Originally Posted by nate_man
Thnx, this is info right on the money. Can or do you have any pics that show where the rubbing occurs on both front and rears?
Also what tires are you running? BTW if i did not have an SSB I would consider your wheels they are really interesting and they do complement you red ride!
nate_man, it's very difficult to see where the rubbing might occur, let alone trying to take a pic. So, the best way to understand the trouble spots is to fish your hand in and feel the locations. Even this is difficult, but try this:
While on the driver's side of the car, turn the wheel full-lock left - now look and feel around the rear of the left tire, about 3:00 o'clock, on the
out-board edge/corner of the tread. You'll see/feel where the tire might rub on the rearward fender well. The fender well is somewhat flexible, so doesn't present a big issue, except for and annoying rub condition during U'ies.
This is the bad one, tho: again, driver's side, turn the wheel straight ahead. This takes a skinny hand, but reach up around the top of the tire, about 12:15 o'clock, and you will feel where the
in-board tread wall may come in contact with the upper control arm nut if the tire is too fat and tall.
This could be a disaster.
I'm running a 235/40R18 and it's damn close to the control arm nut - the tire is 25.4" tall and 9.3" wide. You are proposing a 255/35R19, which is 25.5" high and 9.3" wide on a 7.5" rim. Should be OK.
Now here's the caveat: You need to consider the profile of the tire you are thinking of buying. I'll try to explain. Some tires, like the OEM Conti's have a very square tread-to-sidewall profile. Some tires have a more rounded or oval profile, and the tread-to-sidewall 'corner' is not as sharp and pronounced. With these tight clearances, the rounded profile is obviuosly preferable. And this is how you can tell from the tire specs:
You will see two widths spec'ed for the tire - the
overall section width (which is is real close to the tire size in mm), and
the tread width. The closer these two are, the 'squarer' the section profile. For instance I'm running a Bridgestone tire with a very rounded profile. The overall section width is
9.5", but the tread width (rubber on the road) is
8.4", hence a very rounded profile and less apt to rub and foul either the fender wheel OR the control arm nut. Does this make sense? The same size in a Conti would have a tread width of
9.3", the same as the section width. See how 'square' the tire profile is?
In any event, the tread profile of the tire you are selecting will play a
BIG role in the rub-or-not-to-rub issue when maximizing tire sizes on the front of the Crossfire. Be careful. As Max explained, the only way out of it is to incorporate spacers to set the tire outward, which is trial and error, and be aware that your garage-man is going to balk at warranties for the tire install. Spacers are just not a good idea and you need to avoid them altogether if you can. They technically weaken the lug due to a longer moment-arm (physics stuff), and I'm told they can play havoc with brake components. Do a search on 'spacers' and you'll see what I mean. Max certainly knows more about this than I do, and he'll point you the right direction if you do need to consider spacers.
Anyway, your proposed
tire sizes work as long as the
hub off-sets on the
new wheels you looking at
fit into the math. Nobody can tell you yes or no until you have the wheels nailed down. Holler if we can help any more.