[kapi]

Could someone explain the reason for putting larger fronts and smaller rears on our cars?

Does it have something to do with handling, larger break caliper options for the fronts?

Thanks,
-Kapi
98 TT auto (oh wait 6sp now

 

[Mark 2JZ]

I think the reason is you'd have a larger variety of tire sizes with the 17x11.5R.

 

[badkarma]

Theoretically more sidewall allows you to put power down better too. Putting down power isn't a strong suit on the supra. =D Whether it does in reality, I'm not too sure, although I did recall Reg Riemer mention that switching to 17 in the rear helped. Not to mention the 285 17" is taller up front and tends to rub.

 

[ToMuchBoost]

I think the larger front are for control when drifting (handeling)
And the smaller size back are for quick exits

 

[in2twins]

You can fit a 285-30-18 in front, and a 315-35-17 in the rear. There are almost no 315-30-18 tires available, so 18" rear is tough, and a 275-40-17 is too tall in the front, so a 285-30-18 is an excellent choice at an inch shorter. That is THE reason. Max footprint in the stock body with proper ride height. Carl Byck

 

[Rafferty]

I was one of the 18/17 pioneers years ago. The 285x30x18 in front is superior to the 275x40x17 for two reasons: it's shorter (no rubbing issues) which provides very quick steering response, and it's about an inch wider (more grip). I debated about moving to 18's in the rear, especially given industry trends toward 18s and 19s, but John (CCW wheels owner) and I agreed that the short sidewalls on most 18" tires would be a disaster on a powerful Supra. The 315x35x17 offers more sidewall flex than a comparable 18" - allowing for better straight line "hook up." That said, in an ideal world (i.e. I had flared rear fenders), I'd love to run a 335x35x17, or maybe a 335x18. Note that I run mainly R (race) compound tires...

 

[AussieJZA80]

Also, you may be refering to the Jun supra that has the 18" fronts and 17" rears that is in the infamous drifting vid. I have read in an article on the yellow jun supra that in their case, the 18" were put on to clear their 6 pot Alcon brakes, which the 17" would not have cleared. I am pretty sure they would have had the 17" all round if they could, with the yokohama A032R on all 4 corners as the A032R is a better tire than the A048 they put on the front rims. A048 come in 18", A032R only come in max 17"