ESLexus300

I know the consensus here in the ES300 forum is a 225/40-18 for 18" wheels.

I finally decided on some rims today and went with some 18x7.5 +43 Volk GT-N's, now I just need to make a decision regarding tires.

Ideally, I'd like to go with some 215/45-18 tires, but as we all know, options are limited. I considered the Bridgestone Potenza SO2 A, but I'd like to have something with better treadwear rating, and certainly don't need that level of "performance" in a tire. It's a great tire, just "over kill" for my application.

I'll probably end up with a 225/40-18, but just don't like fact that it is .41" smaller in overall diameter than the stock wheel with a 205/65-15. The overall diameter for a 225/40-18 is 25.08", while a stock 205/65-15 is 25.49".

However, the 225/45-18 seems to be a viable option. The overall diameter is 25.97(.48" larger than OEM rim/tire combo) and offers .44" more sidewall then the 225/40-18.

The overall diameter difference between stock and the 225/45-18 is 1.85% and will read 1.13 MPH faster at 60 MPH(1.885%). A pretty minimal difference.

So, can somebody give me a reason not to go with the 22/45-18? Will this size cause any rubbing?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Chris

MCV20

are u going to lower it soon or later..? if u are going to lower it... just be careful... cuz it will rubb for sure

Kohinoor

iTrader: (22)

i got 225/45/18...it rubs in the back with weight

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

rubbing is truly dependant on the rims
i have a 43mm offset and the rim is only 7 inches wide not 7.5
and teh car is lowered with extra weight in the rear
but i have zero rub
with a 225/40 18

ESLexus300

My car is currently lowered 1.7F, 1.4R with Tein S-Tech Springs.

With a +43 offset, would the 225/45-18 be rubbing on the strut or the fender?

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

with that spring i can't tell you
as i have not driven or seen a 1.7 inch drop
is it all around same drop
also it would beed a 7inch rim to be sure of no rubbing
7.5 possible and 8 for sure

Stefwilli

No but I'm running 225/40/18 and I got plenty of room in the fenders with no rub.

steviej

iTrader: (1)

On my 02 I'm running 235/45-18s mounted on 8" rims.

The rear tires only rub/hit briefly when I go over a big bump or dip in the road with >300 lbs in the back seat.

hope it helps you.

steviej

MCV20

hey ESLexus300 while u take out the wheel.. did u check ur struts is there any scarchs on it..? cuz 43 offset seen a little too high for our chassis.... since i m running on 17x7.5 with 235/45-17 tires and 43 offset and it left a mark on my struts in the rear... so i need have a 3mm spacer at the back...to make more clearance