Ekow,
my opinion is that it wouldn't be too bad to stretch a 245 on the 9-1/2" wheel, although not optimum and as you say, a bit stretched. I've run a few sets of 255's on my 9-1/2" X 18" fronts and I don't see going down one tire size would be terrible. Plus, when they see it you might make some new friends from the euro tire stretch crowd.

 

Thanks Nick,
No other thoughts/options?
My plan is to go to 255's on the 17x9.5's going forward.

- Ekow

 

I agree with Nick. Should be fine, but will be stretched.

 

It's your choice, but Kumho recommends a maximum of a 9" wheel for their 245/45R17. You may want to give them a call and see if the mounting the 245 on a 9.5" wheel is safe, just not optimal.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...ireMake=Kumho&tireModel=Ecsta+XS&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=445WR7EXS&tab=Specs

As far as new tires, I would run the 275/40R17 front and rear.

Later, Steve

 

Hey Steve I did a bunch of search and I swore that the widest people had success with on the front was 265...and that even had some rubbing under heavy compression. Have you seen someone run 275 squares?

 

On stock 9.5's all the way around.

 

Yes my freind runs 275's with stock rear wheels all around. I know he runs a lowering spring and shock combination, but not sure of the specifics. I'll double check to see he had major rubbing. My fitment guide says it will work by simply removing the fender liner screw at the top of the fender lip.

I used to run a 275/35R18 on an 18x9.5" +50mm offset wheel.

Later, Steve

 

Steve do you have a link or file about the fitment guide you can sent me? The links in your older topics don't work anymore.

Thanks, Casper

EDIT: Nevermind, I found it on my computer.

 

I do see some attraction to running all same size all around, and I am guessing that I might be missing something here, but ...

If we are having rear traction issues to the effect of some of us getting rid of the rear sway bar altogether to try and get more traction in the rear, would one not be biasing the handling even more towards oversteer with all tires of the same size?

 

Rich,

What suspension/swaybars are you running? Are you having oversteer issues on corner entry, mid corner or corner exit?

I have never had an oversteer issue (except power on oversteer) with any of my Supras and setups.

If you're actually having mid corner oversteer, unhooking the rear swaybar would not be my answer. Keep in mind the rear sway bar serves two purposes. 1. Handling balance and 2. Roll stiffness. Also keep in mind that the swaybar typically has a smaller effect than springs as a percent of the wheel rate front to rear.

I would think a better fix would be to change your spring rates before you unhook your swaybar. Have you calculated your wheel rate percent front to rear versus your weight distribution?

Later, Steve

 

I don't have a ton of over-steer problems. In generall I am just trying to ensure I can put the most tire that I can around. I can manage the oversteer/understeer with the suspension and swaybars and ofcourse alignment. That is my theory anyway.
-Ekow

 

My miscellaneous semi-related meandering led me to discover that the Hoosier R6 and A6 are available in a 275/35 X 17 which I didn't know. But I realize you may not now be in the market for new tires.

 

I just followed up with my friend. He reports no rubbing on the road or track with the square 275/40R17 setup.

He's running Tein lowering springs with KYB/AGX shocks.

Later, Steve

 

Running a streched tire will increase the side slip.
Until you can spring for the larger tire, stay with the narrower rim.