cpbeasley

I appreciate the responses to my issue with the bolt heads clearing the rear wheels... I shoudl've addressed this at the time, but...

with the 18x8.5 et35 wheel in question, the calipers cleared by a mile.
however the wheel cleared the front strut by 5mm or less. at the time, I didnt account for the fact that the car was jacked up and the wheel and tire would be sitting up much higher relative to the strut, when on the ground. i have a crappy phone pic that isnt of much use but can upload and post it upon request.

at the time, imagining a tire bulge in place had me visualizing an interference.

i hate to stick out the wheels any futher than necessary as they already sit further outward than the rear wheels (upon trial fitment).

also i really do not want to stretch tires, i want as close to a bulge as I can get (for instance will be trying to wedge in 265s on the rear 9.5s)

so, any clue if the strut sits further out at the top enough that a 5mm or less gap upon trial fitment with car jacked up will lead to a clearance? or should I go for a 5mm spacers?
being that it's 8.5, I'd really like to get a 235 tire, assuming a 225 will have some stretch

or am I gonna have to find out for myself?

splinter

You’ll have to find out for yourself. ;)

My 245/40/17 on 8.5 x ET34 setup noticeably decreased understeer.



ymmv

glocati

Cale, I agree with splinter..it's gonna be tight/close to the strut tube. The strut tube should be indented a bit at the top like in splinters pic to give a bit more clearance. When the car is on the ground that's where the wheel/tire end up. I bet it just clears, but i can give no guarantees either way. )

Give it a shot with the 235's....worse case is hubcentric spacers....which are a pain at times but work.

I actually know people that have "reworked" the strut tube just enough to clear.

Keep us posted on it ! And I like the wheels BTW.

phister

off splinter's image, you'll be fine running the 235 with your offset. There are quite a few people on here that have +35 offset all around and have not had any concerns. You'll just have to test fit it and drive around for awhile to see if it'll rub, but I doubt it will. But if you're concerned you can just buy a 3mm spacer, that way it'll push your wheels out enough for your liking but you'll still be able to use your bolts and not have to buy longer ones.

FrankW

just go and buy the Brabus 5mm spacers all around if you are not comfortable with the small clearance

8.5 with et35 is fine with 235 or 225. it'll clear the strut fine.

Glyn M Ruck

splinter's Koni yellows have a larger dimple than standard. 235's on your wheels will fit - just with most tyres. I would run them for a while & monitor touching. If it bugs you then fit a spacer. A 225 is not ideal for 8.5 wheel.

TruTaing

ot: I want that 245 up front some day! :P