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      09-12-2020, 03:02 PM   #1
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255/275-35 vs 265/295-30

I'm getting some custom wheels made to fit wider tires without spacers.
Going for a 20% track 80% street build, running M Performance suspension and getting camber plates soon. My car is already tuned on the M4CS map and going on stage 1 later.

With that said, I'd like to get some traction down with higher power. PS4S 265/295 30 profile tires have 9-7mm less sidewall height compared to 255/275 35 profile tires. Will this loss of sidewall compromise daily comfort too much?
I understand PS4S are already more comfortable than PSS too. 255/35,275/35 PS4S sounds ideal, but I'm not sure if it can get the power down. I know my 245/265 can't.

Appreciate any advice from those who've tested these tire setups or similar before!

Last edited by blitzyo; 09-14-2020 at 12:15 PM..
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      09-12-2020, 07:44 PM   #2
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Posts like this always make me scratch my head.

1. The 255/35 and 275/35 combo is TALLER, not so much wider.

2. Wider tires do NOT put the power down better. They are for cornering purposes ONLY. If you're having traction issues, lower your tire pressure.

3. If you don't want to upset the balance of the car, then have no more than 20mm between the front and rear, so 245/265 or 255/275 or 265/285.

4. No matter what you do you can't do better than Dinan's specs.

F: 9.5 +31 w/265/30
R: 10.5 +42 w/285/30

The problem is the Michelin's don't come in those sizes, and if you're a fanboi, then stop reading here.

Firestone Firehawk Indy is your solution.
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      09-12-2020, 08:03 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VisualEcho View Post
4. No matter what you do you can't do better than Dinan's specs.

F: 9.5 +31 w/265/30
R: 10.5 +42 w/285/30
given the loss of sidewall height (and presumably ride comfort) relative to stock, why recommend 265+285/30 over 275+295/30?
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      09-12-2020, 10:18 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Devo View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by VisualEcho View Post
4. No matter what you do you can't do better than Dinan's specs.

F: 9.5 +31 w/265/30
R: 10.5 +42 w/285/30
given the loss of sidewall height (and presumably ride comfort) relative to stock, why recommend 265+285/30 over 275+295/30?
Tire sidewall stretch (more control, better turn-in), and less weight. It does depend on the tire you choose as well, but in general, 265/30 + 285/30 on 9.5/10.5 won't be matched on overall performance, just like 245/265 on stock wheels won't either. Doesn't seem to stop people from trying tho.
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      09-13-2020, 11:02 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VisualEcho View Post
Tire sidewall stretch (more control, better turn-in), and less weight. It does depend on the tire you choose as well, but in general, 265/30 + 285/30 on 9.5/10.5 won't be matched on overall performance, just like 245/265 on stock wheels won't either. Doesn't seem to stop people from trying tho.
thx. I'm looking at picking up a set of Richland RF-GT4s and trying to figure out optimal tire size. 265+285/30 would be great if not so limiting from a tire selection standpoint. I've run the Firehawks before Ina similar size (275/30/19 on my RS4) and wasn't a huge fan compared to the PS4S)
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      09-13-2020, 12:01 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Devo View Post
thx. I'm looking at picking up a set of Richland RF-GT4s and trying to figure out optimal tire size. 265+285/30 would be great if not so limiting from a tire selection standpoint. I've run the Firehawks before Ina similar size (275/30/19 on my RS4) and wasn't a huge fan compared to the PS4S)
It's unfortunate, but 265/30 & 285/30 are literally the only right size, and everything else is a compromise. Dinan uses Corsa's for this reason, and I'm certainly not a huge fan of those either. The Firehawks are a good Summer tire, but a PS4S they aren't for sure, so I agree with you there.
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      09-13-2020, 03:39 PM   #7
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265/30f + 285/30r is arguably the better choice here, and the other options mentioned are pretty much compromises.

having said that, 275/30f + 295/30r P4S seems to be arguably the other "best" alternative IF you are in stock suspension. That's what I'm running and it's the best setup i've had thus far, albeit I will report back how track performance is around october when I go to PBIR
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      09-13-2020, 05:26 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ssabripo View Post
265/30f + 285/30r is arguably the better choice here, and the other options mentioned are pretty much compromises.

having said that, 275/30f + 295/30r P4S seems to be arguably the other "best" alternative IF you are in stock suspension. That's what I'm running and it's the best setup i've had thus far, albeit I will report back how track performance is around october when I go to PBIR
Got some pix of your fitment? The 275/295 combo is VERY wide.
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      09-13-2020, 05:46 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VisualEcho View Post
Got some pix of your fitment? The 275/295 combo is VERY wide.
i'll take some better ones this week. here is the one i have from the rear:




but this guy posted his, so it also gives you an idea:

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&postcount=120

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&postcount=130
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      09-13-2020, 05:53 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Devo View Post
thx. I'm looking at picking up a set of Richland RF-GT4s and trying to figure out optimal tire size. 265+285/30 would be great if not so limiting from a tire selection standpoint. I've run the Firehawks before Ina similar size (275/30/19 on my RS4) and wasn't a huge fan compared to the PS4S)
Maybe consider MPSS? They are available in that size. Not a PS4 but still solid.
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      09-13-2020, 07:41 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ssabripo View Post
but this guy posted his, so it also gives you an idea.
Ah yes, I've seen that. Too much tire IMO. Soft sidewalls.
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      09-13-2020, 09:35 PM   #12
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Look at the tread width, not the tyre width...with some tyres the tread width of a 285 is wider than a 295 of another model or brand

Given the same tyre model, a 275/295 setup will be faster than a 265/285 if the suspension can utilise the added traction from the wider tread width...tyre weight is not much more given the same profile. Upping a tyre's profile say from 30 to 35 or 35 to 40 is when tyre weight goes up the most. I always ha-ha when people spend big bucks on light rims but went for a taller profile tyre setup because visually this filled the guards better. A PS4S star spec 255/35 19 weights 25lbs, more than a 265/30 (24 lbs) and the same as a 275/30 19. A PS4S 295/30 19 does weight more than a 275/35 19 though.

PS4S 275/295 on stock wheels will have excessive sidewall roll compared to a 265/285 or stock size setup. Handling will be sloppier but more forgiving as the car is less agile and thus easier for the average driver to handle.

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/ar...ke-you-faster/

Last edited by Karmic Man; 09-13-2020 at 09:48 PM..
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      09-14-2020, 03:38 AM   #13
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Just pointing out the OP didn't state where he was trying to improve traction. For all we know could be in a straight line
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      09-14-2020, 10:17 AM   #14
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based on the fact that the OP said they were going to be running non-stock wheels, I'd say we can safely assume 9.5F / 10.5R at least. And running stock sized tires on those widths is far from ideal. I'm not convinced that 265/30+285/30 is best given the reduction in sidewall height. Even 275/30+295/30 will have slightly less than stock sizes.
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      09-14-2020, 10:21 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Devo View Post
based on the fact that the OP said they were going to be running non-stock wheels, I'd say we can safely assume 9.5F / 10.5R at least. And running stock sized tires on those widths is far from ideal. I'm not convinced that 265/30+285/30 is best given the reduction in sidewall height. Even 275/30+295/30 will have slightly less than stock sizes.
You should be, 9.5 with 265/30 and 10.5 with 285/30 is flawless, and literally can't get any better. The .5" reduction in sidewall height adds to the control, it doesn't take away from it, and the extra width matches the extra wheel width. That's why Dinan chose it, it's perfect. The ONLY thing not perfect about it is that Michelin doesn't make those sizes in the PS4S, otherwise you'd see 11tybillion people running that exact size because it's, as I said, it's perfect.
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      09-14-2020, 10:49 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VisualEcho View Post
You should be, 9.5 with 265/30 and 10.5 with 285/30 is flawless, and literally can't get any better. The .5" reduction in sidewall height adds to the control, it doesn't take away from it
but it does decrease ride quality/comfort to some degree, yes?
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      09-14-2020, 12:15 PM   #17
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Was looking at 9.5, 10.5" wheels, but got the car measured out now and dealer says I can fit 11" 295/30 in the rear with the right offset. Would provide optimal contact patch with camber dialed in. I do have MPerformance Coilovers too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by VisualEcho View Post
Posts like this always make me scratch my head.

1. The 255/35 and 275/35 combo is TALLER, not so much wider.

2. Wider tires do NOT put the power down better. They are for cornering purposes ONLY. If you're having traction issues, lower your tire pressure.

3. If you don't want to upset the balance of the car, then have no more than 20mm between the front and rear, so 245/265 or 255/275 or 265/285.

4. No matter what you do you can't do better than Dinan's specs.

F: 9.5 +31 w/265/30
R: 10.5 +42 w/285/30

The problem is the Michelin's don't come in those sizes, and if you're a fanboi, then stop reading here.

Firestone Firehawk Indy is your solution.
Thanks for the advice. I can't get firestone and most other tires where I live. Michelin PS4S and CUP2 are available.

Will look into 265/35 and 285/35 options in 18", but need to swap out the brakes for that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MR RIZK View Post
Just pointing out the OP didn't state where he was trying to improve traction. For all we know could be in a straight line
It's straight line with M4CS tune right now. Track season here is starting this week and I have my first session on Thurs. Will have more info then!

Last edited by blitzyo; 09-14-2020 at 12:23 PM..
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      09-14-2020, 12:23 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Devo View Post
but it does decrease ride quality/comfort to some degree, yes?
That would depend on the tire you choose, really. I know what you're thinking, that the .5" less sidewall is going to kill the ride, but it's not as bad as choosing a super sporty tire like the Cup2, which is made to have a stiffer sidewall.

It's still the right size IMO, but if you're looking for comfort, try the Conti DWS 06, as all-season tires are known to be quieter and more comfortable in general, that's a really good one.

If you're looking for a fantastic Summer tire that won't break the bank, choose the Firehawk Indy.

And if you're looking for a track tire, choose the P Zero Corsa.
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      09-14-2020, 12:29 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blitzyo View Post
Was looking at 9.5, 10.5" wheels, but got the car measured out now and dealer says I can fit 11" 295/30 in the rear with the right offset. Would provide optimal contact patch with camber dialed in. I do have MPerformance Coilovers too.
Yes, an 11 is not hard to fit at +45, and the 295/30 is perfect for that (I still prefer the 285). So many guys fitting the 295 on 10.5 and it's just too much tire.

Now your problem is the front, simply because you're going to upset the balance of the car if you have more than (roughly) a 20mm gap between front and rear, so you'll need to fit the 275/30 up front, which carries its own issues.

If you choose the 265/30, which I recommend, you'll have an easier time with fitment, but some increased rake, so be aware of that. 265/35 is out of the question because it's taller than the rear 295/30.
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      09-14-2020, 08:43 PM   #20
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Why not run 265/35 and 285/35? Is that too tall or something. Both those sizes come in the pilot sport 4s.
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      09-14-2020, 09:08 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrcheezle19 View Post
Why not run 265/35 and 285/35? Is that too tall or something. Both those sizes come in the pilot sport 4s.
I run 265/285/35 re-71r on stock suspension with plates. wont work on lowered cars but fills wheel arch nicely. only light rub on front liner that was fixed in 5 min with a heat gun
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      09-15-2020, 08:10 AM   #22
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11tybillion
That's the best!
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