SKIroad'r

Sorry, but I believe in very thorough research and I can't make a decision without the brain trust here.

This only got one hit on the wheel and tire forum:

I am deciding between two wheels, both are same style, RS6 replica wheels

wheel 1 -- 18x8.5 et 30 -- I'd need to run spacers and longer bolts.

wheel 2 -- 18x7.5 et 20 -- direct bolt on and can use factory lugs.

This car will never see a track. It is a family hauler with a spirited driver and it is equipped with H-sports (hard) which firm up the ride quite a bit.

is the 1" difference in width worth dealing with spacers and longer bolts? pros and cons of the wider wheel (wheel bearings)?

and final stupid noob question -- I assume the contact patch on a 245/45/18 is the same regardless of wheel width?

Rally_nutcase_1982

comes down to what wheel you really like. The 10mm spacers should not be a hold up, just ensure they are hub-centric and torqued correctly but that's about it.

Well, a 245 is a 245 so your contact patch will only increase or decrease with the amount of air you put in the tire. And because it is a daily driver you might want to shoot for a medium to high sidewall for ride quality.

Just remember to re-torque them after the first 500 miles ;-)
Good Luck and let's see some pics please when you get them.

gragravar

the 1" width difference will make a difference in the shape of the sidewall which will have a minimal impact on performance. That said you'll be happy either way. spacers - especially ones as small as 10mm shouldnt be a concern either. just go with whichever wheel you like better.

ToolmanAR

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/139710/p1010006.jpg"></center><p>
I prefer not to run spacers, but if they're good ones, you shouldn't have problems. I've been eyeballing those RS6 reps at Hartmann with the 20et, even though they are 7.5" wide. One of the experts who sells the wheels just told me last week that he advises against running a 245 tire on a 7.5" rim, but the 1/2" difference seems negligible. On a track car, sure. On a street car? Doubt it. I know for a fact that some Ford Mustangs came from the factory with 245s on 7.5" wheels (albiet 17s).

I have these Mille Miglias that are 18x8 et 20, but I'm not in love with them. They cost me nothing, but I really like the looks of the RS6 wheels much, much more. I wonder what they're worth?

SKIroad'r

But I think the OEM 18" hollow spoke wheels are 7.5 and run a 245/45/18 tire.

Agreed, I would never use that on a track, but on a family hauler I don't think there is any safety issue, but I always welcome the opinion from the tire guru's

Judge AR

cheaper tires, no spacers.Or if I'm reading it right and your planning on using the same size tire it will look better on the smaller rim, plus the rim will be more protected from curb rash and potholes.

skidmark

take their opinion tenfold over any of the so called tire gurus on the internet or at retailers.

I mean seriously the tire manufacturers actually test their tires before suggesting the rims size spread they supply. The guy at discount tires is just spouting his theorectial opinion based on some bullsh!t he read somewhere with no testing experience except for how fast he takes the corner entering the drivethru at McDonalds.

skidmark

<center><img src="http://www.7extrememotorsports.com/formula1/cars/ferrari-f1-15.jpg"></center><p>I laugh everytime someone on the internet talks about the performance improvement they are getting by running rubberbands on their car.

I guess maybe there is a spec in the rules that the sidewall has to be big so people can read the advertising.

I know you were talking about rim width and I am somewhat of topic, but I don't think 1 inch rim width makes any difference at all in performance.

SKIroad'r

so if it's good enough for Audi, good enough for me.

my only concern was ride quality -- did not want it to be too harsh. The allroad with h-sports on 17's with snows on corners just fine.

I ended up getting 18" RS6 replicas with the proper offset.

ToolmanAR

Be careful, those 245/24/18 tires are hard to find...