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Different width tires???

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Old Jan 1, 2008 | 11:13 PM
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Default Different width tires???

What is the advantage of going with smaller width of tires in the font of the car? will the car handle better in turns? I know you want them wide in the rear for traction. but what stagger or different width would you want in the front for performance?? I am currently running stock 16's with bfg drag radials in the rear. they hook great but ride like crap off the track. I am going to be purchasing set of 18" wheels for street driving, with 295 35 18 for the rear. wan to know whatis the correct width for the front for performance? thanks...
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Old Jan 2, 2008 | 12:01 AM
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the smaller rims in the back with a larger side wall will give you better traction at the track...having small rims in the front will not help you in turns..what are your goals?..
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Old Jan 2, 2008 | 10:56 AM
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Would like the car to handle well on the street. I will switch out rear tires for the track.
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Old Jan 2, 2008 | 12:26 PM
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Our cars will actually handle worse with narrower front (than rear) wheels/tires. Everyone does it because that is all that will fit (without BFH and other mods) easily, and they like "the look".
Case in point; autocrossers/open trackers/road racers will ALWAYS use 17x11s with 315/30 17s at ALL four corners if given the choice, or allowed by the rules to do so.
Even in the classes they are not allowed, they STILL run the same size wheel/tire front & rear.
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Old Jan 2, 2008 | 02:07 PM
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^ i've heard that too, very interesting
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Old Jan 2, 2008 | 02:14 PM
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Yeah, but he isn't needing a $500k first prize winning competition setup.

You'll want to run a setup that has some nice wide rear wheels, from 10-11 inches using 295, 305, 315, etc.

In the front you're best off going with 8.5-9.5 inches, seeing how the majority of the wheels made are in these widths and have offsets that 'looks best'. Run 275-285 there.

It's totally impractical for you to get a front + rear setup of like 18x11's if you're dding.
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Old Jan 2, 2008 | 04:20 PM
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Going narrower than stock up front doesn't make much sense. So dont go less than 275 up front. However, any wider could be annoying if its daily driven. For the rear, wider couldn't hurt. Better traction all around if you go with wider in the rear IMO. as long as you're prepared to make the necessary modifications to make a big tire fit. Our cars can actually fit a wider tire up front than in the rear with same amount of modifications.
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Old Jan 2, 2008 | 04:53 PM
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Smaller width front tires cut down on rolling resistance at the drag strip also.
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Old Jan 2, 2008 | 05:33 PM
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I was told that a 295/35/18 on a 18x10 would fit in the rear without mods with a 41 offset was planning on a 18x8.5 in front with 275x35x18 tires. just to keep weight of front wheels down, and for looks.
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Old Jan 2, 2008 | 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by GDAVIS2000Z28
I was told that a 295/35/18 on a 18x10 would fit in the rear without mods with a 41 offset was planning on a 18x8.5 in front with 275x35x18 tires. just to keep weight of front wheels down, and for looks.
275 is a little too wide for an 8.5. And my 295-35-18s with +50mm offset rubbed. I had to do some BFH and install a rod/poly end PHR. +41mm offset will probably require you to roll the fender lip cuz mine are damn close.
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