Yet another wheel and tire question.

[F=MA]

Has anyone had any experience with the SSR Competition wheels on an early car (92) in the 17x7.5 and 17x9.5 combination? All the data would indicate a good fit.

On a related question concerning 17 in. wheels….The data from FAQ indicates that with this wheel set, either the 215/40 265/40 or 215/40 275/40 tire will be within the rev/mile constraints. However, the Tire Rack recommends the tire sizes for those wheels as 215/40 245/40. The Tire Rack recos seem to be excessively narrow and possibly outside of the rev/mile limitation. Is Tire Rack off the mark on this? Finally, a recent forum discussion recommended a 235/40 and 275/40 as optimum sizes for track duty. Is this a wheel and tire combination that limits wheel travel and/or requires the TCS off? Thanks

 

[Andrie Hartanto]

The SSR competition also available in 17x8 for Integra type R with 48 offset. This will fit better especially if u thinking of putting the 235/40 in the front. Last time I test fitted it on my car but it won't clear my big brake kit. It seems like it will clear the stock brakes. But I can't guarantee. Tire rack is pretty good on their service, and maybe u can ask them to send u one wheel to test fit.

The problem with the 235/40/17 in the front is clearance issue if your car is lowered. If u are using H&R springs, u can forget this size as it will rub constantly. However, stock size or with eibach will clear, with slight rub that can be corrected.

People uses 235/40/17 for track tires, because that is the only available tires that is wider than stock, yet the smallest diameter. Of course, that means u have to adjust the rear acordingly. And using 275/40/17 on the rear will not require the TCS off.

Tire rack size recommendation is a bit off. Since the 215/40/17 is slightly larger than your stock (especially if u have older NSX), yet the rear stays the same. I would go with 255/40/17 if u opt for the 215 front. There is no problem in using the bigger rear, as the TCS only kicks in if the rear tires spin faster than the front (according to stock ratio). If the rear is bigger, it just allows more spin before the TCS kicks in.

OCTJMO YMMV

[This message has been edited by Andrie Hartanto (edited 05 January 2002).]

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Andrie is right. The rubbing has a lot to do with your wheels as well. For example, with Tecnomagnesio wheels, I don't run with 235/40 and with TE-37 I do (unsure of offsets, though the fronts are both 17x8.0). In general, I've found 1.2" of drop to be the maximum you can go with stock fenders and 235/40. You could either run wider front fenders (aftermarket) or roll the lips on the stock fenders if you want to drop further.

-- C

------------------

http://www.NSXClassifieds.com - free NSX classifieds site!

 

[F=MA]

Thanks for the information, that answers the tire question. But brings up another.
My objective in changes the wheels is to eventually upgrade the brakes. Will the 17x7.5 and 17x9.5, both with 42mm offsets, clear larger brake calipers? (Brembo, Tarox etc)
BTW, they also have an 18x9.5 55mm wheel availible.

 

[Andrie Hartanto]

The SSR competition will not clear big brake kit, no matter the size or the offset. At least the one that offered thru tire rack currently. The offset has little to do about brake clearance, wheel design (spokes) does. However, the tarox might be ok, since it will clear stock wheels.

The 18x9.5 ET55 is for S2000. The rear with 42mm offset fits better on the NSX.

 

[F=MA]

Thanks Andrie