#27979, "RE: 17x7 225/45/17?????" In response to In response to 8
Originally posted by CarbonFiberRST
Originally posted by RxR_Eclipse I use that same tire size, and I can say for a fact that the car is much better on the road with the wider tires. The turn in is a huge improvement. Of course I road race/autox my car regularly. If your just a daily driver and never race the car, then just go with the 215's. FYI I have sprint sport springs and had to roll the rear and I only have a 1.5" drop. No problems up front though. buhaahhaa, I was just thinking how how much wheelspin I would have if I had less than a 225...jesus it would be funny. Its bad enough I can break loose 225's on the road course at over 50 mph...got to love boost and megasquirt.
I am glad to hear someone with experience with this setup make a post. I was worried cause i keep seeing posts about how 225's on 7" wheels was stupid and i'd have less traction. but those people probably never used this setup so that just goes to show ya... (I drove about 2 miles on mine before I pulled the motor so i have no idea personally) EDIT: I also remember somebody saying the turn in would be alot worse... lol
Who said you would have less traction with a larger tire width? Turn in would be a worse, you're increasing the sidewall height when you increase the width at the same aspect ratio.
Mainly though this is why...
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The first sketch is a tire width that fits the wheel width. The second sketch is a tire width that is too wide for the wheel width.
So what, right?
Let me explain. You are now putting a torque force on the sidewall, even driving in a straight line. This causes roll in a turn, which causes the car's turning force to lift it literally off the ground since acceleration is pushing your car to the outside of the turn, and is now tilted toward the outside.
The reason it's not safe even in a straight line is because of the stretching of the tire when there is a force on it.
Get a 7.5" wheel minimum for 225's. The recommended is 8".
Joel Baldridge, ASE Certified Master Technician, Audi Certified Expert Technician
