I recently ordered a set of Enkei RPF1 wheels (18"x9.5"), and I'm looking for some opinions on what tire I should pair them with.

I live in the Seattle area which means that I am pretty much always driving in rain. I currently run Toyo T1-R 245/40/18 on stock rims, and I think they're pretty damn good (at least back when they had tread left).

When I switched from the stock potenzas (225/45/18) to the toyos (245/40/18), turn in was affected a bit, and the ride felt a bit mushy (probably due to the softer sidewall). I've gotten really used to these tires now, but I'm wondering if there is room for improvement without sacrificing wet-grip performance. Are there other tires you all recommend? How does the extra 1.5 inches in wheel width affect handling?

My suspension is stock, and from what I've read 275s will not rub. Will turn in get even worse if I go with the 275? I've read that tramlining will increase and MPG will suffer, but I don't care much about those.

These are the size options I am considering:

245/40/18
255/40/18
275/35/18

I would like to hear your opinions in regards to tire model, tire size, and overall handling.

Thanks,

-jc

 

265/35R18
Falken Azenis RT-615 or FK-452
Bridgestone Potenza S03 or RE750

 

I Have these wheels with Falken RT-615s 275/35-18

above, razor sharp, comfortable ride, no problems in the rain

No rubbing, but I did roll the fenders a bit anyway for safety as I track and wanted to be sure under extreme conditions. I don't believe I needed this however, but it was a fun exercise. "Turn-in get even worse" / don't understand, turn-in is fine. Tramlining is less than with my old Bridgestones by a bunch. No change in MPGs.

above, above, car is more forgiving, more stable, instant reflex hadling, feels like it will never let go under cornering stress.

 

I used to have Bridgestone Potenza SO3's on my Lexus. Great when the pavement was dry. Terrible in the wet. And this was in Southern California. I would skip them if you plan on driving in the rain.

I'm running Falken Ziex 512's now. Better in the wet, but not as good at the S03's when dry.

 

275 all around is too wide!
either 255 all around or 245 front and 275 rear!
go with FK 615 or FK 452, the TOYO T1-R are not bad either!

 

Going to have to disagree with that, and also the advice to possibly go staggered.

I run 275/35 at all four corners on the RP-F1s with Tein Flex coilovers lowered 1" up front and .75" in the rear. I have tracked the car on this setup and experienced zero rubbing.

Currently have the Kumho MX tires...I thought about getting the Falken 615 but was worried based on the tread pattern about wet weather driving. I have no regrets getting the MX tires, they've been great, but I think next time I will go with the 615 or equivalent from Falken...

 

Dude, not to be insulting but I don't know you from Jack. If you're going to make a claim then you need to provide justifying rationale to back it up. This is also known as presenting an argument and citing relevant sources to back it up.
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Vaporizer Comparison

 

No rubbing issues at all? Hmmm... do you autocross as well?


Where's a good place to pick up a set of Falken RT-615s?

-jc

 

www.edgeracing.com
www.vulcantire.com
www.discounttire.com

3 places i go to for Falkens.

 

265/35-18 Yokohama Advan Neova AD07, cannot be used below 20 degF though

 

Wimp. Why not the 285's?
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Grilling Food

 

Not for STU

 

yep, 275 is the max width allowed for STU. I would much rather run 285/30-18 on all four corners if it was allowed. The 265/35-18 AD07 has a wider treadface and is shorter than any of the 275/35 street tires