I am considering 19x8.5 (front) and 19x9.5 (rear) mounted with Goodyears in 265/30-R and 235/35-F. From what I've read and in talking with others this staggered arrangement should work without any mods to the wheel wells.

ANd if so should I stick with 8.5 all the way around or go for the looks? My concern is the staggered fitment will ruin how the car handles. Should I worry? Btw, I've got a '03 3.0i (sport pkg). Thanks to all.

How often do you go to the track?

If never, then go for the staggered look. If more than several times a year, go neutral.

The only time you'll feel the "understeer" due to staggered tires is when you push the car closer to the limit, where one axle is losing grip faster than the other. Only time that happens is at the track, on the street you will NEVER come close to the understeer inherent in a staggered setup.

How often do you go to the track?

If never, then go for the staggered look. If more than several times a year, go neutral.

The only time you'll feel the "understeer" due to staggered tires is when you push the car closer to the limit, where one axle is losing grip faster than the other. Only time that happens is at the track, on the street you will NEVER come close to the understeer inherent in a staggered setup.

Hack you simply know too much! LOL.

:worship:

~ Ian

Great info there Hack

:blush2

How often do you go to the track?

If never, then go for the staggered look. If more than several times a year, go neutral.

The only time you'll feel the "understeer" due to staggered tires is when you push the car closer to the limit, where one axle is losing grip faster than the other. Only time that happens is at the track, on the street you will NEVER come close to the understeer inherent in a staggered setup.

So, this is good insight into why to have neutral sizing...but what is the intent behind the factory staggered setup? Is it really just for cosmetic reasons :confused ?

So, this is good insight into why to have neutral sizing...but what is the intent behind the factory staggered setup? Is it really just for cosmetic reasons :confused ?
Do you really think that a 225 rear could put down 330hp?:buttrock

Do you really think that a 225 rear could put down 330hp?:buttrock

The original question was posed to the non-M cars.
M cars generally run same width wheels at the track for the same reason The HACK said.

Riaz

So, this is good insight into why to have neutral sizing...but what is the intent behind the factory staggered setup? Is it really just for cosmetic reasons :confused ?

Mainly for safety reasons. When push comes to shove, having that inherent understeer will make it easier to correct for mistakes. You go into a corner too hot? LIFTING is the natural instinct and having larger tires in the back makes it easier to control.

However, I suspect aesthetics is also a big part of the reason. The earlier E36 M3s comes with square tire setup (235s all around, I believe). Not until '95 did they go with the 225f/245r setup.

Do you really think that a 225 rear could put down 330hp?:buttrock

YES. (That's a big yes.)

Drag racing tires are actually "narrow" in its contact patch construct. Too wide of a tire actually induces tire spin. I put identical compounds on my 350Z (300 HP), first 255 then 275 Bridgestone S-03s...Guess which one spun easier? The answer will shock you.

The 275 width tire, when cold, spins underneath the car a lot more than the 255. Can't really explain why, although once warmed up they launch equally well.

Width of the tire doesn't determine grip level on launch. Compound and sidewall construction has more to do with it. The wider the tire also doesn't necessitate larger contact patch, which is what determines gripe level.

I mean, don't get me wrong. Wider tires has benefits. On the MZ4 I would prefer to run 245s all around on R comps or 245f/275r. But that's because due to the way the car's cambered, upon loading one side of the suspension you DO get larger contact patches with a wider tire. Wider tires help you corner (in a different way than you think it does) but it doesn't help you "lay down power" to the ground per se.

YES. (That's a big yes.)

Drag racing tires are actually "narrow" in its contact patch construct. Too wide of a tire actually induces tire spin. I put identical compounds on my 350Z (300 HP), first 255 then 275 Bridgestone S-03s...Guess which one spun easier? The answer will shock you.

The 275 width tire, when cold, spins underneath the car a lot more than the 255. Can't really explain why, although once warmed up they launch equally well.

Width of the tire doesn't determine grip level on launch. Compound and sidewall construction has more to do with it. The wider the tire also doesn't necessitate larger contact patch, which is what determines gripe level.

Like I said before. You know too much about this stuff!

Thanks for the insight.

~ Ian

Hack - thanks...I feel smarter now :D

I haven't tried on my Z, but on my last M3, I can get the tail to swing by transfering weight to the front. That reduces traction in the rear, thereby oversteering. Since the Z is so short, I bet if your turn-in is sharp enough, it probably produce the same effect. On my Civic si hatch, I can get inside rear wheel lift when I push it. The Civic is also front heavy. Is weird that you can get a Civic to drift.

Is weird that you can get a Civic to drift.
I did it once with my 95' Civic...had a friend in the car and made a fast turn to the left; I was awestruck and so was he.
A 100hp car getting the tail to swing out a bit. :redspot