I am upgrading from my stock 16" wheels to an 18" wheel. They are the MB Essen 18X9.5 5-114.3 45SMF.

here is a pic


I was wondering what the right tire size would be? I was thinking of getting a set of Goodyear F1 All Season that were 235/50-18. I was worried about rubbing issues because in a few weeks I am adding a eibach pro system to my car. I know the pro system drops it about an inch, so are these the correct tire size? or should I go for the 235/55-18 or the 255/45-18? I want a size that will not rub at all, but offer better traction and handling.
Any info would be very helpfull.
Thanks
Ship

 

I would go with the 255 or wider (265 or 275) tire all around (point being is I see no point in getting a 9.5 inch wide rim and putting 235 width tire on it. A 40/45 series tire side wall is more than adequate for good traction and a 50 series tire or larger on a 18 inch rim IMO will look tall but not wide and may hurt handling in the end or put more strain on your suspension when cornering.

Keep looking and others that know tires will chime in soon!
With a 1 inch drop none of the above sizes will rub that I stated.

 

+1

JMO, but on a 9.5" wide rim, I wouldn't go with anything less than a 275....and as far profile, I would stick with either a 40 or 45 series

 

255 is the minimum width i would run with that wide of wheel. It will offer the least amount for the wheels when dealing with curbs. the GT500 runs 255 on the front and 285 on the rear. With a sixxer you will really feel the extra weight in the rear though so keep that in mind

 

My GT500 wheels are 18 x 9.5 (48mm offset, if I recall) and I'm running the Goodyear Eagle F1 AS's in 275/40. I'm not lowered and there's a ton of room.

 

On 18x10, I know they run 305s...
So 9.5 should allow 295s.

I'd stay in the 40 profile size if possible.

 

Check the offset of the wheels and make sure its 50+mm. Then go with the 255s on the front and the 285s on the rear. The Nitto 555s are good tires. This is common setup on the 18x9.5s (shelby gt500). I love mine - never had a hint of rubbing.

Oh yeah, the sizes are 255 x45 and 285x40.

 

I want to get 18 x 9 wheels with 255 45 tires. These wheels have a 34mm offset.
Will this be a problem?

 

BTW, since you're interested in the Eagle F1's, see my thread about the $50 rebate.

 

+1...
My wheels are 18 x 9.5" and I went with 255/45 all around (and my car is lowered 1.7"F/1.9"R). My reason for the same size tire was to be able to rotate all of the wheels. If I didn't care about scheduled rotations, I would have went with a wider tire out back (probably 285).