Help with winter setup

[Proberge4273]

Hey everyone,
I'm currently looking for a winter wheel and tire setup for my 2020 Stinger GT1 AWD - stock suspension not lowered. I want to downgrade from the stock 19-inch staggered setup (Front:225/40/R19, Rear: 255/35/R19) to a squared 18-inch setup for the winter. I'm trying to decide on the best tire size for winter and am considering either a 225/45/R18 or 235/45/R18 all around. However, I'm unsure what wheel width would be best for these tire sizes - should I go with 18x8 or 18x8.5? Would both tire sizes fit on either width or is it more ideal for the 225s to go on an 8-inch wheel and the 235s on an 8.5-inch wheel? Also, I'm a bit confused about offsets and want to ensure proper fitment without needing any spacers. The wheels I've been looking at for the 18x8 setup have offsets of 35mm or 40mm - would these work without any clearance issues in the front? If I went with an 18x8.5 setup would I need a different offset or would the same offsets apply?

 

[Snicklefritz]

Hi. You can use either offset and wheel width. 40 et will clear in front with 8.5" wide wheel. I run a TSW wheel with that offset and width in front. The factory offset on 18" wheels 8" wide is 34. So is the staggered front 8" 19" wheel for that matter. If you are concerned about traction in snow then the 225 is better than a wider tire. Wider is actually less grippy in snow.

 

[Proberge4273]

Hi. You can use either offset and wheel width. 40 et will clear in front with 8.5" wide wheel. I run a TSW wheel with that offset and width in front. The factory offset on 18" wheels 8" wide is 34. So is the staggered front 8" 19" wheel for that matter. If you are concerned about traction in snow then the 225 is better than a wider tire. Wider is actually less grippy in snow.

Thanks for the response - so you are saying either the 18x8 and 18x8.5 either 35mm or 40mm will fit without any issues with AWD? I am definitely going to take your suggestion and go with 222/45/r18 all around for better traction with that being said should I go with the 8 wide or the 8.5 wide for the best fitment and clearance with the 225s? Which ones would give me fewer issues? If I go with the 18x8s I'm looking at these if you can confirm fitment. I really like either the TY-5 or the Draco.

 

[ShaPoopieZ]

Here is a previous discussion with some info that is relevant.

Post in thread 'GT2 winter tires and rims'

Dec 15, 2022

I went with a square 18 setup with 245/45/18 Hankook Ipike . With an 8.5 ET40 wheel . Fits great and performs amazing. Feels like it gave the car about an inch lift as well . Taller , softer sidewall .
My roads are crap here in Eastern WA, we have had snow and ice on the ground for 6 weeks already.

• ShaPoopieZ

• 

 

[Snicklefritz]

Thanks for the response - so you are saying either the 18x8 and 18x8.5 either 35mm or 40mm will fit without any issues with AWD? I am definitely going to take your suggestion and go with 222/45/r18 all around for better traction with that being said should I go with the 8 wide or the 8.5 wide for the best fitment and clearance with the 225s? Which ones would give me fewer issues? If I go with the 18x8s I'm looking at these if you can confirm fitment. I really like either the TY-5 or the Draco.

An 8" wide suits the 225 ideally. 8.5" wide the 225 is as narrow as recommended on a chart I use, see attachment.

If it were me I would go with the 35 et wheels. But as I said on that thread that @ShaPoopieZ linked to, use a pro wheel and tire shop if you can to avoid possible mistakes.

 

[Volfy]

For mounting winter tires, wheel width is a pointless discussion. Unlike for Summer performance tires, having wider rims to give the tires better lateral (cornering) support is rarely a concern for winter tires, which cannot take any where close to the (dry pavement) cornering loads of performance Summer or All-Season tires. They will chunk badly and die an early death.

235/45R18 on 18x8 is the way to go. You don't really need wider than 225, but the slightly taller sidewall would be better for wintery conditions. Offset should be as close to the stock 34mm as possible, so 35mm sounds like the best fit. Optimum offset doesn't change with wheel width.

Would 18x8.5 work? Absolutely. If you find a set for much cheaper than 18x8, go for it.

 

[Proberge4273]

For mounting winter tires, wheel width is a pointless discussion. Unlike for Summer performance tires, having wider rims to give the tires better lateral (cornering) support is rarely a concern for winter tires, which cannot take any where close to the (dry pavement) cornering loads of performance Summer or All-Season tires. They will chunk badly and die an early death.

235/45R18 on 18x8 is the way to go. You don't really need wider than 225, but the slightly taller sidewall would be better for wintery conditions. Offset should be as close to the stock 34mm as possible, so 35mm sounds like the best fit. Optimum offset doesn't change with wheel width.

Would 18x8.5 work? Absolutely. If you find a set for much cheaper than 18x8, go for it.

Okay, sweet thanks for all the help. I think I've decided on the Fast Wheels FC04 in Metallic Black 18x8 with a 30 offset. I've read in another forum that these will clear the Brembo brakes if you guys could confirm again before I place my order? That was my big concern not to get the other ones I added. But I do like the way the FC04 looks and it's only for the winter time. Then for the summer, I plan on the TSW Sprints

Will 235/45/r18 work fine on the 8 wide? The tires I'm looking at are the Blizzak WS90 or the Michelin X Ice.

 

[Proberge4273]

Also would you suggest getting OEM tire pressure sensors or would aftermarket work the best and also what size centering rings would I need for the FC04

 

[Volfy]

Okay, sweet thanks for all the help. I think I've decided on the Fast Wheels FC04 in Metallic Black 18x8 with a 30 offset. I've read in another forum that these will clear the Brembo brakes if you guys could confirm again before I place my order? That was my big concern not to get the other ones I added. But I do like the way the FC04 looks and it's only for the winter time. Then for the summer, I plan on the TSW Sprints

18x8 ET30 will have plenty of clearance.

Will 235/45/r18 work fine on the 8 wide? The tires I'm looking at are the Blizzak WS90 or the Michelin X Ice.

Perfectly sized.

Also would you suggest getting OEM tire pressure sensors or would aftermarket work the best and also what size centering rings would I need for the FC04

All of mine have genuine OEM 52933-J5000 sensors. Plug and play, no programming needed. When I started buying them a few years ago, they were about $80/set of 4 from a seller in Korea. Now they are around $100/set of 4 on ebay/Amazon.

Aftermarket generic sensors can work and might even be made by the same mfr as the OEM ones... but you have to be sure of it. If you can find one that somebody has already tried and confirmed to work perfectly and it's much cheaper than buying genuine OEM... then, sure. Otherwise, just go with the genuine OEM.

 

[Proberge4273]

18x8 ET30 will have plenty of clearance.

Perfectly sized.

All of mine have genuine OEM 52933-J5000 sensors. Plug and play, no programming needed. When I started buying them a few years ago, they were about $80/set of 4 from a seller in Korea. Now they are around $100/set of 4 on ebay/Amazon.

Aftermarket generic sensors can work and might even be made by the same mfr as the OEM ones... but you have to be sure of it. If you can find one that somebody has already tried and confirmed to work perfectly and it's much cheaper than buying genuine OEM... then, sure. Otherwise, just go with the genuine OEM.

Okay well, I got in contact with a place to buy the FC04 and they are quoting me a couple weeks out and need to get something fairly soon. From what I understand reading since I am going to an 8 wide I have a bit more flexibility with the offsets since a wider tire would hit the shocks and now I'm mostly looking at if it would clear the caliper. Would you happen to know if these would fit ENKEI TUNING TY-5 18x8 ET40 would clear everything? or should I only look at 35mm also when looking at the tire rack what does +35mm vs just 35mm mean? Other options are the ENKEI Draco, TS-V, and PHOENIX. Or maybe it would just be a good idea to wait since I have full confirmation that the FC04 fit and won't have to deal with returning and waiting from Tirerack.

 

[Volfy]

Okay well, I got in contact with a place to buy the FC04 and they are quoting me a couple weeks out and need to get something fairly soon. From what I understand reading since I am going to an 8 wide I have a bit more flexibility with the offsets since a wider tire would hit the shocks and now I'm mostly looking at if it would clear the caliper. Would you happen to know if these would fit ENKEI TUNING TY-5 18x8 ET40 would clear everything? or should I only look at 35mm also when looking at the tire rack what does +35mm vs just 35mm mean? Other options are the ENKEI Draco, TS-V, and PHOENIX. Or maybe it would just be a good idea to wait since I have full confirmation that the FC04 fit and won't have to deal with returning and waiting from Tirerack.

You cannot go wrong with Enkei's flow-formed MAT wheels. We have 4 sets of them. The closest to the TY-5 18x8 ET40 you are considering is our RPF1 18x8.5 ET40. I bought them from a guy that had them on a WRX. Of all our Enkei wheels, RPF1 had the tightest clearance to the Brembos. Mostly because it's a racing wheel that is shaped for maximum weight reduction. Still, the RPF1 cleared the front Brembos no problem.

If you are considering the TY-5 18x8 ET40, you might seriously consider spending $10-15 more per wheel and get 18x8.5 ET35 instead. For winter tire duty, either will work just fine with 235/45R18. But... 18x8.5 gives you the option of mounting up to 255 width tires, in case you ever want to put performance Summer or A/S tires on them later on. If this was my money, I'd want that flexibility.

BTW, when buying aftermarket wheels, I highly recommend you choose a wheel that is very popular. I understand it's nice to pick one that is unique and allows you to customize your ride. However, if that wheel has to be special ordered from the mfr, not only does that take additional wait time, it also runs the risk of the mfr deciding at some point to discontinue that style, because not many buyers choose it. Then you are up poop creek if you need to buy a single replacement wheel.

 

[Proberge4273]

You cannot go wrong with Enkei's flow-formed MAT wheels. We have 4 sets of them. The closest to the TY-5 18x8 ET40 you are considering is our RPF1 18x8.5 ET40. I bought them from a guy that had them on a WRX. Of all our Enkei wheels, RPF1 had the tightest clearance to the Brembos. Mostly because it's a racing wheel that is shaped for maximum weight reduction. Still, the RPF1 cleared the front Brembos no problem.

If you are considering the TY-5 18x8 ET40, you might seriously consider spending $10-15 more per wheel and get 18x8.5 ET35 instead. For winter tire duty, either will work just fine with 235/45R18. But... 18x8.5 gives you the option of mounting up to 255 width tires, in case you ever want to put performance Summer or A/S tires on them later on. If this was my money, I'd want that flexibility.

BTW, when buying aftermarket wheels, I highly recommend you choose a wheel that is very popular. I understand it's nice to pick one that is unique and allows you to customize your ride. However, if that wheel has to be special ordered from the mfr, not only does that take additional wait time, it also runs the risk of the mfr deciding at some point to discontinue that style, because not many buyers choose it. Then you are up poop creek if you need to buy a single replacement wheel.

I'm honestly starting to really like the ENKEI Performance DRACO 18x8 35mm. I don't think I would ever put Summer tires back onto these wheels they would be strictly for the winter so I think 225 would be best for me. I saw someone that has the DRACO same exact how I would do 18x8 35 with 225/45/R18 on a G70 so I assume it would work perfectly well for the Stinger.

They only quoted me a couple of weeks out due to shipping from Canada to the USA but the FC04 is in stock and available but I see what you mean it would suck again to wait 2 weeks if I blew out a wheel but that is probably just due to shipping 4 at once and the weight.

 

[Volfy]

Not all Enkei wheels are flow-formed. The Draco, and I think their whole Performance series, is not MAT. It's up to you, but I would only consider flow-formed, for the strength, durability and lightweight.

Even for dedicated winter duty, good quality flow-formed wheels only cost a little bit extra and are well worth it. Would definitely be easier to re-sell, if that becomes necessary.

 

[Proberge4273]

Not all Enkei wheels are flow-formed. The Draco, and I think their whole Performance series, is not MAT. It's up to you, but I would only consider flow-formed, for the strength, durability and lightweight.

Even for dedicated winter duty, good quality flow-formed wheels only cost a little bit extra and are well worth it. Would definitely be easier to re-sell, if that becomes necessary.

Okay, that makes sense to me, honestly after looking through I might just go with an aftermarket 19-inch to not have any problems, and the roads around me aren't too terrible with potholes just gets extremely icy. What tire sizes could I fit on the 19s I would probably do 19x8.5 all around. 235,245,255 and what sidewall would be the best fit for the 19s a 40s I would assume. My previous car was a big turbo q50 that was making just under 700whp and it was on 255s all around without too many traction issues in the winter.

 

[Proberge4273]

with the 19s I think I am just going to use them for the winter and then put my summers back on them. Would a 235/40/R19 fit well with the awd on the 19x8?5