I just got some sweet BBS wheels (17 x 7.5) and would really like to put some 255/40-17 tires on them. Bad idea? 2011 WRX Sedan. Light autox and road racing application.
Assuming you have your stock 17x8 wheels, I'd put 255s on those for autox+track. Use the BBS for street or whatever.
I'd like to pick up a set of the Federals 595 RS R and it seems they go from 235 to 255. I'd rather be good so I'll look at another tire.
The Federals run a little wide. The 235 will fit like a 245. I measured the Federals against a Dunlop Star Spec and there is very little difference. These are both mounted on RPF1's, 17x8. The Dunlop is on the left.
^As seen above, the Federal 235 runs similar to a 245. On a 7.5" wheel it will be close to 2 sizes wider than normal. The 255 Federals run more like a normal 255, but they're definitely more than needed. For reference, here is a photo of a Star Spec 235 on a 17x7.5" BBS wheel. Slight bulge even at this size.
Unless you are dead set on running the BBS wheels, I would go with something bigger. With your body style you can easily run a 9" wheel. This will give you better options/fitment. If you are considering autocross, typically the bigger the contact patch the better. Also with autocross, depending on the class, you may be limited to wheel/tire size.
I'm never going to Nationals or even Milwaukee. More of a run what you brung to a couple of the local events kind of guy. I'm already in SM (or whatever it is called now) due to other car mods. The Federals look to be pretty cheap compared Star Specs or the Rivals. I'll try the 235 size and see what happens. Thanks for all the input.
