Hi guys, just about to order a new set of tires for my 02 targa, just wanted to ask:
i'm running the stock 18" carrera 5 spoke lightweight wheels, and i want to dial out a bit of understeer, the stock tire sizes are 225/40/18 and 285/30/18
would you suggest going to a 235/40/18 or 245/40/18 up front? given the wheel width is 8", of course i don't want to run into rubbing issues or change the diameter or anything....

 

if you want to dial out some understeer, adjust tire pressure and maybe slap on some adjustable swaybars. adjustable coilovers will do wonders.

Given the 8" front rim width, You could probably go 235/40 but that's about it. not much of a change.

 

So, Sharp, the wheels you have are the ones on p0rsch3's avatar?

If so, I'm looking forward to answers too! But I don't want to deal with rubbing or rolling fenders... I want: 235/40/18 fronts and 295/30/18 rears on those same exact wheels...

joel

 

From a width standpoint, the 235 is fine on an 8" wheel. I doubt it would rub. However, you will be starting to get a little outside spec on the overall diameter. 245/40 is definitely too tall.

Joel - go see Wheel World in Hialeah. They can set you up right. The owner has a really nice yellow turbo that he never drives.

 

Get some Boxster 5 spoke 9" 52et, add a 14mm spacer, and a good amount of negative camber to fit 255 front tires.

 

do fatter front tires give you more understeer or oversteer?

 

should reduce understeer, that being said i just ordered the oe size of 225, because i have a set of GT3 sways going on, so i'm going to dial it out that way instead.

 

I wanted more from grip for autox, so i went with 245/40/18s on the front but only on my race wheels, which are 8.5 wide. They're a little taller too, so I'll have to adjust when I get coilovers.

 

I'd suggest 235/40/18 or 245/35/18.

 

All else being relatively equal, wider front tires reduces understeer.

AX-
225/285. Cheapo BFG KDWs understeer with no grip.
235/295. Understeer. PS2 tires
255/295. No understeer, expect tight hairpin. PS2/ R888s
275/295. Nice, but seemed to be no faster than 255/295 due to the taller height/ unsprung weight.

I changed my setup this last AX so the 255/295 understeered, slapped on the 275 front and understeer was mostly gone. If I had to choose one setup, I go with 255/295 for DD, AX, DEs.

 

I have 245/35/18's in front with those wheels, and lowered on PSS9's. No issues.

 

Yup, 245/35 and 295/30 works fine

 

Joel, ya those are the same wheels