Hello everyone. I'm about due for new shoes and can't decide between 255/45ZR18's all the way around or 275/40ZR18's all the way around. I was leaning towards the 255's because I'd like to keep the ride height where it is. If I did buy those, is there much of a performance loss over the 275's?

Jon

 

I am hoping on running 275 all around, but the general concensus is that once you go that wide all around the car will track on any imperfection on the highway and road thus making the drive a bit less comfortable.

I personally think our cars track anyway, a bit more or a bit less is not going to hurt me. I am used to anchoring my arm on my door anyway.

 

The ride height should only be about 3/16" lower with the 275/40 vs the 255/45, I doubt you'd be able to notice the difference. When you ask about performance loss, are you referring to straight line acceleration, handling, or what? What tires are you considering? The same for each size?

 

275/40/18s on all four now, and no regrets. Don't worry about tracking, it isn't very noticeable IMO and not a big deal.

 

wider is better

 

As for performance loss, I was referring more towards handling. With 255's all the way around I was thinking either Nitto NT-555 or Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3. With 275's all the way around, I was thinking of Nitto's again or Bridgestone RE-960 All-Season as the Goodyear's are too expensive in the 275 size.

Jon

 

I have 275 18's all around and road course my car from time to time.. No issues whatsoever!. I highly recommend~!

 

What about traction for FI applications with over 400rwhp ? Is a 255 or 275 sufficient to put that kind of power down? It would be nice to go 275 all around to be able to rotate. I just want maximum traction with my power levels. My stock BFGs break free like they were greased.

 

Have had mine on for a year and no detectable tracking. Keep in mind that's what Steeda runs on their "Q" cars. I'd do again without hesitation.

Tire height will knock your speedo mph down. Instead of 60mph, you'll actually be going 58 'ish. That can be corrected with a tuner.

 

ok, non technical person (yet) question. I've never been a gear head, or had a car where i've done, or even wanted to do any kind of changes to it. But my silly question is, what's tracking?

Is that when you hit a bump, and feels like your car hops and moves over? Mainly on acceleration. If so, mine does that.

 

I guess the best way to explain it, is understeer that's created by wide tires. The wider the tire, the more effort it takes to turn them, it's almost like they want to follow the road instead of the steering wheel.

If anyone has a better explanation, please chime in!

 

That works for me. Thanks.

2 words learned now. Drone, and Tracking. heh

 

wider tires are better even when turning!

 

Subzero,

Looks like you are running 18" bullits with those 275's - are they stock 18x8.5 or aftermarket wheels?

 

275 is not recommended on the 8.5" wheel. but people do it.
I come up with a cost lower on the F1 all seasons in a 275. Compared to the GS D3 in 255's

This is dealer cost btw. Big price increases lately across the board, I only payed 210 a tire for the GS D3 when I got my stang. Now they are 260!
259.00 F1 GS D3 255/45/18
214.56 F1 All Season 255/45/18
233.59 F1 All Season 275/40/18

http://www.06gt.com/Mustang/Wheels/mybill.JPG

 

Personally, I like the stagger look. Split the difference 255 in the front 275 in the back.

 

275s! or better yet, staggered, 255s up front and 275s out back!

 

No, they are 18x9 aftermarket Bullitt wheels. 275-40-18's all around with my Vortech kit and no issues with tracking ,control etc..Love the combo!

 

How about 275/45/18? Continental Sport Contact 2's are nice i hear...

 

That's what I have on my car. Good all-around tire that err on the performance side.