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Tire Width, How much does it matter?

Last post 07-06-2008, 9:49 PM by r0nd3L. 3 replies.
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  •  07-02-2008, 5:51 PM 308380

    Tire Width, How much does it matter?

    Well, I bought some wheels that came with 225/45R17 front and 245/45R17 rear RT-615s.  Stock size on my car (2004 GTO) is 245/45R17 BFG KDWS.

    Question is, would it be worth for me to replace front tires for 245?  The tires are reletively new, so I assume I could sell them to get some of the money back.

    However, I don't want to go through all of this if 20mm width won't make dramatic difference.

    Left: Rear 245/45 Right: Front 225/45 

     Thanks for the input!
     

  •  07-02-2008, 10:23 PM 308413 in reply to 308380

    Re: Tire Width, How much does it matter?

    According to Paul Haney, the geometry of the adhesion vs sliding areas is always in favor of the wider tire even if the overall contact patch is the same. The only reason to not go wider in STS is that gearing may be a factor.

    Aut tace aut loquere meliora silentio.
  •  07-06-2008, 6:53 PM 308722 in reply to 308380

    Re: Tire Width, How much does it matter?

    The tire width does matter quite a bit to affect the handling.  This is especially so if there is a lot of weight being distributed onto the tires.  Tire size will become even more important.

    I'd be more concerned with the dramatic change in tire height.  You stated that 245/45 is the stock tire size all the way around, the 225/45 is considerably shorter and will greatly affect how the car handles if no other changes are made, as it will change ride height.  It might also mess w/ the braking system if your ABS is still enabled.
     

  •  07-06-2008, 9:49 PM 308733 in reply to 308722

    Re: Tire Width, How much does it matter?

    Well, I drove 20 miles on the wheels before I took them off to be refinished and they didn't trigger any ABS/Brake Lights on the dash, so I *think* it would be fine.

     I think I'll see how these work with good amount of camber and if I'm not satisfied I'll upsize to 245/45.
     

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