02-04 SVT: Recommended Tire Sizes for 18" wheels? Pro and cons?

[cprainwater]

Does anyone have experience they can share concerning a switch from 17" to 18" wheels for '02-04 SVT's, and what tire sizes work (and don't work) on the 18's?

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[ChrisRobin]

It all depends on width and offset of the 18" rim. As well as the amount of drop.

A couple months ago I installed Sparco Assetto Gara 18" that are 7.5" wide with 35mm offset. I'm on coilovers and have maybe a finger gap between the tire and rear fender, and pretty well flush in front. I'm running 205/40/18 tires.

Let's just say that I've had to dremel out the joint between the front bumper and front fender, as well as the rear bumper and rear fender.... just to make clearance otherwise I'd rub. Even now it still rubs in the back on really big dips and if I have someone else in the car with me.

What rims were you thinking of getting??

[TheGlassMaker]

I roll on 18x7.5 et45. Which was originally on a SVT before I bought them.

The tire size is 215/40 18.

I have a two inch drop which is 1.5 iches more than a SVT and I have no rubbing issues.

[Julian@TireRack.com]

Originally Posted by TheGlassMaker

I roll on 18x7.5 et45. Which was originally on a SVT before I bought them.

The tire size is 215/40 18.

I have a two inch drop which is 1.5 iches more than a SVT and I have no rubbing issues.

215/40R18 is what I would sell you if you called in looking to go to 18" As long as the wheel is 7"-8.5" wide you should have any problems. We even show an Eibach sportline kit that would be a 2"F and 2.2"R drop. We don't like selling kits that will cause rubbing problems so I think you should be fine.

[BLRich1]

on an svt the closest overall diameter to stock is a 215/40/18 that Julian recommended. I have also run a 125/35/18 but the speedometer will be a little off (it is also the closet overall diameter to stock for a standard mk1 focus)

I have 215/40 on right now.

[Nickgt40]

Originally Posted by BLRich1

I have also run a 125/35/18 but the speedometer will be a little off

Holy micro tires Ben!





I prefer 215/35/18s for many reasons, but 215/40 isn't a bad choice. I wouldn't suggest 205/40/18s because they're hard to find and if you get a flat you could be SOL.

[BLRich1]

Originally Posted by Nickgt40

Holy micro tires Ben!

ha! I'm taking tire stretching to a new level.

[Julian@TireRack.com]

Here are some good numbers on the 215/40 and 215/35R18 size.

Tire size............215/40-18..................215/35-18
Section width....215 mm (8.5'').............215 mm (8.5'')
Sidewall............86 mm (3.4'')...............75 mm (3'')
Tire diameter....629 mm (24.8'')............607 mm (23.9'')
22 mm (3.5%) shorter.

Circumference..1975 mm (77.8'')...........1906 mm (75'')
Revs per mile.......814.8........................844.4
Speedometer Assuming that this is OEM tire and speedometer readings are correct >>> When speedometer reads 60mph (96.6km/h) actual speed will be 57.9mph (93.2km/h): 3.5% slower.