Is a 235mm width tire too wide for 18x7.5 rims sitting on Tein S-techs?

[brentmc79]

I had originally planned to buy 225/40/R18 tires that I had found on clearance, but now they're out of stock. So now I either go down to 225/45's or 225/50's on 17" rims, or I get the 235/40/18's that they still have in stock and which are also on clearance. So I'm wondering if a 235mm width tire will rub when sitting on Tein S-tech springs. Does anybody know?

This is for my '09 Mazda 3 in case that wasn't obvious.

Thanks

 

[xMazdax]

I believe the tire itself might be too big the for the rim. For clearance, I think you should be fine.

 

[brentmc79]

Hmm, any thoughts on running a 225/35 or 215/35? I was already a little concerned about going from the stock 50 series to a 40, but how much more of a difference in ride quality would a 35 series tire make?

 

[Chefsp0t]

215/35 is pretty small for an 18" wheel. I run 215/35/19s and the ride is pretty harsh. Not saying I wouldn't run 215/35/18s if I had 18" wheels. Just saying that the ride will definitely be more rough than 225/40/18s.

 

[brentmc79]

Sadly, I didn't act fast enough and the 18" tires I was looking at were sold out by the time I tried to order them. Instead I ended up ordering 17x7 MB Weapons in bronze with Hankook Ventus 215/45/R17 tires. I'll post pictures as soon as I have them.

 

[Chefsp0t]

You'll be happy with them. I have 17x7 +38 wheels with 215/45/17 tires on them and they ride great. Those Hankooks Ventus Evos are very comfortable tires too.

 

[brentmc79]

I have 17x7 +38 wheels...

Ahh, that's good to know. The wheels I ordered were either +42 or +43 (I can't remember) and I was a little worried about rubbing, but if you're doing ok with +38 then I think I should be fine.

 

[Chefsp0t]

Yeah I was way down on coilovers with the +38s and never rubbed at all. It was very close to the fender because I didn't have them rolled yet but I never made contact.

 

[brentmc79]

My tires were delivered today! The wheels and springs should get dropped off tomorrow...

 

[xMazdax]

new springs?

edit: Oh youre GETTING tein s techs i thought you were riding on them already

 

[brentmc79]

new springs?

edit: Oh youre GETTING tein s techs i thought you were riding on them already

Nah, I've managed to keep this car bone stock since I bought it brand new, but now that I'm nearing the end of the bumper-to-bumper warranty mileage I'm ready to start tweaking it a little bit. Unfortunately it's an automatic, so I probably won't do much beyond what I'm working on now. Maybe sway bars and a lip, but I doubt I'll ever bother with anything under the hood.

 

[xMazdax]

I feel you. Mines also automatic but dont let that stop you. At least you can still put an intake in it like I did. It gave me alittle better MPG and it sounds nice!

Im also lowered on eibach sportlines and koni yellows.

 

[brentmc79]

Look what the UPS man brought me!

 

[Perro del Sol]

I believe the tire itself might be too big the for the rim. For clearance, I think you should be fine.

Should be running 17 X 8 for a 235 tire...

 

[brentmc79]

Got the wheels and tires installed this morning.

Now I just need to get the springs installed to take care of that wheel gap...

 

[xMazdax]

You will still have gap, Not a lot but still gap. The teins lower it alot in the front but the back is about 1.5 inches.

 

[brentmc79]

You will still have gap, Not a lot but still gap. The teins lower it alot in the front but the back is about 1.5 inches.

Yeah, that's ok since the front currently sits higher than the rear any way...

 

[the7thgear]

I like your wheels dude. Can't wait to see what it looks like once your springs are on. My buddy has a 05 MZ3 hatch with the S techs and I rode with him once and they felt awesome. I plan on getting some by tax return time. It's going to cost me more because my current front struts are shot and so there is no point reusing them. I was just going to get some monroe struts that are OE spec.

 

[brentmc79]

I like your wheels dude. Can't wait to see what it looks like once your springs are on. My buddy has a 05 MZ3 hatch with the S techs and I rode with him once and they felt awesome. I plan on getting some by tax return time. It's going to cost me more because my current front struts are shot and so there is no point reusing them. I was just going to get some monroe struts that are OE spec.

Here it is with springs installed...

I dunno. I'm still riding on the OEM struts and to be honest, it rides kinda bad. I had the same springs on my Protege 5 with the OEM struts and it felt much better. I'm seriously considering upgrading to some aftermarket performance struts that should handle the reduced height a little better.

 

[xMazdax]

Koni yellows! I love mine, and they are adjustable. The ride isn't bad AT ALL. Im fully stiff in the front and factory in the back.