How Wide Is Too Wide?

[djr81]

I know people love the idea of wider is better, but there is a point on a track where the tyre simply gets too wide to work properly. So with an an R32, in a very moderate state of tune (300awkw will be all I chase) and not a track weapon, Just a weekend warrior here and there, would 9.5 inch be getting too wide? Then what size tyre (17" wheels)

Basically an R32 is overweight and pretty hard on its tyres - particularly the front. So you could live with alot more tyre than you can fit on the (standard) things.

Also you have to filter out all the fitment spam. R compounds dont need or want stretch. Also they tend to be a little larger than a nominally same sized road tyre.

If it is a track tyre then you have to decide what kind: eg a proper slick or a semi slick or something else.

An R32 will run a 255/40 r comp on a 9" +22 rim with a little scraping on the rear. Roll the lip of the rear guard like everyone does & you will be ok. You must adjust the suspension to make the tyres work & not to make them fit.

But understand (as an example) that a 235/45/17 is cheaper than a 255/40/17 which in turn is cheaper than an 18" tyre. Also that not all sizes are available in all brands. Bridgestone dont make a 255 width in an 18" RE55 for example which is probably what you would run if you could.

Anyway to answer the short question in short:

Use 17x9+22 & a 255/40/17 rim. An r comp with your ride hight will foul on the lip of the rear guard so get them rolled.