I am posting in the GP Forum instead of the Tire Forum because my question is specific to the GP and GP Wheels.

I ordered 215/40x18 tires (Toyo T1R) for the stock GP wheels but I did not have the tires mounted because it did not look like there was enough clearance on the inside between the tire and strut to fit the wider tires (215 vs 205) on the GP wheels. I can not get my finger between the front tire and the strut due to the 52mm offset of the GP wheels. I hadn't thought that I would have a rubbing problem on the inside but it sure looks like I will.

Note: Before I ordered the tires, I thought alot about changing wheels (going to lighter 17") but I decided to stay with the stock wheels. That is still my plan.

Has anyone fit 215/40x18 tires on the stock GP wheels without wheel spacers? If so, did you have a rubbing problem on the inside with the suspension? How did you eliminate the problem?

I was planning to add wheel spacers in the future to clear a BBK but I was hoping not to do that right now because I can not find longer black lug bolts (H&R only has silver) and the 14 to 12 stud kits are designed for 10mm spacers which are not available for the Mini. If I go with 15mm spacers the studs are a little short. A 5mm spacer will not be enough to clear the BBK caliper. I believe that using something between 5 and 15mm tends to become a problem because of the centering stub. Are there 12mm spacers available?

 

I would say contact Alex at Tire Rack. He has helped me with tires and rims for my GP and seems to know quite a bit about our GP'S.

 

I have 215/40/18 on my GP and have no issues at all. I'm running Nitto Neo Gen. PM me if you have some questions. Gman aka Gary

 

I have 215/35/18 Toyo Px4 on my GP , fitted perfectly
My friend has 225/35/18 Michelin PS2 on stock GP wheels ,no problem were found.

 

With 215, no rubbing with strut at all? How does it look to have wider tires on GP wheels? Do they look better?

 

Thanks for all of the replies. Based on your replies, I am going to have the 215/40 tires installed today.

 

Im getting my 215/35-18 BFG's on today too!

 

The tire install went fine. No rubbing as you all had stated. Thanks again for the quick help.

I flip-flopped between getting 215/35 or 215/40 and finally decided on 40 series for the little extra sidewall at the expense of tire diameter. I was worried about the ride with 35 series because my wife already complains about the ride stiffness. Maybe 35 series next time (I should need tires again in a year).

 

Last week I finally found the time to get the new tires Hankook Versus Rs 2 Z212 215/35R 18 mounted as suggested by some GP owners.
The tire shop (NTB) at first did not want to do job stating that my new tires were not ment for my car.. After an hour or so of phone calls they finally agreed and yesterday I got to try them out at the autox event: great tires.. only thing I need now is a good alignment

 

Why didn't they want to mount the tires? Was it because the tires were non-runflats or because the 215/35 size? I had to sign a waiver statement about installing non-runflats but the tire shop was cool about it.

How is the ride with the 35 series compared to the stock runflats? I can not believe how much softer the ride is with 215/40 non-funflats compared to the 205/40 runflats.

 

[QUOTE]

The guys were freaking out 'cause of the size. After I told them that I had researched the sizes and made my purchase from Tire Rack with the help of a specialist , they decided to make a few calls to make sure that indeed the tires will fit. I didn't have to sign a waiver and I wasn't going to.

You are right is much smooter ride w/o the runflats..

 

with Toyo Px4 215/35/18

 

Look great, fill the wheel well just right

 

to Meiz' GP, *Droooooooooooooool*

 

I also have Nitto Neo Gen 215/40/18 on stock GP wheels. The car is lowered on cross coilovers and I don't have any issues whatsoever. The ride is much better than the stock run-flat and I like the extra protection from the slightly higher side walls. It looks good too.

Somebody said they have 225/35/18 PS2. How's it possible? Michelin recommend at least a 7.5" rim for 225's. The stock GP wheels are only 7".

 

What are your friends impressions on the 225/35-18's PS2's?
I am considering the Nitto NT555 or the PS2s in that size.
I wish Falken made their Azenis RT615 in that size.

 

So who's running the 225/35/18 PS2 on GP rims.

 

Hey newbs49 I think we met at Helix? as soon as wear out the NeoGens gonna try the Nitto NT-555 in 225/35-18s on the GP wheels. I was trying to see if anyone has tried that size either the F1GS-D3s, PS2s, or the NT555s.

 

I ended up fitting my GP with the Nitto NeoGen's in 215x40x18. My initial thoughts are highly favorable--definately a different feel from the runflats. No clearance issues at all. I really wanted to go with a 225x35x18, but after a lot of research, including speaking with TireRack, manufacturers, etc--nobody recommended that size on a 7" rim, and indicated that there would be potential problems with wear, ride, etc. I decided that a little extra width wasn't worth it.

BTW, I want to put in a plug for Preston Tire in La Mesa, CA. They have an awesome shop and took great care of me--did a fine alignment too. I have been reluctant to have anybody except my dealer touch the GP, especially tire shops, but I'm now sold on Preston's professionalism and quality work. They even hooked me up with an "emergency" tire repair kit.

I'm curious what kind of tire pressure others are running--especially with 215/40/18's?

 

225/35-18
Can you get several pics of them and ask your friend if any issues and if he's got R53?????

 

Sorry for late reply!!




225/35/18 PS2 He said he also changed the coil over so it's a little bit lower
no problem were found ,,,very good tire and very expensive in Thailand

 

Wow it looks Sweet!
Thats Nice!
Thanks

 

Meiz

can you get a close-up pic of that tire on the rim. I'd like to see how much the side wall sticks out from the rim if you could .

thanks

 

Yeah close-up would be nice

 

Sorry guys!!, You have to wait because I'll meet him on 2th Aug
I'll get you a close-up shot on that day