1BADNSX

The only time I had my wife's IS350 out on the track I was chunking the tires badly. Since I sold my racecar, I was thinking of getting a dedicated wheel/tire set for the IS350.

I would like to run a square setup with Nitto NT01's (255/40/17) (sorry - typo in title) on 17x9 inch wheels with a 28 mm offset. Based on my calculations and test fit of the stock rear tires on the front, the wheels will be fine. I am slightly concerned there may be some wheel well interference with the wide tire when it is turning. Is anybody running this setup or is it well known not to work? Thanks in advance. Bob

Sportskid1

iTrader: (1)

The 255 up front might be a stretch with a +28 offset wheel, especially if you are lowered at all. You said you did a test fit with the stock rear rim which is +50 offset so you will effectively push the wheel out another 32mm with your new wheels which is a lot. I am going for a similar thing with my track setup (18X8.5 +35 all around). I am hoping to run a square setup in 245/40/18's which are a little taller than your setup but I am hoping I can make work. Just bought the wheels last week so now it is time to experiment.

1BADNSX

If it is taller, you may be in trouble because the stock 245/45/17 just slightly touches the rear plastic wheel well as you turn it through the arc. But it has a bigger diameter than a 255/40/17. BTW, the stock offset is 45 mm, but I know the wheel I am considering won't be a problem based on the test fit. I think the tire is okay also, but it better to ask first.

NYKnick101

you can fit a 255 at stock ride height, maybe lowered an inch, any lower than that your rubbing. But keeping in mind there will be some poke! 28 offset will give you a good amount of poke. A higher offset will get you more flush.

WylieKylie

iTrader: (2)

A 17 x 9 +28mm wheel with a 255 tire is relatively aggressive for the front of the car. You are moving the rim ~1.25" closer to the fender, and the tire will be about that much closer as well. I wouldn't be surprised if you have to roll the fenders to keep it from rubbing while on the track.

1BADNSX

Yes, after some more measurements and testing. I am sure the 255/40/17 would hit the fender liner behind with the outside edge or the tire while you are turning (aft end of the wheel well). This is because it sticks out an additional 1.84 compared to putting the stock rear tires on front for the test fit. Too bad Nitto doesn't make a 245/40/17. I think that would just fit. I may end up going with a 235/40/17 on an 8 inch wheel. That will easily fit due to its low diameter and will be lighter.

scott1256c

when you guys do these test fits, do you do anything to try and estimate fit based on body roll while turning? Or are you assuming any turn that causes any body roll will not be cranking the wheel hard enough to come close to the liner anyway?

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

Too wide up front.

1BADNSX

I have been driving the test fit around for two days. For this setup, you just get a slight rub when braking hard and turning. I am basing all the calculations on this test fit.

WylieKylie

iTrader: (2)

I would suggest you don't get too hung up on the NT01 then. There are plenty of competition tires (and ultra high performance "autocross" tires) available in either a 245/40-17 or 245/45-17 size. Within the next month I will be putting a set of either Dunlop Direzza ZIIs or Bridgestone RE-11s on stock 17" rims. I believe Jeff Lange runs 245/40-17 RE-11s on his IS250 with stock 17" wheels. A NT01 vs a Direzza isn't going to give up much, especially since it sounds like you are on stock suspension.