I've been reviewing the various threads regarding 285/35 19's for the rear rather than the standard 255/35 19.

My question is: does that mean that the width is 30 millimeters wider than the OEM? If so, that translates into a difference of approximately 1.25 inches. If my calculations are incorrect, please feel free to correct me.

Aside from the good looks, does that translate into any measureable improvement?

Thanks.

Don

 

285/35 is a bit tall... I ran a 285/30 for over a year on stock wheels. Straight-line traction was improved, but the slalom suffered.

I always found the 255 on the Michelin to be "stretched"' and the 285 certainly cured that.

 

I have 285/35's on the Aero and they are a little taller.... I had to swap the rear spring pads for taller ones to eliminate a slight rub on sharp bumps....but my car is lowered on Eibachs and Koni's....I havent noticed any handling differences, but I dont do a lot of real slaloming. The 17" DR's have TONS of room....

 

As my avatar states, I don't slalom the cone-courses... I slalom the switchbacks.

 

I have 275 Goodyears on the roadster, and it is parked next to the coupe with 255 Michelons...same height. Goodyears are almost 2" wider...I would certainly go with the 285/35/19's...no 30's for me. Good luck in your choice.... John, you are still doing the switch backs to get the kinks out from that crash...good luck with finding the new ride...let me know if I can assist...

 

I'm going to get new tires soon, but think I will go with 265 or 275x35x19 on the rear with either 235x40x18 or 245 on the front. Mine is an NA, but could use more traction. I want to keep the sidewall height as close to the same front to back as I can so as not to change the handling too much. I don't want to worry about rubbing and want to keep stock NA wheels with no spacers. I am going to install the SRT6 front brake rotors and calipers as well. Already have them sitting in garage just haven't been able to get set to install

 

Dave, those brakes won't get any better with age.....

 

In response to the OP I forgot to say that yes, the 285's are just at 1.2" wider(and about 0.8" taller)... they look great from behind... If you are not lowered this profile will fill in the wheel wells more for you....

I also went with the 35 profile to give a little more sidewall for cushioning... I have 235/40's in front....

 

I agree with the rest, sept I went with the 275/35-19s and the 235/40-18s. Sidewalls are spot-on and added a slight bit more cushioning which mellows the bumps for sure.

 

MikeR:

I know the brakes are better on the car. I got diagnosed with epilepsy during the summer and couldn't do anything for 6 months. It was over I 100degrees here in Houston nearly everyday ( could not get hot either), so I just had to look at the car. Got released to drive again at the end of August and been working on trying to find some kind of job to finance my toys. I'm going to try and get all the mods done during the next 2 months. Really would like the better brakes just to get rid of the dusting ( biggest cleaning chore). I'm going and try to do brakes first including new ss braided lines , rotors,pads, calipers, and flush the fluid. Got to get motivated, and done.

 

Man, I hate to hear that. You just concentrate on getting better and taking care of you man. The cars will always be there to tinker with when the funds come available. I don't talk much about money, but the cars I have aren't getting done as fast as I like, because the part-time job pays for them. I don't mix finances. Extra work for the cars. Regular work for the family, home, etc.... Priorities, man... Take care of the important things first. Luckily my health has been good. I need to lose some weight though. That way I might be able to keep up with those 11 second cars....

 

I know about the weight, the meds I take make you gain weight. They don't want me to drink diet drinks either, the sweetener is not good for you. I have to try and lose that too.

 

Dave, sorry to hear that. Doc is right, just take care of yourself first.... a little good natured ribbing is good for your health too though.....

 

No problem guys, My little car makes me feel better. I like doing things to make it run better or look better.

 

I went and had new tires put on two weeks ago....exterme conntact DW's 235/40/18 and 285/35/19 needless to say, I stared at it all night and in the morning I called disount back and told them these were a no-go! fronts looked ok but the back looked like tractor tires!! I now have nitto invo's in 225/40/18 and 285/30/19 and am much more pleased with the look. I will also be lowering the car in few weeks so that was part of my descision. I say stay with a more stock height tire just my 2 cents

 

yes sir, if you are going to lower I would expect you would have to go to the 30...I like tractor tires. A little more side wall for my style of driving. I have seen those rubber band tires, and I don't know how they survive any bump in the road...

 

Tractor tires result in a better ride and more protection for the rims when you smack a pothole. It's not myth, it's true. Believe it or not a taller sideway seems to be more forgiving to camber changes as the suspension travels. I have no data to back the last statement up. It seems that way to me. If I had a choice I'd go for the taller sidewall, up to a point. I'm on 285/35/18 at the moment.

Les

 

I installed the 285/35/19 and 235/40/18 just before last dragon, love the way they ride/ and look. Have tried the 30"s on the back didn"t like the look, removed and went with 35. The 30 may look good with a lowered car not so much on stock height. JMO