Which width should I get?
 

I'm looking at a new set of wheels. The only sizes they come in are 18x8 +30 or 18x9 +38. Normally I'd just go ahead and get the wider ones. Especially since it's only a $10 difference! BUT....currently I already a full set of 245s to fit on the 18x8s and I that's a very common size where I work, so I would get 245s very often for free. But with the 18x9s I'd have to buy new tires. I know I could just put the 245s on the 18x9s and occasionally get some 255s from work until I could afford proper width. So, my question is: Should I get the 18x8s and pretty much get free tires for life. Or get the 18x9s and spend more money on tires (which I currently can't afford)?

245 will fit a 9" rim...

how are 245's an improper size for a 9' rim? Its within recommended width for the tires. Just an aesthetic preference and a slightly different ride IMO. go with the 9's!!

Yea I know. But if I get the 9 inch I'm gonna want to have wider tires with it. Otherwise, in my point of view, why go wider? And yes, I know, put the 245s until I can afford the wider tires (265s?), but I can't justify to myself buying tires when I can get free ones. Unless 18x9s with 245s would still be better traction than 18x8s with with 245s....does what I'm saying making any sense? Lol

I'd venture a guess that most 245s will work better on a 9" rim than an 8", although it probably depends on the tire.

For example, I had 245 Toyo T1-Rs on 8" rims, and they had a funny turn-in squirm that I didn't like, subjectively speaking. Switched them to 8.5" rims and they felt perfect. Not sure how they would work on 9" rims, but in general I will guess that a little stretch is preferable to a little squeeze. LOL.

The basic rule of thumb is that the tread (NOT section!) width should match the rim width. So you might want to look at the specs for the tires you are getting (not all 245s have the same tread width) if they are available. If they are on the narrow side, 8" might be better. Wider, 9" for sure.

If you don't have the data I'd say go for the 9 inchers. Remember, The RX-8 shipped with 225s on 8" rims, and 245s are nearly 1 inch wider, so...

A shorter answer (LOL): 9" rims will probably give you better handling & grip with 245s than 8" rims.

Im assuming these are used take-offs. Having to change your tires so often will get old quick. Even if you are changing them yourself. If you start with a fresh new set that you prefer, you will get the whole life out of them and they will last longer.

What rims are you getting? Definitely go with the 9", even with the +38 offset, they will sit out slightly farther than the 8" rim at +30. 245/40/18 is barely even a stretch, and depending on the rims, look really good.

18x9s it is! The wheels I'm looking at are MB Weapons. I thought about Battles, but I only like them with extremely aggressive specs. And although I love aggressive looks, I don't want to get in to rolling and pulling my fenders, shaving tabs, and stretched tires. I'm also considering TR Motorsports C2. They come in 18x8.5 +35 I think...

I would go with the 9's, since 245s will work great on them and allow you to go even wider in the future if desired.

I am currently running 18x9 ET45 MB Weapons with 265/35R18's, and they are great. I originally wanted 245/40R18's, but I came across a great deal on 265's so I went for it.

I thought the quality of the wheels were great, no complaints so far.

Just got mine in today!! I'm EXTREMELY happy with them! And I'm I went with 18x9 +38

http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/IMAG0456.jpg

Can't wait for the pics.