I’m about to pull the trigger on 18x8 OZ Ultraleggera and 245/40 PSS- replacing the stock 19" wheels and Conti’s. The OD is .3 shorter, load, speed rating, tire weight all virtually the same. Wheel weight is considerably less I’m assuming since the OZ’s are 19lb. and nearest I can find the stockers are about 30. Only downside is the slight loss of contact patch but that may not be enough to be concerned about. Just wonder if anyone else has had any adverse affects from the drop to 18s (stock brakes BTW).
That’s the stock 18" tire size, so I wouldn’t expect any issues other than what you mentioned in terms of contact patch (and looks which is obviously arbitrary). The benefit of shedding over 10 lbs. per corner probably far outweighs losing 10mm in tire width.
Nope. 18s a great.
Last year I hit the track with only 18s – using the same tire size as you.
Car drove great.
The other thing is you could run a 255/40/18 on the 18x8" wheel even though it’s technically not recommended. Here is andthen’s car with 18x8" wheels with 255/40/18 PSS tires:
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss146/jran76/B3B7228B-938E-4072-BD49-A992DB019F28_zpsiimzurdt.jpg
I’d also make sure to go with the ET35 offset, or even call Tirerack to see if they have an other size options. What they typically list on their site are pretty conservative in terms of fitment.
I don’t see any issues…
FWIW I shed 11lbs per corner going from the stock peelers with SportMaxx tires to 19x8.5 BBS CHR’s and Conti DW tires, 58lbs to 47lbs…
Oh and I run 245’s and my car seems to hook up ok… lol
1.59 60’, I’d say that’s ok ;)- thanks all, I’ll check Tire Rack about the offset before I order.
Size:
18x8
Offset:
45mm
Backspacing:
6.26"
This is from Tire Rack so it seems that will tuck the tire too far under the wheel well, correct?
I think so. That’s basically the same specs as the factory 18" wheels (they are ET47), and quite a bit less aggressive than the factory 19" wheels. On the 18x8" you can easily go down to the ET35. Did you call them to see if they have an 18x8.5" or 18x9" options?
I just did- 35MM in silver, was hoping for the graphite color to help hide the horrendous brake dust…oh well. Think that’s the way to go?
I would definitely do the 18x8" ET35 over the ET45 if those are the options.
sounds good- thanks for the rec, interestingly the +35 are lighter @18.6 vs 19.2 for the +45. Used an offset calculator (not sure how accurate it is) but it’s stating the wheel to fender distance would be almost identical to stock.
Yeah, they would only stick out a couple mm’s further than the stock 19" wheels.
I got exactly an 18x8 +35 setup which I use for winter.
Incase it helps, attached is a pic of what you’d expect.
In that image, the car is on RS5 suspension, -2.6 camber (front) and 225x45R18 snows
That looks close enough to stock for my tastes- thanks for the feedback, it really helps!
Yeah, that looks good with the 18" setup.