marklemac

Hi there,

I'm looking at just aquiring some 2nd hand OZ Speedline turini's 8x18 for my STi 7.

The wheels have an offset of 48. I assume these are ok to clear the Brembo's I have.

What are the recommended tyres I should put onto these wheels.

I currently run Bridgestone S0-3's, but to be quite honest I don't think they are that great, so wouldn't be keen to put the same on again.

I remember running Goodyear Eagle F1's on my Escort Cossie some years ago, and they were excellent. Very good grip in the dry and espicially the wet.

So guys, can you post me your recommendations and target prices for the tyres also.

Many thanks,,

Hoppy

Mark, check carefully before you buy those wheels. I don't know if they fit or not (someone will surely post if they do) but what I do know is that those Brmbos are bl00dy huge and not many after-market wheels will clear them, and secondly, off-set has nothing to do with caliper clearance. If in doubt, the only way to be sure is to actually fit them.

Cheers,

Richard.

marklemac

Thanks Hoppy,

I guess I'll have to get one fitted before I buy then, just to make sure.

I'm sure I read on the 18" group buy, that you have to state the ET depending on brake clearance ?

Hoppy

Mark, yes off-set does indirectly effect caliper clearance, but it's not the deciding factor. Off-set is the distance from the centre of the wheel to the mounting face of the hub. Reducing that number will increase caliper clearance. But the overiding factor is the shape of the spokes. You need them to curve outwards a long way and I know from this BBS that it's a problem with those big Brembos.

There are other things to consider regarding off-set. Changing it will effect the handling of the car but we're talking such small changes here that I wouldn't worry. But a major problem with the Classic shape is rubbing at the rear with too low off-sets (low off-set makes the wheels stick out). I think the new shape is much more tolerant in this respect.

As I say, to be 100% you have to fit the wheels and see for your self. But that also includes a drive down a bumpy road to check clearance on full compression and full lock.

It's a pain the the **** I know, but buying a set of 18s with tyres that don't fit must be a very painful experience

Good luck!

Richard.

marklemac

mmmmmmm, don't know what to do now.

As the wheels do not have any tyres on them at the moment, all I can do is fit the wheel and make sure it clears the calipers.

Theres loads of room under the arches, as the STi looks like its jacked up anyway.

The wheels by the way are OZ Speedline Turini's. ET is apparently 48. I have read elsewhere that the ET for the STi 7 is 46.

marklemac

Right, got the wheels, and they clear the Brembo easily.

So, what recommendations for tyres.

Im torn between Eagle F1's or Toyo Proxies. (Can anyone post a target price I should be looking to pay too)

Should the profile of my new tyres be 35's or 40's ?

My existing 17's are 225/45/17.

Many thanks :-)