/ the 45 and 98 w/ the 40

C> 255/40/17-reasoning? uh duh? lol but will it fit

help plz! kthx :icesangel

[SmithSR]

In response to question 1:either match same size, same brand... or match 712's f/r

In response to question 2:Forget size for a minute...If you're concerned about overpowering the tires, you should start considering a better gripping, faster wearing tire. OEM spec Bridgestones come in extremely low wear ratings. Most often, such a low wear rating also translates to a tire that grips like a mutha, while it's still good.

So which way to tip the scale? fast wearing good gripping expensive, or less spendy less grippy longer lasting.

If you do insist on using different sizes F/R, then wear is accelerated already. Wear must be a non-issue if you go this route!(be ready to open the checkbook regularly) The 245/45-17 size looks good under the rear of an s14, but is taller than OEM, so speedo, odometer, effective axle ratio all change..

long story short: you can get better grip from sticky tires in smaller sizes. bigger isn't necessarily better in this case.

[MainEvent212]

ah...well i see...i ended up going w/ the kumho MX in 245/45/17 cuz they were 1. cheap...2. better then the yoko avs es100 which was the recommended tire for me...and 3. well i'll probably replace the fronts w/in 3k miles cuz it's just about saving a little bit of money...

[Grant@tirerack]

Let us know how they work out for ya Ian!

[MainEvent212]

yah, mroe like HOPE THEY WORK OUT FOR YOU! lol, im 99% sure it'll all be good...but knowing my luck they'll rub all over the place...thanks for the call this morning though!

[Aznboi64]

I too have 17x8 wheels all around. whats a good tire size to go on all four wheels that won't make me rub. My wheels have a +35 offset. And its going on my fastback.