newer MKIV body - front tire options?

[toadster]

Since the MKIV 25th Anniversary was launched, FFR is changing the body in a few places - namely the license plate, taillight mounts, rear wheel openings and more space in the front

what options are available for 18" wheels? will 275s fit now without rubbing?

[delta0014]

In the video that Dave Smith posted about it, he specifically mentioned 275's up front. I ordered 265's for the front, just to be safe.

[AC Bill]

I wonder how these larger tires will affect rolling resistance, (which is essentially the energy loss that occurs as a tire rolls through its footprint)?

[toadster]

I wonder how these larger tires will affect rolling resistance, (which is essentially the energy loss that occurs as a tire rolls through its footprint)?

I understand that - but this is a 'smiles per gallon' car, so I probably won't be hypermiling more interested in the energy that it absorbs in the corners

[CraigS]

Finally. Sure glad FFR got to these needed changes.

[dhuff]

Since the MKIV 25th Anniversary was launched, FFR is changing the body in a few places - namely the license plate, taillight mounts, rear wheel openings and more space in the front

what options are available for 18" wheels? will 275s fit now without rubbing?

When did they make this change? Mine is number 9191. Thanks

[toadster]

When did they make this change? Mine is number 9191. Thanks

they announced the change with the 25th anniversary car back in August, not sure if it's made it into the standard rotation yet...

[j.miller]

whoa ! 275's up front!.....starting to get the footprint of an INDY car......yet they will still chew you up and spit you out in a mild off camber turn without giving it a second thought ….On a lighter note. You will sure look good sitting backwards in the dirt, in a cloud of dust, wondering what just happened.....BEEN THERE ! DONE THAT !...da Bat

[CraigS]

It's funny that 275s on 9x17s were pretty much the standard setup until the MkIV. I have never run anything less than 275 on my old MkII.

[AC Bill]

It's funny that 275s on 9x17s were pretty much the standard setup until the MkIV. I have never run anything less than 275 on my old MkII.

Could you post some pic's with those tires on it. Curious how they look.

[CraigS]

Could you post some pic's with those tires on it. Curious how they look.

275s on 9x17 Bullets and 315 on 10.5 Bullets
IMG_20140821_080001_434 by craig stuard, on Flickr
IMG_20140821_080048_810 by craig stuard, on Flickr
Remember this is a MkII.

[phileas_fogg]

Here are my Nitto G2's in 275/40ZR17 front on the 17" Halibrand wheels. Note that I've done NOTHING to the fender wells bodywork-wise.


John

IMG_4997 by jhsitton, on Flickr

IMG_5005 by jhsitton, on Flickr

IMG_5009 by jhsitton, on Flickr

[RAMRobAZ]

I have 275 fronts on mine. They looks awesome and no rubs. But hit a rut in the road, and you better have both hands on the wheel. Mine isn’t a racer, so can’t give an opinion on that.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I don't know where people got the idea that 275s won't fit on the front of a Mk4??? Unless you're running an abnormally low ride height, using wheels with funky offsets or the wider 1996 and up Mustang spindles they fit without issue after doing the usual trimming and shaping of the wheelwell opening returns (sometimes even before).

I have 275 fronts on mine. They looks awesome and no rubs. But hit a rut in the road, and you better have both hands on the wheel. Mine isn’t a racer, so can’t give an opinion on that.

That's bump steer which has nothing to do with tire size.

Jeff

[mmklaxer]

Old post I know, but I'm looking into wheel/tire combos, and couldn't find newer references.

Does the post 25th anniversary MKIV require steering rack limiters and/or FFMetal F-panels to avoid rubbing on the aluminum? I'm assuming the above is only referencing body rub.

Thanks!

[toadster]

Old post I know, but I'm looking into wheel/tire combos, and couldn't find newer references.

Does the post 25th anniversary MKIV require steering rack limiters and/or FFMetal F-panels to avoid rubbing on the aluminum? I'm assuming the above is only referencing body rub.

Thanks!

nope neither should be needed in this case...

[Jeff Kleiner]

They’ll rub. Virtually any tire size will at full lock which isn’t something that comes into play during normal driving (unless your normal driving involves trying to make 3 point turnarounds inside of your garage ).

Jeff

[BEAR-AvHistory]

No issues Front NITTO NT-01 @ 275/40ZR17-98W Rear NITTO NT-01 @ 315/35ZR17-102W. Prior front till it wore out at 9,000 miles was a 255 NITTO 555R also 315 555R in the rear.

Car runs a 4.25" ground clearance

FWIW the Nitto NT-01 275 18" 35 aspect ratio is the same dimensions as the NITTO 17" 40 aspect ratio version.

17" 25.55 tall X 10.91 wide 18" 25.55 tall X 10.91 wide

[mmklaxer]

No issues Front NITTO NT-01 @ 275/40ZR17-98W Rear NITTO NT-01 @ 315/35ZR17-102W. Prior front till it wore out at 9,000 miles was a 255 NITTO 555R also 315 555R in the rear.

Car runs a 4.25" ground clearance

FWIW the Nitto NT-01 275 18" 35 aspect ratio is the same dimensions as the NITTO 17" 40 aspect ratio version.

17" 25.55 tall X 10.91 wide 18" 25.55 tall X 10.91 wide

Thanks Bear. I was looking at the NT01's; planned on going with those for the first set and see how the 100 treadwear holds up.

[john42]

275x17x40 Front
315x17x35 Rear
3 inch ground clearance
MK3 Challenge Car

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Thanks Bear. I was looking at the NT01's; planned on going with those for the first set and see how the 100 treadwear holds up.

Where you live ME will impose a number of limitations on your using the car. Temperature under 40*F traction progressively goes away, wet roads will require very smooth driving, car will not move in snow.

In NC car is used all year with some days parked due to weather. Realistically with a few local level AutoX thrown in you should get 8,500/9,000 miles out of a set.



This is 6 AutoX + 9,200 miles on 100 tread wear one of my NITTO 315 555R



Installation NT-01



4.25" Ride height NT-01

[Jeff Kleiner]

NT-01 with 4,500 miles and about sixty 45-50 second autocross runs.



Jeff

A9564C56-DFAF-43A7-A526-C751DAB88B7F.jpg

[mmklaxer]

Where you live ME will impose a number of limitations on your using the car. Temperature under 40*F traction progressively goes away, wet roads will require very smooth driving, car will not move in snow.

In NC car is used all year with some days parked due to weather. Realistically with a few local level AutoX thrown in you should get 8,500/9,000 miles out of a set.



This is 6 AutoX + 9,200 miles on 100 tread wear one of my NITTO 315 555R



Installation NT-01



4.25" Ride height NT-01

Cost of doing business in ME - short driving season.

You bring up a good question. I assumed these cars with ANY summer tire would be squirrely under 40 degrees. Even with 555 G2's, I wasn't planning on driving below 40 degrees. Is that a good assumption, or would a different "commonly used" tire on these cars extend the driving season? Not talking wet - different animal there.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The Nitto NT-01 and Toyo R888R (I’ve run both) drop off dramatically below 60-65 degrees. In fact the manufacturer recommends not even storing them below 35 degrees, much less driving them at low temperatures.



The Nitto 555G2 can tolerate lower temps although good sense and prudence still needs to prevail because they won’t perform the same at 40 as they do at 80. Falling in between is the NT-05.

9F9DA492-3EF7-4BC1-BEB9-9A9BB0E6ACEC.jpg

Jeff

[mmklaxer]

Very helpful, as always!

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Cost of doing business in ME - short driving season.

You bring up a good question. I assumed these cars with ANY summer tire would be squirrely under 40 degrees. Even with 555 G2's, I wasn't planning on driving below 40 degrees. Is that a good assumption, or would a different "commonly used" tire on these cars extend the driving season? Not talking wet - different animal there.

No I think you have a little more latitude than 40 as a drop dead point for the 555G2.

I can be a DUMMY on occasion. Should have qualified my statement with:

G2 comes in 2 flavors 320 & 200. The 320G2 has a higher treadware rating than my Michelins. The 320 would be a good choice.

All my cars run on summer tires. Michlen PSS or PS4S (300TW). Have had no major issues in the high 20 degree range. The tires are less competent from 40*F down but they degrade slowly do not suddenly go squirrelly.

Issue with them is this warning by Michlen.

"Michelin warns that PSS cars (and P4s) should not even be moved if the temps are 20 or below. The cracked sidewalls that may occur will not be warrantied."

The NITTOS traction will degrade faster with the lower tread wear compound.

No sure what the "you don't want to drive" temperature is for the NITTO's they are rated at temperature A but this is a heating index not a cold rating. Have seen 40*F posted but its been by regular guys. They might just be repeating the standard "summer tires" number.

Have gotten a little sideways launching with the NITTO 555R (100) at 39*F early in the morning, street may have been damp. Only happened once was my fault with a clumsy clutch release.

With the NITTO's I use the BEAR body thermometer. If its too cold for me its too cold for the tires, usually 50*F+.

Interesting picture, drive from painter to tuner, did not self destruct.



EDIT: Should add that I did trailer the car home about 80 miles. Also G2 - 200/320TW