JayL

I have a complete set (4)of 18x10 wheels for my S2. I plan on running the same size tires at each corner and I'm having a little trouble choosing which size tire to run. Part of me wants to run a 265/35r18 rather than a 285/30r18 tire. The 265s are available in several specific tire models that interest me that aren't available in the 285 size and the 265 should also be better suited for the 10" rim based on the casing size of the tires. As for the 285, it's not as tall as the 265 and is actually slightly shorter than the stock tire size. That alone might make it the better option. Other than that, what am I missing? Which way would you go and why?

xsboost90

i would do the 265, should fit better and more available. - I also suggest rt615k faulken azenis tires- awesome although summer only.

racer

How are your suspension and alignment settings? Hate to see you ruin some new rims and tires because they won't fit right.

JayL

Nothing to worry about there, I can handle any fitment issues that haven't already been addressed. Part of the extra tweaking to the setup will actually depend on which set of tires I go with.

odurandina

if for the street... run like a 255 35 in front and 275 35 in the back.

don't run 30s. the ride will be terrible and you'll run out of gear.

used 285 35s are also a great tire size for the back as they'll be down a bit on the circumference at about 26.7"

mytrplseven

Measure the original diameter of the rear tire. Go to Tire Rack and check all the availability of tires in the width and ratio range you're considering. The rear tire gives you your speedo info and if the diameter doesn't match original, your speedo will be innacurate. For the front, I'd go smaller in width (stagger) but not a ratio that exceeds 35 or the ride'll suck. Their research tool, availability list and review logs will help a lot. I've been more than satisfied with this process on selecting tires to go with the 17" rims I put on my '87 944 NA when I replaced the factory phone dials.

dykaar

Be aware that 944s have the torsion bar carrier offset ~1/2" to the drivers side. At least most do according to George Beuselinck, the PCA 9xx tech guru.
Not a problem with anything near stock sizes, but if you try and go big, you'll need to keep that in mind. The mounting holes for the rear subfame consist of a hole on the passenger side and a slot on the drivers side, and the carrier ends up at the outside extreme of the slot. Picture here.

Regards,

doug

86 951 (http://www.pcaucr.org/visuals/photos...egory&catid=61)
01 E320 (W210) 4matic Wagon (http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...body-do-2.html)
00 540i-6 (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...hp?albumid=976)
94 855 turbo Wagon (sold in 09)
85 535i-5 (sold in 07)
76 300D (sold in 92)
83 944 (sold in 86)
I apparently only buy cars designated by numbers

JayL

Surprised there's no 285 fans in here, quite the opposite of what i expected. Guess I'll start shopping for the 265s. I've always been a big fan of a square setup so there's no chance I'll run a staggered setup. These tires will be used for the street and occasional track use (rain). A different set of rims (smaller) will be designated for track use eventually. For now I just want to drive the car on the street.

333pg333

I ran the Nitto NT01 275/35 all round on 10"s. That was mostly for trackdays but it worked fine on the street. Only thing is that once they wear, they're no good in wet conditions. Hmm, Seattle huh....maybe not such a good idea. Even I know that from down here, lol. But the size was fine.

JayL

Wet performance is the biggest thing that I'm looking for with these. The NT01 definitely won't cut it as a street tire for me, but I'm looking at the Hankook RS3, Kumho Ecsta XS, Dunlop Star Specs and Continental DW at the moment. I'm going to keep researching and order a set in the next couple of weeks.