19x9.5 SVE Drift. Tire and spring selection

[Grimlock]

I just picked up a set of 19x9.5 SVE Drifts. (+35mm offset) to go on my 08 GT/CS.

I've been scouring forums this morning trying to find the best tire. I had my mind set on a 285 width but I'm pretty disappointed to read about the problem owners have had with rubbing on a dropped car. I currently have Eibach Pro springs (that sit too high) and I am looking to drop the car to be as flush as possible without rubbing.

Many people online seem to be running a 275/40/19 on Sportlines/HR Springs/etc. I would like to have a 285 if possible but that seems difficult due to potential rubbing and limited tire selection that would keep me close to OEM O.D (my stock tires are 27.3" vs a 27.7" with the 275/40)

Any suggestions? Should I stay square? Would these rub the fronts? How important is my 4.10 gears in tire selection? Do people think 275s are noticeably skinnier than 285s? So many questions.....AGGGGHHHH!

Pics of the local car that has the look I'm going for: (275/40/19 all around)

 

[Champale]

I have run 285/35/19 square setup on two sets of 19x10s (Ford Racing Boss 302S wheels and Forgestar CF5s) with no problems. First I was lowered on P springs (similar drop to your Pros) then on coilovers and even lower (about 1.5" from stock). You should be fine with 285s and those new wheels. Might have to trim the upper sway bar ending bolt on the front struts but that's it.

 

[RazorbackMustang]

I have 19x9.5 Drifts. I'm a user of the 275/40 19. I, too, wanted a 285....but couldn't find a reasonably price tire. So I went with the 275. I like the look. I have FRPP P springs.

 

[blacksunshine01]

I run 285/35 s04 pp on my 9.5 drifts. Im on h&r race with no front isos and koni yellows.i have about a 1 finger gap from top of tire to the fender. I have 0 rub and am kicking my self for not going with a 10 in wheel as there is a decent bit of clearance on the inboard side.

 

[HitandRunDriver]

I also run 285/35/19 Conti DW's on my 9.5 drifts. The car is dropped on a FRPP K/Koni Orange combo with no rubbing whatsoever.

 

[Pentalab]

I run 285/35 s04 pp on my 9.5 drifts. Im on h&r race with no front isos and koni yellows.i have about a 1 finger gap from top of tire to the fender. I have 0 rub and am kicking my self for not going with a 10 in wheel as there is a decent bit of clearance on the inboard side.

A 285 on a 9.5" rim will only be 280mm wide. A 275 on a 9.5" rim will be 275mm wide. The 285 will only be 5mm wider. The 285 really needs to be on a 10-10.5" wide rim, then it will be 285/290mm wide.

 

[blacksunshine01]

Grim what tires did you go with?

 

[Grimlock]

I still haven't bought any. The car isn't a DD and work travel has kept me from pulling all the new parts together. I'm contemplating selling my Sportlines for a set of HR Super Sports since they appear to be even lower than the Sportlines. That said, I am concerned that I wouldn't be able to fit a 275/40/19 in the back.

 

[Pentalab]

BMR springs will lower you 1.5" front + rear, so will FRRP K springs.