Hopefully I posted this in the right spot.

Currently looking for a new set of tires for a 996 that sees low mileage summer only street driving and occasional road course days. Car is currently AWD so tire size choice is limited. Wheels on the car are currently 9"/12" wide - 18".

Conventional thought is to go 245/40 F and 315/30R although I have heard comments that the 315 is a bit weak due to load factor and sidewall tends to roll over on track. I think preference is a 305/35 but I cant do that with the 996 front diff.

I did notice that Yokohama revised the A052 recently and there seems to be new sizes available (or I never noticed them before). I'm wondering what people's thoughts are running these tires on the above rims in 295/35R and 235/45F? The diameters look like they would work with AWD and the load ratings are a bit higher. Running a taller tire will put the speedometer off (don't care) and change ratio from a 3.44 to an effective 3.29 (running 295/30 now) and I'm ok with that as well. I guess I'd be going against the whole "wider is better" philosophy some have wrt tires.

I think my bigger concern is rubbing on spring perches or radiator supports, etc? Also wondering if too much stretch on on the rear wheel?

Anyway wondering about opinions as I've never heard this tire combo ever discussed. A picture of a 295/35R18 mounted on a 12" below

 

Put this in the Racing Drivers Ed forum under Performance and Competition Area.