[Braddontroy]

As title says- curious as my RFTs are shit on standard tune and I intend getting a JB4 with DP eventually and also wheels. But can't decide which to do first. Will the tune just cause more wheel spin off the line? Will some better non-RFT rear tyres be enough on standard luxury 18's (225/45/18) to get by?

[Sephanite]

Yes

[MikeVictor]

Width is not so much the issue here as the amount of grip you're getting. Consider something softer and you can stay on your standard profile tyres without suffering from poorer handling and incorrect speedo issues. $1200 should cover it.

Tune will come before DP.

[HFW003]

As Mike says just change the type of tyre you are using. I can highly recommend the Michelin PSS's!

[MikeVictor]

Originally Posted by HFW003

As Mike says just change the type of tyre you are using. I can highly recommend the Michelin PSS's!

+1 to the PSS, or if you want something almost as good but will give you more km's get the Michelin PS3.

[Braddontroy]

I was looking at softer tyres but was thinking that might not be enough. 225 tyres seem pretty skinny to manage 180-220+kw as well as cornering. The low down torque on these cars are quite amazing. I am naturally looking at staggered after market wheel options. But I wanted to gauge what people are managing real life with various power/tyre/wheel combinations and find out who is the happiest-least compromised.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

To directly answer the question, I don't think it is essential to get wider tyres after your tune.
Sure it would be beneficial, but you'll only be experiencing wheel spin in first gear, possibly second - all other times after that you'll experience the full power of the tune.
If you want to change wheels down the track, put off buying new 18" tyres and put the $ towards tyres for your new wheels (presumably larger than 18")

[HFW003]

Originally Posted by Stuart@BMRAutowerkes

To directly answer the question, I don't think it is essential to get wider tyres after your tune.
Sure it would be beneficial, but you'll only be experiencing wheel spin in first gear, possibly second - all other times after that you'll experience the full power of the tune.
If you want to change wheels down the track, put off buying new 18" tyres and put the $ towards tyres for your new wheels (presumably larger than 18")

I know where there is a brand new set of 19" M sport wheels available for sale, well in a month anyway

[MikeVictor]

Originally Posted by Braddontroy

I was looking at softer tyres but was thinking that might not be enough. 225 tyres seem pretty skinny to manage 180-220+kw as well as cornering. The low down torque on these cars are quite amazing. I am naturally looking at staggered after market wheel options. But I wanted to gauge what people are managing real life with various power/tyre/wheel combinations and find out who is the happiest-least compromised.

Really??

Are you tracking your car or just planning on driving like a hoon from time to time? Before you get defensive about this, I can't think of many situations where you're going to light up your wheels unless your being ham-footed taking off at the lights or trying to slide the rear out on a corner.

I still run 225 all round and it takes a bit to lose traction even before the car is tuned.

[Braddontroy]

Depends on what you're used to. I have an EVO running on semi-slicks - so I guess my grip level requirements are different. Wheel spin off the line is wasted power and time - and dangerous on crappy roads. And apart from the suspension (which unashamedly is suited to luxury - which is fine), the car seems on initial impressions a little under tyred at first glance. I think the MB C250 are running 255's on the rear?

[A'PEXi]

Never had traction issues on 245/35's on the rear but have since gone up to a 265/30 due to wheel change. If you go with a higher offset you can get away with squeezing 275/30's on the rear. No harm in changing the tyres if money isn't an issue

[GTony]

Originally Posted by Braddontroy

As title says- curious as my RFTs are shit on standard tune and I intend getting a JB4 with DP eventually and also wheels. But can't decide which to do first. Will the tune just cause more wheel spin off the line? Will some better non-RFT rear tyres be enough on standard luxury 18's (225/45/18) to get by?

Depends on your overall Conditions/Circumstances. From your base do you head South for the Ski Season or North to avoid the cold. Consideration comment only.
You will need to know All your Original Specs. so you can mix and match Wheel and Tyre sizes.
I agree with HFW003 and MikeVictor about the PSS Tyres. I would also add that the PSS have a Wider look than a lot of others of the same size. Even my 225/50/17 RFT's look wider than most 225's. I recently replaced with 18" Staggered Wheels and NRF PSS's, 225/45/18F - 255/40/18R. They look/handle great.

You can compare the following Set Ups at - tirerack - 1010tires - or - willtheyfit.
A SQ. S/Up of 225/45/18, Try 235/45 and 235/40. Also 245/40 but might be to Wide for the Front.
A STAG. S/Up. Combo's of 225/255 - 235/265(I like) and 245/275.
Good luck.

[Sephanite]

Originally Posted by HFW003

I know where there is a brand new set of 19" M sport wheels available for sale, well in a month anyway

oh... where...

[HFW003]

Originally Posted by Sephanite

oh... where...

They're due into Port Melbourne tomorrow, Port Kembla on the 29th, my place mid October