I just got a new set of wheels and I need tires. They are 20 x 9 in front and 20 x 10.5 in the rear. I was told the front should have 255/35/20's and the back 285/30/20's. However I have a friend with 295/30/20's on his 10.5 wide rear wheels. I know that different sized tires will fit so any thoughts or experience with wheels this size and the tires you put on them would be appreciated. Also, what about the brand/model tires used. I've looked at the Hankook Ventus V12's, Nitto Invo's, and the Continental DSW Extreme Contact's...

 

I'm looking into the same options right now for new wheels I want. I'm pretty much set on the Conti DWS's in 255/35r20 front and 315/35r20 rear. I was considering the Nitto NT05's or 555's like I have on my RTR's but they are strictly summer tires and I really want a good all season.

 

So what factors are you using to decide on tire size for the rear? Are 305's better for certain situations or driving styles compared to the 275's, 285's, or 295's?
What are the benefits and/or disadvantages of each? I'm a little confused... Might have to ask Google! LOL!

 

I currently have 275's on my 9.5" wheels and I wish I would've went with 285. If you have a 10.5 wide wheel, a 275 or 285 would be too skinny in my opinion. A 285 would be the smallest I would go. A 315 will fill up the fender nicely and allow more rubber to the pavement. The reason I'm going with a 35 is to have a taller sidewall for protection. If I had a 30 I would risk damaging a wheel or a blow out with the roads out here. Plus, unless you've lowered your car, a 30 sidewall would look ridiculous, like a rubber band in my opinion.

What are your goals? Are yours going to be left on all year and in what weather conditions? Are you planning on tracking your car or is it a DD? My current Nitto nt555's are great in warm weather, but suck in rain and I wouldn't even attempt winter with them. I like the Pirelli all seasons that came on the car which is what brought me to the DWS's. Another reason I'm going towards them is they are available in the size I want at a good price. They won't be used at the track as I have the RTR's for that if needed. Check out Tirerack.com, there's some good info there.

Edit: I meant a 315 not 305.

 

The 255/35R20 x 295/30R20 combo is a good one since it maintains the 27" OD that the factory tires and wheels come with.

Although the selection of tires for a 295/30R20 seems to be a bit limited (Michelin, Pirelli, Continental, General, Toyo, and Yokohoma I've found so far with the Pirelli PZero Corsa being an eye popping 750-800 bucks a tire)

Thats a very murky subject with alot of opinions.

 

It's primarily a DD with the occasional visit to the track. I'm going mostly for the look but I like to have fun too... That also makes it hard to make a decision on suspension mods. Drop the car too low and I can kiss drag racing goodbye! I guess if I had lots of money I could get a really expensive adjustable suspension. ;-) ...oh and a set of race star wheels and drag radials!