17/18 tire choices

I'd stick with the 265 on a '91. The handling tends to suffer if you run with the "stagger" any higher (that's the difference in tread width between front and rear).

gotcha. Thanks for the reply.

Looks like i'll order up the 265's.

Do you guys think that the width and offset will be fine? Looks good but no issues with fenders/quarters clearances?
 
I'm just about ready to pull the trigger on wheels and tires.

I'm pretty much settled on enkei rpf1
17x8+35 w/215-40-17 (Seems pretty standard setup)
18x10+38 w/ 265-35-18

Will I be running into any issues whatso ever on my 91? Any issues if I wanted a hair wider rear. like a 275 instead?

Thanks guys

IMHO if you go with a 17x8 in the front, I recommend the +45 offset instead. The +35 is very flush and has the potential to cause rubbing, especially under excessive suspension compression (i.e. if you track or autocross the car at all).

+45 is much safer and you could easily just add a 5mm spacer to bring it to +40 for that extra flushness.
The rear sizing looks good though (a 18x9.5 +38 is another good choice - it's lighter and will fit the 265/35/18 with minimal tire stretch).
 
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What makes you say that? How do you know it's not a legitimate dealer that just started selling on eBay?
Well one local can always go to La Puente to pick them up. But then again there is paypal protection etc. I highly doubt it's a scam. They adv lots of diff tires.

On the topic: how good are these pilot sports?
 
On the topic: how good are these pilot sports?
It's Michelin's new maximum performance summer tire, so it's a very good tire. But not for an NSX, since it doesn't come in any sizes for the NSX front.

In a side-by-side Tire Rack test, it beat three competing tires, including the highly-regarded Bridgestone S-04, in their overall rating.
 
It's Michelin's new maximum performance summer tire, so it's a very good tire. But not for an NSX, since it doesn't come in any sizes for the NSX front.

In a side-by-side Tire Rack test, it beat three competing tires, including the highly-regarded Bridgestone S-04, in their overall rating.
Thanks.

215 on 8 inch rim I have seems stretched. Wonder if I can go wider and what are the options. Any input? Thanks.
 
215 on 8 inch rim I have seems stretched.
It's not. Most 215/45-16 tires are approved for mounting on rims 7.0-8.0 inches wide. Most 215/40-17 tires are approved for mounting on rims 7.0-8.5 inches wide. Most 215/35-18 tires are approved for mounting on rims 7.0-8.5 inches wide.

Wonder if I can go wider and what are the options.
You cannot go wider on the front of an NSX without significant rubbing.
 
It's not. Most 215/45-16 tires are approved for mounting on rims 7.0-8.0 inches wide. Most 215/40-17 tires are approved for mounting on rims 7.0-8.5 inches wide. Most 215/35-18 tires are approved for mounting on rims 7.0-8.5 inches wide.


You cannot go wider on the front of an NSX without significant rubbing.
Thank you. Very helpful as always.
 
I have been quoted 750 mounted and balanced for sdrives in 215/40/17, 255/35/18

I can get kumho ecsta le sport from tire rack for 600 shipped. Plus 100 for mounting and balancing. So we're looking at almost the same price as sdrives.

Now q: which one is better for dd?
 
I have been quoted 750 mounted and balanced for sdrives in 215/40/17, 255/35/18

I can get kumho ecsta le sport from tire rack for 600 shipped. Plus 100 for mounting and balancing. So we're looking at almost the same price as sdrives.

Now q: which one is better for dd?
The Kumho.
 
Hey guys, I am looking to do a 17/18 combo to mine and really want to run Pilot Super Sports. However, on the recommendations you guys have made (215/40/17), there is no pilot ss available in that size. I am looking at running a 17x8 38mm offset up front with an 18x10 40mm offset in the back. I know that everyone is saying to run a 215/40/17 in the front, but I am wondering if I could run a 215/45/17 instead? If I do that Michelin does make the tire in that size. Thanks!
 
^ 215/45 is too tall if remember correctly. I wish the nsx had better tire selections!
 
Yup. Go with a different tire, one that's available in 215/40-17.

If you don't want to go with one of the "extreme performance" tires (Dunlop Star Spec, Yokohama AD08), perhaps because you want something that gives a bit better treadlife, consider the Kumho Ecsta LE Sport.
 
I was afraid it would be too tall of a sidewall. Unfortunately, I just can't bring myself to buy a Khumo tire (there is no logical reason). I really wanted the PS Super Sports, or a Dunlop, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Continental tire equal to the Michelin. I don't mind the Yokohama, but it and the Dunlop Direzza's are pretty loud compared to the Michelin. At least, that's been my experience when driving on them. In the end, I guess I'll just go with the Yoko's, since they look to do a tad better in the rain. I appreciate you guys chiming in.
On another note, with a 18x10 40mm offset rear wheel, I am assuming that a 265/35/18 is a better choice than a 255/35/18. Would that be the correct assumption to make? I figure now that I know I have to get the 215/40/17 for the front, I'd better make sure that I get the correct rear size too.

Yup. Go with a different tire, one that's available in 215/40-17.

If you don't want to go with one of the "extreme performance" tires (Dunlop Star Spec, Yokohama AD08), perhaps because you want something that gives a bit better treadlife, consider the Kumho Ecsta LE Sport.
 
I was afraid it would be too tall of a sidewall. Unfortunately, I just can't bring myself to buy a Khumo tire (there is no logical reason). I really wanted the PS Super Sports, or a Dunlop, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Continental tire equal to the Michelin. I don't mind the Yokohama, but it and the Dunlop Direzza's are pretty loud compared to the Michelin. At least, that's been my experience when driving on them. In the end, I guess I'll just go with the Yoko's, since they look to do a tad better in the rain. I appreciate you guys chiming in.
On another note, with a 18x10 40mm offset rear wheel, I am assuming that a 265/35/18 is a better choice than a 255/35/18. Would that be the correct assumption to make? I figure now that I know I have to get the 215/40/17 for the front, I'd better make sure that I get the correct rear size too.

Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec are currently on Closeout at TireRack. An excellent proven tire, especially for the NSX. For the wheel sizes you mentioned, I would do 215/40/17 and 265/35/18. The 265 will be slightly stretched on a 18x10, but a 255 will be even more stretched.
 
On another note, with a 18x10 40mm offset rear wheel, I am assuming that a 265/35/18 is a better choice than a 255/35/18. Would that be the correct assumption to make? I figure now that I know I have to get the 215/40/17 for the front, I'd better make sure that I get the correct rear size too.
The best size for the TCS depends on the year of your NSX. 265/35-18 is the better rear size for a '91-93 NSX, and 255/35-18 for a '94-05 NSX. Both sizes are approved for mounting on an 18x10 wheel.
 
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I have a 94. I was really not wanting to stretch the tire though.
It's not really "stretching" the tire as long as the wheel width falls in the approved range for the tire model and size, which it does. However, ...

Is this going to cause a problem with the TCS if I run a 265?
Almost certainly not. So if you want to go 265, go ahead.
 


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