Trip to the powder coaters

Picked up my wheels from the powder coaters today, now fitted with 265/35/18 Vredestein.


He also did a few other bits for me.

Looking good, just put 245/40/18 Vreds on mine a few weeks ago, thought 265's would be a little wide on mine with the 35 offset, its close as it is, Vreds seem to be good though so far, excellent value.

What colour are the rims, look quite glossy?

Nice bits paul,

Interested to see how those vredstein tyres go... and how your 265's fit & work!

I'll need new tyres soon after 12000 on the OEM dunlops... so keen to see who uses what!

The tyres were a bit tight to get on but don't look too big for the rims and fill the wheel arch. The Rolling radius is the same as the original 235/45s so could look a little short.

They are a dark metallic grey.

Paul.

Hmmm my 330S wheels are 18" as are those, with 245/40x18 tyres ... when you have fitted them ( have you already? ) do they catch on lock or over bumps, and how's the ride change!

Were they tight due to 35 profile or due to 265 width?

Considering 265's if they are fine!!

You'll need a 40 tyre to keep the radius the same, I priced up 265's and they were about £40 a corner more than the standard fit 245's, these were £119 a corner when I got them but think they have gone up since.

Neil,
The guy that did the refurb had an old 265 that he put on the rim and fitted it to the car. Didn't have issues running it lock to lock but the suspension hadn't settles out. I haven't fitted them yet but I know a lot of the cars in the US run 265 on the stock 330 8.5" rims without issue. I think they were tight because of the firm sidewalls, just didn't want to pop. I'll try to fit them over the weekend so you can have a look at work next week.

Abz,
The 265 35 18 has the same diameter (643mm) as the 235 45 17 fitted as standard to the STI, the optional or 330 alloys has a diameter of 653mm and a 265 40 18 would be 669mm.
Camskill are only £25 more for the 265s than the 245s but I got mine for £148, £5 more per tyre than they're selling the 245s.

Paul.

Now fitted and all is well, no rubbing even on full lock. The steering even feels a little firmer now.
Paul

Excellent...

Yeah, I checked an online wheel sizing toy and it's just as you say, fine for std 17" Sti's but either 2% too big or 1.5% too small if go for 265/35 or 255 /40's! Or something.

It did say 265's need 9" wheel widths though.

I'll see what will fit, looks these dunlops are shot after 12000 careful miles!

See you next week for a nosey and get the 3 port.


Neil

Neil,
The 3 port arrived today.

Most tyre makers say 9" but Revolution offer 265s on an 8.5" rim and mine don't bulge out. Its better that way rather than the skinny tyre on big rim as that makes me think you'll roll the tyre off the rim if you push hard.

Paul.