I used the search function and didn't see any info for this tire size. im rolling on some 235/50/18 tires and I want to go bigger to cover up the wheel gap, so i wouldn't have to buy lowering springs. What is the biggest size 18 tire I can go up? Any pix?

Thanks and I'll have new pix of me dying my grey panels to blk hopefully this weekend, if it stops raining here in the bay. It would be nice to have some new tires along with the new dye job.

thanks

KVN

A broader look at the various tire size discussions will show that there are several clearance points that you need to be concerned with:
- the bell shaped top of the strut tower
- a plastic fin at the back of the front wheel well, which a tire shoulder might hit when turned
- plastic rear fender edge, which a tire might hit on a bump or when loaded

The stock tires have an overall diameter of about 28". 29" is about the largest you can fit on the stock wheels. Anything larger risks hitting the strut tower.

By playing with the wheel offset you might be able to go a bit larger, at least relative to the strut tower. But you still risk hitting the wheel well with a large, wide tire. It is that diagonal distance to the tire's shoulder edge that hurts with any of the possible contact points.

paulj

Thanks for the reply. The offset of my rims are 35 the rims are 18x8.5. I'ma have a look under the front and see if theres anything I can cut/dremel out to make more wheel space. Anyone ever clear out any space?

Paul I am doing a regular search now on the boards and Im actually finding more topics, then when I made it specific. So I'll private msg some people and see how they like there tires.

thanks again

KVN

I have 245/55/18. I think thats the biggest size, that won't rub....but I'm not sure.

255/55/18 will fit on certain wheels (not mine! haha) you're at risk b/c your wheels are 8.5, the last guy who ran 255/55/18 had a 18x7.5 wheel and a +38 offset, so yours will be pushing it I think

.......however you want 250/55/18 (not sure that that size even exists)

Are you sure about that 250 width? Have you found a tire in that size? The tirerack listings step by 245 255 etc.

The size you have 235/50/18 is one of the most common 18 size that fits the Element. It's about 2% smaller than stock. Kissya's 245/55/18 a couple of % in the other direction, but selection appears to be quite limited (Tirerack lists one model). 255/50/18 is closer to the stock diameter, and a bit better in selection (3 on Tirerack).

Selection for 255/55/18 is good, but at 4.3% larger than stock, may give clearance problems. If you find anyone that has that size on their Element, double check their wheel offset. 35mm is only 10 mm less than stock, so I am estimating that your inner rim is 15 mm closer to the strut tower than on stock wheels (2"/2 - 10 mm = 15mm).

Currently how much space is there between your tires and the tower, both at the widest point, and at tread edge? A 255 tire would be about 10mm closer to the tower at the widest point. Is there room for that? What clearance is there between your tire corner and the wheel well, when turned? A 255/55 would be at least an inch closer.

paulj

Ill take a look as soon as i can. its raining hard here and I'm running around with 2 jobs :)

My lil brother has a 240 sx and has an extra set of 5mm wheel spacers that would fit on the e. if i was to put these on, i'm guessing these would stick it out further, making it possible to fit these tires or a bigger size right?

I can't remember off the top of my head but they might have been 250 or 255. I went to the used tire store round here cuz i found on of my tires with lots of nails in it. not sure if it was someone vandalizing my car or somehow i just ran over nails on one tire. but he had 3 tires in that range for my car and i was going to pick up 2 or maybe all three and wait for the 4th to show up. It had lots of thread still and it was only $40 each installed.

Thanks again for your help guys and let me know what you think about the wheel spacers.

KVN

I've ran 255/50-18 toyo proxes s/t on mb italia rims with no clearance issues.There on ebay if you want to see a pic. Just search for mb italia.

I can't remember off the top of my head but they might have been 250 or 255. I went to the used tire store round here cuz i found on of my tires with lots of nails in it. not sure if it was someone vandalizing my car or somehow i just ran over nails on one tire. but he had 3 tires in that range for my car and i was going to pick up 2 or maybe all three and wait for the 4th to show up. It had lots of thread still and it was only $40 each installed.

KVN

If those three are really 250mm, don't buy 'em man because you'll probably never run into that fourth matching one at that size! I don't even think you can find a new tire at that size if you wanted to. I've never heard of a 250mm wide tire also.

Yeah, 255/55/18 won't fit my rims either. I went with 255/50/18 and they look great. Both were Toyo Proxes S/T. Great tires, even in the snow.
L.

255/55R 18 WILL WORK WITH A +38 OFFSET THATS WHAT I HAVE ON MY E
No rubbing or clearnace issues.Check the pic of my E in my profile 255/55R 18 Toyo Proxes S/T.I have also posted pics to get a better view

i had 255/55/18 tires on before. Rims were 18x9 w/ a 42 offset up front and 48 offset w/ 5mm spacers on the rear. It only rubbed when the wheel was turned almost all the way left or right. The tire was REALLY close to the strut and to the tie rod. It was a tight fit.

Man if those fit on your ride, i'm frustrated as to why 255/55 wouldn't fit on my 18x7.5 wheel with a +42 offset......must have been the shape of the tire

That size will fit with the proper offset +38 Here is a pic of my 04 EX with that size.It did not rub.Dont get me wrong it was SUPER tight and very close fittment but it will work. I got rid of the 04 for and 08 SC.I still have the wheels and tires

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18188&page=4