MK4 Tires/Rims - Looking for some input/experiance.

[Jeff_J.]

My MK4 with IRS arrives later this summer. Although the 18" rims look great I picked the Halibrand 17" rims - 245/45/R17 front and 315/35/R17 for the rear. 17's because i figured/heard the extra side wall would help smooth out the ride a little. There is lots of choice on the 245's I'm finding the 315/35/R17's short on selection so I figured I'd ask what others have found as a suitable tire for the MK4. Mine won't see the track or autox - just cruising with the wife and a few longer road trips. That said the tires still have to look the part and perform on the car to some extent. Would i have better success with 245's on both front and back or maybe going to the 18 rims & hope the ride does not suffer to much on the typical less than smooth roads? I still have the option to change the rims before the kit is shipped so better to figure it out now..
Thanks in advance for your input.
Jeff

[Ducky2009]

Are you ordering the tires from FF? If so, they would be delivered already mounted.

[Rolf 818]

I have the same size, with Nitto rubber - Since 2019 and 6,000km I can say I am pretty happy with them

[Jeff Kleiner]

The 18' rims are very handsome but I really don't think the ride will be noticeably different between a 17" and 18", however you'll spend a good bit more putting rubber on the 18s. For 17s I recommend using the 315/35 in the rear and a 255/40 in front. The 245/45 tire is a little stretched on a 9" rim and the lip of the wheel will actually extend beyond the sidewall. Using a 255/40 on a 9" rim prevents this. As for tires in these sizes, it's hard to beat the Nitto 555G2 for a primarily street driven car. They will tolerate cool temperatures as well as some rain and perform well enough in the dry for anything you'll do (or should be doing) on the street.

Cheers,
Jeff

[edwardb]

Jeff comments are spot on. I've had both 17's and 18's. No noticeable difference in the ride. But 18's are typically more expensive. I've also had the 555 Nittos and agree they're a decent compromise between a performance summer tire and traction. But another factor for your decision is availability. Across all brands and sizes. I tried to put Nitto 555G2's on my current truck build. Couldn't find any in stock. The local tire dealer I was using called Nitto and found the were on indefinite backorder. No ETA. That was a few months ago, so maybe the situation has changed.

[Jeff_J.]

All great points - The FF Mickey Thompson tires were on the radar they seemed to be a little more performance oriented, i'll reread the tire characteristics.
I was looking at the Nitto tire set as well read reviews and they seemed like a logical choice and have some longevity under normal use. Hmmm 255/40 vs 245/45 - I'll look into that as well.
I was checking Tire rack and a few other suppliers availability does seem to be an issue today - maybe just a little behind on delivery - common thing these days, maybe stock will show up closer to summer.
More things to consider but great information. Appreciate the input guys!
Jeff

[JeffP]

I went with 17" NT05's.. took a while to get them but i've heard and witnessed rubber being the next big hard to find item and didn't want to get stuck without tires - at the risk of having them age out. I pretty much ordered them one at a time as they came in at various suppliers (discount tire, jegs, and even got the last one from walmart).

[ggunter]

While we are on the subject of tires, does Nitto make a 315/35 R18 G2? or a 305/35R18 G2?

[Jeff Kleiner]

While we are on the subject of tires, does Nitto make a 315/35 R18 G2? or a 305/35R18 G2?

The quick answer is no. Go here and click on "sizes and specs"

https://www.nittotire.com/car-tires/nt555-g2-ultra-high-performance-tire/

Jeff

[Lidodrip]

I was able to purchase Nitto 555G2s (17" 315/35 and 255/40) last month. They were back-ordered for about 3 weeks.

[Ted G]

Anyone run the Falken Azeni RT660? I've heard good things and they have the recommended sizes 315/30-18 and 255/35-18. Plus the prices keep you under $1300.00 Thoughts?

[Jeff_J.]

Per Jeff Kleiner's note above regarding the better fit of the 255/40/17 vs 245/45/17 I calculate the difference is roughly 3/8" wider tire and just over 1/4" shorter. Good call from a guy in the know!!
Your work is top notch Jeff, looking forward to viewing more pictures of your work. I have to choose a color at some point....
Jeff_J

[Lickity-Split]

I'm currently running 315-35-17's on the rear of my MK4. But, I've been thinking about replacing these rears with something that has a little more sidewall.

Has anybody replaced their 17" rears with a little taller tire?

[CaptB]

FYI, these allow for a fatter front tire if needed:

https://ffmetal.com/FatTireFpanels.html

[frankeeski]

Something to think about is the length of time those tires are going to age before you actually use them. My suggestion to all first time builders is, it's going to take longer to build than you originally thought. Go to craigslist or fb Marketplace and find a set of Mustang take-off wheel for $300-500 and wait to get your tires for the pretty wheels until you're ready for them. I just finished a car that went to Texas (owner had life get in the way). The tires were 4 years old before the car was done and finally hit the road.

[Jim1855]

Frankeeski offers wise advice. I bought a set of track tires for a previous car, then had a problem and never got to use the tires. They'll be rolling stock for test fitting, driveway use and low speed testing.

For what many expect from tires, 4 years old is "aging out" rather than wearing out. Unlike good Scotch, tires don't age well.

Jim

[Fman]

I did 17" Halibrands from FFR and with recommendation from EdwardB 255/40ZR17 in the front, Rear 315/35ZR17 with Nitto 555G2's. I have 2500 miles on them now with one mild track day and they still look brand new. They seem to be a good all around tire for this car providing decent traction, being a harder compound they also do not tend to throw up as many rocks/debris when driving. For the weekend drive around town or occasional track tire they have been working good for me.