need help on wheels

[NARUTO]

hey everyone what's up?

so i'm getting new wheels for my tC but i need someone to help me decide what's best.

i'm going for 18"s but i don't know what's better to get "18x7.5" or "18x8"?

and the other thing is the tire. i don't know what to choose from, 225/40 or 235/40 or 245/35?

can someone help me pls. i'd really appreciate it.

and tell me what u recommend.

thanks alot guys

[navylife59]

Prob 18x8's 40MM offset, 235/40 should work. 225/40 should definately work

[WWKD?]

245/35-18's would give you almost an identical height, which is recommended. Virtually no speedo error with that setup.

235/40 would throw your speed off 3.2% too slow, because thy're too tall... like 2 1/2" too tall, and the 225/40's are 1 1/2" too tall.

BUT... as I'm new to this car, will they fit front and rear without hitting or requiring rolling of the fenders? And what wheel width and offset is needed?

This is a great link to help with tire sizes: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

It's java, give it a little time to load.

[oneday]

The other effect of the too tall tires is that it effects gear ratio: Taller tires make your acceleration slower by a little bit. Just FYI....not to mention the added weight of larger wheels hinders performance greatly.

[WWKD?]

All good points! Rarely is at a good idea to change the overall height of the tire.

[navylife59]

But you don't won't to be driving around on rubber bands either, especially here in New Orleans. You wouldn't last a week before tire/wheel damage.

[WWKD?]

Not 'gonna argue that point, the same here in Cleveland! On my Protege5 that I just traded, I went from 16's to 17's with a set of Yokohama Parada Spec2's, and within a week hit a hard edge in a construction area and wasted the 2 driver's side wheels. Ouch! Still trying to collect from the city on that one.

All I'm saying is that usually the point of going from a 17" wheel to an 18" or 19" wheel (plus one or plus two) is to decrease the sidewall height for less spring in the tire, a firmer sidewall, and usually better handling.

[navylife59]

True that and a wider stance. That is what I am going for. TRD set up the tC with the 18's the same way. No speedo diff and the same weight as the 17's. Prob is they are only 7.5 not 8 inch wide.