18's or 19's....

[tjm73]

So I'm close to buying a new set of wheels and I can't decided between 18x8 with 255/45R18's or 19x9 with 275/40R19's. Wheel is the same just different sizes.

Use of the car is 99% daily transport. Spirited on/off ramp runs. Just basic driving around. A rare drag strip run here or there. No autocross or track days.

 

[vbluep51]

18's, cheaper tires and more choices.

 

[moddedvistablue]

i would go 18s.easier to find tires and a way bigger selection of wheels.but if you want to spend the extra cash and time trying to find tires go ahead lol good luck with your choice.

 

[S197 GT]

Hands down 19's.

They'll look much better, and for your application they'll be fine.

 

[tjm73]

The wheel choice is already made. The only decision is 18 or 19. 18's look right but 19's look a bit better, IMO. I can also get 20's in the same wheel but I think they almost look too big. Still on the table though.

 

[VTXFrank]

19's are good if you can deal with the tire size limitations and price.

 

[tjm73]

19's are good if you can deal with the tire size limitations and price.

Your car is a part of my decision to switch from drag focused to street/handling focused. In fact, the wheels I am looking at are almost the same as yours. Love them!

 

[Ch4r1ie]

Your car is a part of my decision to switch from drag focused to street/handling focused.

In that case, 18's

 

[tjm73]

In that case, 18's

If I do 18's, they wheels I like are 18x8 and I'd use a 255/45R18 tire.

 

[Deez-67]

Price 18's will be your best bet and more to chose from

IMO 19's fit the S197 the best and look the best on the cars. The only reson I went with 20's was bc of price.

 

[tjm73]

The tires I'm looking at are "touring" tires. Which, to some here, I am sure would blasphemy. LOL! Since I am not auto tracking that car I believe I'll be fine with this type of tire. I'll probably never know the a difference, plus I will be able to 4 wheel rotate.

It comes down to a difference of about $280 between the 18's and 19's. I'm leaning toward the 19's.

 

[NotQuik]

Post of pic of the wheels you're looking to give us a better idea since you asked our opinion.

 

[94tbird]

18s for sheer tires selection. 19s suck when you need tires and will pay more to boot.

 

[tjm73]

These... black with machined lip.

18's weigh 23 lbs.

19's don't remember.... 25lbs I think.

 

[tjm73]

18s for sheer tires selection. 19s suck when you need tires and will pay more to boot.

275/40R19's are all in the $190-$225 range...which doesn't seem all that bad to me.

 

[RedMosesSC]

18's, just go wider, at least 9" or else your wheels and tires will look wimpy...

 

[Ch4r1ie]

18's, just go wider, at least 9" or else your wheels and tires will look wimpy...

+1

 

[FalconGTHO]

I say 19. Thats what Ill do when it comes time.

 

[Drex]

FWIW, I just purchased Black Ford SVT Track Pack wheels in 19"x9" along with 275/40/19s on the rear and 255/40/19s for the front. The car should look just like I want it, but admittedly I wanted Forgestars. I just couldn't wait for the build time and the price was more than I wanted to spend. I also went with Hankook tires and saved a bundle. I really wanted Michelin PS2's but at $401 a pop.... I am hoping the tires will perform well with 467 WHP.

Another problem I have is living overseas. Getting a company to shop to me is a real bitch. Tire Rack will with decent prices. I could go on the economy but everything is so much more expensive.


Tapatalk makes me look incoherent

 

[VTXFrank]

These... black with machined lip.

18's weigh 23 lbs.

19's don't remember.... 25lbs I think.

Those are friggin SEXY ass wheels brother! I say go 19". 25lbs for a 19" wheel is pretty good.

My wheels are 19x9. I could easily put a 285-35 on there. I'd have to check out the 40 series though. But 275's seem to be just right. Anything above a 285 and it will bulge. 255-35's are just a bit stretched. You can hardly even tell though. I'm running the BFG KDW2 tires and probably will not go with them again. Get too damned noisy over time. They handle awesome on the twisties though and do OK for traction unless you're really getting on it in 1st or 2nd.