With the new motor days away from running, the BFGs had to go. I couldn’t wait any longer.
I went with the 17x8s. They fit perfectly with the 0 offset rears and 6” backspace fronts with a 1/2” spacer. I did the best I could with finding a good performance tire that also had appropriate diameters…The Falken Azenis is a perpetual favorite with autocross crew and the current RT660 model is a fairly recent revision. They have the requisite 200 treadwear and what seemed like minimal compromise in sizing. Of course, 245s are about the best you can do on an 8” wide wheel (if you want good handling/consistent contact patch). The 245/40/17 fronts are just under 25” and the 245/45/17 rear. 25.7”…definitely shorter than ideal but not ridiculous.
I had been running 255s on my old rear wheels so switching down to a 245 seemed acceptable but they really do look skinny back there. The shortness of the front tires helps clear the wheel arch but it looks a bit anemic because of it. I’m considering lowering the front another 10mm or so but those headers are getting pretty close to the ground.
Please excuse the less than tidy conditions. My garage is a mess along with spilled trans fluid after tipping it for the engine install…dry leaves came blasting in the door with the wind today. I did my best to crop most of the mess out of the pics. :D
Driving impressions pending.
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