I'm starting to look around for some new rims and tires. It seems the largest factory wheels are 18" with 8" wide front and 8.5" wide rear. I was headed in that direction, but I saw those monster 19 X 10's :eek: on the photo thread and realized that I could go more extreme.

I've got several questions that I hope some of you can help with:

1. Is there any clear advantage to having wider tires in the back than front? (it seems the options become limited if different widths are used)

2. Are there any risks/drawbacks (other than price and ride quality) to going as extreme as those 19 X 10's?

3. The stock tires are terrible in the snow. Does anyone know if there are any big, runflats that might at least be able to handle some snow? (they don't have to be good, just not terrible)

4. Are there any resources that would list appropriate sizes, offsets etc. (it seems that the car is still new enough that even many of the wheel suppliers don't have good references)?

5. Any other tips/ suggestions?

Thanks!

my .02
1) I would think staggered tire sizes would help to promote understeer...could be wrong...
2) Such big rims will slow your car down, more rubber on the ground will decrease acceleration and a larger 19" wheel will do the same.
3) Don't think I've seen a runflat snow tire...I'd just get regular snows on some cheap 16" wheels.
4) Check tirerack.com

my .02
1) I would think staggered tire sizes would help to promote understeer...could be wrong...
2) Such big rims will slow your car down, more rubber on the ground will decrease acceleration and a larger 19" wheel will do the same.
3) Don't think I've seen a runflat snow tire...I'd just get regular snows on some cheap 16" wheels.
4) Check tirerack.com

Thanks! I've been digging around some and these seem to be the most interesting size options:

18 X 8 - 225/40
18 X 8.5 - 225/40
18 X 9 - 255/35
19 X 8.5 - 235/35
19 X 10 - 265/30

I'm going to stop by a place near me this evening and see what they have to offer. It seems that the selection of run flats in these sizes are fairly limited. I guess I could go standard, but I'd be nervous without a spare, and a spare would fill up the trunk.

I'm thinking of going with the 18 X 9's all the way around, but I'll have to see what's available.

If anyone can offer any additional input, I'd like to hear it.

Grayhoov,

What's the latest on this? Did you ever end up purchasing anything, if so what sizes and are you happy?

I'm looking at doing 18x8 (225) & 18x9 (255).

-Dave