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Does anyone know how and how much tire sidewall affects handling?
Trying to google tire sidewall information when I don't even know what to type in is difficult. What I'm trying to find out is how much is too much sidewall. Can anyone enlighten me? The stock sidewall on the 18" tire is 4". I've seen people use 245/40/18s and so on, which is a larger sidewall. Does the 0.3" additional sidewall really affect handling so much?
I would put this in the tire forum, but it seems to garner less replies than GD. |
i run 245/40, not sure but think it's a tad shorter than oem 225/45. oh well, i might be backwards. but yeah i'd like to know this too. i know it has to w/ the tire itself, b/c each manufacturer will have different sidewall stiffness/rigidity, regardless of the size of it.
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Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile DifferenceKeep in mind also that tire section and sidewall height measurements from one manufacturer will not equal the same measurements from another. I saw a really interesting picture comparing two stacks of four tires with equal measurements but different manufacturers; one stack was several inches taller. I would put this in the tire forum, but it seems to garner less replies than GD. |
Originally Posted by NotAPreppie
(Post 3103285)
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Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile DifferenceKeep in mind also that tire section and sidewall height measurements from one manufacturer will not equal the same measurements from another. I saw a really interesting picture comparing two stacks of four tires with equal measurements but different manufacturers; one stack was several inches taller. If you didn't try, how would you know? I apologize for a mistake. I meant to say 245/45, not 245/40. 245/40 is 98mm sidewall, while 245/45 (which I want to get) is 110.25mm. The difference from 245/40 to stock is 0.1 inch, while the difference from 245/45 is 0.3 inch. However, my question still stands, and I appreciate your answer. I'm guessing if I select a tire with sturdy sidewalls, it would both improve ride comfort, protection of the rims, and still maintain very very similar handling. Do you agree? |
Stiffer sidewalls generally lead to a stiffer ride. The tires are another suspension component and the stiffer you make them the more motion will be transmitted.
I can tell the difference between my winter tires (Nokian WR G2 in 225/50/17) versus my summers (OE Bridgestone Potenza RE040 in 225/45/18) though it's not enough that my wife notices. I can REALLY tell the difference with my race tires (Kumho Ecsta V710's in 245/35/18) but those have an incredibly reinforced sidewall and are a bit shorter. That said, the rest are arguably true. All other things being equal (price, make/model, etc) I'd go with 245/40/18 for the extra width. |
Originally Posted by JinDesu
(Post 3103361)
I'm guessing if I select a tire with sturdy sidewalls, it would both improve ride comfort, protection of the rims, and still maintain very very similar handling. Do you agree?
I keep hearing about curb rash, but in all my years of driving I have only ran a rim against a curb once, and that was an emergency lane change. The tires with extra material to help with curbing aren't a bad idea, though. |
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Like said, sidewall height is not as much as a factor as the stiffness of a sidewall. If you want a better handling, you will want stiffer sidewalls (one of the reasons race tires handle so well). If you want a smoother ride, you will want softer sidewalls. Another point to look at that thickness of sidewalls doesn't contribute much, look at a Formula 1 car's sidewall, it is a lot taller than what is on most sports cars, so sidewall height doesn't have much effect on handling characteristics, the stiffness has more of an effect.
Attachment 278847 |
My situation is a little different. I'm aiming to use 17" wheels when I have the money to go aftermarket. I would be using 245/45/17s to get as close to my stock wheel diameter (26.3" vs 25.8"). By doing so, I'm introducing 0.3" more sidewall, which supposedly would reduce handling as it allows for greater sidewall flex. Now, if I were to choose a good tire (i.e. Potenza RE-11) with good sidewall rigidity, wouldn't that eliminate the handling issue? Also, with that additional 0.3" sidewall, I would protect my wheels a bit better.
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Originally Posted by JinDesu
(Post 3103499)
My situation is a little different. I'm aiming to use 17" wheels when I have the money to go aftermarket. I would be using 245/45/17s to get as close to my stock wheel diameter (26.3" vs 25.8"). By doing so, I'm introducing 0.3" more sidewall, which supposedly would reduce handling as it allows for greater sidewall flex. Now, if I were to choose a good tire (i.e. Potenza RE-11) with good sidewall rigidity, wouldn't that eliminate the handling issue? Also, with that additional 0.3" sidewall, I would protect my wheels a bit better.
Just wondering though, why the RE-11? Are you going to auto-x/track your 8? If not, I wouldn't recommend the RE-11 as yes, it is an amazing tire (I am currently racing on RE-01R's), but they will last under 10k miles and thus aren't that great for just driving around on the street where you will never be able to experience their full potential. The only place you will be able to use all the grip they offer is at auto-x or at the track. |
Originally Posted by JinDesu
(Post 3103499)
My situation is a little different. I'm aiming to use 17" wheels when I have the money to go aftermarket. I would be using 245/45/17s to get as close to my stock wheel diameter (26.3" vs 25.8"). By doing so, I'm introducing 0.3" more sidewall, which supposedly would reduce handling as it allows for greater sidewall flex. Now, if I were to choose a good tire (i.e. Potenza RE-11) with good sidewall rigidity, wouldn't that eliminate the handling issue? Also, with that additional 0.3" sidewall, I would protect my wheels a bit better.
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Originally Posted by rev29k
(Post 3103504)
Yes, if you were to get a good tire with a stiff sidewall, you would be fine.
Just wondering though, why the RE-11? Are you going to auto-x/track your 8? If not, I wouldn't recommend the RE-11 as yes, it is an amazing tire (I am currently racing on RE-01R's), they will last under 10k miles and thus aren't that great for just driving around on the street where you will never be able to experience their full potential. The only place you will be able to use all the grip they offer is at auto-x or at the track. |
If you want good grip in a tire that will last a little longer than 15k miles, look at the Bridgestone RE050A Pole Positions. Or even just the regular RE050A's would be fine for the street too. I have two seasons of auto-x and two track days on my previous set of Pole Positions and they still have a bit of tread left. Most tires are shot after just two track days.
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Originally Posted by rev29k
(Post 3103535)
If you want good grip in a tire that will last a little longer than 15k miles, look at the Bridgestone RE050A Pole Positions. Or even just the regular RE050A's would be fine for the street too. I have two seasons of auto-x and two track days on my previous set of Pole Positions and they still have a bit of tread left. Most tires are shot after just two track days.
My ultimate desire from my tires is a good combination of dry and wet traction. My stock 8090 Sports let me down in the rain, and are bumpy as heck. However, this is a little off topic =pp |
Either of the two OEM stock tires are crap. Bridgestone worse than the Dunlops.
Have you checked out the User Surveys on Tirerack.com? |
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