Looking for some feedback on my tire/wheel decision! I've read as many threads as I could find. Some great info, but sometimes posts will describe a tire size that they like/works without giving the wheel offset, or talk about wheel offsets that work without discussing what tires they are using.

Car: 2002 C2. OEM USA non-sport suspension. I plan on lowering with coil-overs or X74 if I can find a used setup.

Use: Fast mountain roads, sometimes commuting, occasional semi-casual track days and DE without tire change.

Objectives:

• New performance oriented, dry-only tires.
• Maximize use of stuff I already own ($$ I save can go to the coil-over fund!)
• Improve looks by pushing tires outwards (oem setup recessed into wheel wells).
• Use attractive wheels.
• Improve under/oversteer balance.

What I have:

• OEM 996 Carrera II wheels, 8x18 RO 50, 10x18 RO 65. Some curb rash, could use refinishing... Currently have snow tires mounted on them.
• OEM 997 NB Carrera III wheels. 8x18 RO 57, 10x18 RO 58. I definitely like the the look of these better, but the front offset moves in the wrong direction.
• Hankook Ventus Evo, 235/40-18 (nearly new, currently on 997 fronts)
• Hankook Ventus Evo, 265/40-18 (nearly new, currently on 997 rears)
• Four RSS 5mm spacers with longer bolts.

Thoughts on the following ideas, or any alternate ideas?

Using 997 wheel set:

• F: 8x18 RO 57 with current evo 235/40-18, Purchase 14mm spacers. (I've test fit this with 5mm spacers and there is a slight rub. Probably need to purchase larger 14mm or possibly 7mm spacer?)
• R: 10x18 RO 58. Purchase evo's in 295/30-18. No rear spacers, as this is already the*equivalent*of using the 996 65 offset wheels with a 7mm spacer**(Will the 295/30's fit on the narrow body with the lower offset wheels? Might need to roll the fender lip? Would *evo's in *285/30-18 be a better choice?)

Using 996 wheel set:

• Refinish wheels
• remove 235/40-18's from 997 wheel set and put on 996 wheel set.
• F: 8x18 RO 50, evo 235/40-18, optional 5mm spacers.
• R: 10x18 RO 65. Purchase evo's in 295/30-18. Use 5mm rear spacers.

 

I like your choice above.
However, if it was in your budget, I would upgrade the wheels to a 9" x 18" in front 11" x 18" in the Rear.