MY08 3.0R-B tyre size on OEM rim ?

[DrivesLikeJehu]

Has anyone successfully fitted 225 or 235/45R18 tyres on the standard factory wheels on a '08 MY08 3.0R-B sedan without clearance issues ?
I'm imagining (based on my Forester) you run into strut interference before guard rubbing. When ? 225 ? 235 ? 245 ? (LOL not that I'd put 245 on std rims).

[oztoma]

I've got 225/40/18's on my OEM 18" MY05 Lib wheels. No issues with clearance or rubbing. There is also a much wider range of tyres available in this size (225/40/18) compared to the OEM size of 215/45/18. This is also a $$ saver as more choice means better prices.

I'll also note that you shouldn't only increase the tyre width without also adjusting the profile. i.e in your example:

225 or 235/45R18 tyres

Leaving the profile at 45 is a no-no - the rolling diameter will change too much.

It may be worth dropping into a tyre place for a chat. Alternatively there are tyre size calculators online which will help.

[slackboy72]

So is it possible to change from a 215/45 R18 to a 235/40 R18?

[DrivesLikeJehu]

I did find examples of guys with 235/40s, but on 7.5" rims, not 7".
I ended up going to 225/45R18, for various reasons, and I'm happy with the result.
Based on the clearance I have left, I'd be confident 235s would (just) clear everything, if you have the billies (higher front spring seat). However, from memory 225/45 is considered the MAX width for the OEM 18x7 rims, so I think you'd need at least 7.5, maybe 8" and be very careful with offset.
Hypothetically, 235/50 would squeeze on the 7" (slopping around corners, and rubbing the spring seat/outer guard ?), but not 235/40
I actually WANTED higher rolling diameter (to correct some of the factory speedo error) and WANTED the tyre slightly wider than the rim (the opposite to the current fad of stretching, which is generating enormous extra business for wheel makers/sellers/repairers). I can now just rub the curb at crawling speed while parking, and NOT gutter-rash my rim
I took oztoma's advice (sort of) and found these useful.
http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible_pg4.html
http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalcul ... ion=submit
Hope my experience/opinion helps . PM me if you want the long(er) explanation.

[slackboy72]

So considering I want something sticky like the old Eagle F1s what brand and model tyre would you recommend?

[Q]

So considering I want something sticky like the old Eagle F1s what brand and model tyre would you recommend?

Using those as an example would mean you are looking for noisy tyres that don't grip very well at all in the dry......did you try the oem 050? What did you think of those?

[slackboy72]

No I'm not a big fan of the RE050As.
As to the F1s, they were very good back when I had them on the crummydore.
I assume you've driven them to make that assessment?