[rkmjr]

Any Advice?
OK, need some advice and/or clarification. I was looking at purchasing new wheels for my 2018 LCI M2. Wanted to go bigger tires (wider). Did a lot of reading and based on some limitations by what color, type (e.g. split spoke) and the concave look I prefer, my choices were much more narrower than I liked. I was looking at VMR V710ff 19”. Very nice wheels! But the more I looked to get wider tread, although fitment was possible, the trade-offs were problematic. Clearances, lower profile, offsets, cost, weight etc.
I had concerns with my 11’ 335’s 18” tires lower profiles and then going to 19” on my M2 did not help with my reservations regarding the lower profile tires. The look is nice, but the susceptibility of the rims to damage is a concern. I do not think the tradeoff with the “ride” and “look” was worth it.
So I happened upon Apex. A little more expensive and although they are starting to provide 19” wheels for the M2 (especially with the M2C and their bigger brakes), I continued to be concerned with the lower profile tires. So, I read up on Apex’s 18” offerings and the rationale behind going to 18”.
So, I decided to purchase Apex wheels with the color, type (e.g. split spoke) and the concave look of the FL-5 18x9.5 et28 and 18x10.5 et40. I received some outstanding help from one of their fitment specialist that has pointed me towards 265/35/18 and 285/35/18 (SUGGESTED). We also discussed the ALTERNATE fitment as well with another phone call. My question is as I looked at the specs for the suggested tires, I noted that there were closer tire “heights” comparing the original 245/35/19 and 265/35/19’s to the alternate 275/35/18 and 295/35/18’s. The concern is with regard to the fender clearance issues with the alternate (see chart below).

* Size Dia/Hgt. Width
STOCK
Front 245/35/19 25.8 9.6
Rear 265/35/19 26.3 10.4

SUGGESTED
Front 265/35/18 25.3 10.4
Rear 285/35/18 25.9 11.2

ALTERNATE
Front 275/35/18 25.6 10.8
Rear 295/35/18 26.1 11.6

* Tires will be Michelin Sport Pilot 4S’s

The question I have, is there anyone out there that is using either the “Suggested” or “Alternate” configurations with FL-5 (or similar wheel) 18x9.5 et28 and 18x10.5 et40? If so, you thoughts and experiences to either of these tire fitments.

[2020M2Competition]

Originally Posted by rkmjr

Any Advice?
OK, need some advice and/or clarification. I was looking at purchasing new wheels for my 2018 LCI M2. Wanted to go bigger tires (wider). Did a lot of reading and based on some limitations by what color, type (e.g. split spoke) and the concave look I prefer, my choices were much more narrower than I liked. I was looking at VMR V710ff 19”. Very nice wheels! But the more I looked to get wider tread, although fitment was possible, the trade-offs were problematic. Clearances, lower profile, offsets, cost, weight etc.
I had concerns with my 11’ 335’s 18” tires lower profiles and then going to 19” on my M2 did not help with my reservations regarding the lower profile tires. The look is nice, but the susceptibility of the rims to damage is a concern. I do not think the tradeoff with the “ride” and “look” was worth it.
So I happened upon Apex. A little more expensive and although they are starting to provide 19” wheels for the M2 (especially with the M2C and their bigger brakes), I continued to be concerned with the lower profile tires. So, I read up on Apex’s 18” offerings and the rationale behind going to 18”.
So, I decided to purchase Apex wheels with the color, type (e.g. split spoke) and the concave look of the FL-5 18x9.5 et28 and 18x10.5 et40. I received some outstanding help from one of their fitment specialist that has pointed me towards 265/35/18 and 285/35/18 (SUGGESTED). We also discussed the ALTERNATE fitment as well with another phone call. My question is as I looked at the specs for the suggested tires, I noted that there were closer tire “heights” comparing the original 245/35/19 and 265/35/19’s to the alternate 275/35/18 and 295/35/18’s. The concern is with regard to the fender clearance issues with the alternate (see chart below).

* Size Dia/Hgt. Width
STOCK
Front 245/35/19 25.8 9.6
Rear 265/35/19 26.3 10.4

SUGGESTED
Front 265/35/18 25.3 10.4
Rear 285/35/18 25.9 11.2

ALTERNATE
Front 275/35/18 25.6 10.8
Rear 295/35/18 26.1 11.6

* Tires will be Michelin Sport Pilot 4S’s

The question I have, is there anyone out there that is using either the “Suggested” or “Alternate” configurations with FL-5 (or similar wheel) 18x9.5 et28 and 18x10.5 et40? If so, you thoughts and experiences to either of these tire fitments.

I am also considering the same tire size options you are, so hopefully someone can chime in with some real world experience

According to APEX you may need to run more negative camber to get the wider tire s to fit properly

Also, as far as I know, a 295/35/18 is not currently available in a Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

[chief1richard]

I am using Apex FL-5 Square set-up, 18" (9.5) ET 28 wheels. I will be running them this Friday at Palmer Motor Speedway for the first time. My M2 is all stock so I stuck with 255/18/35 tires. I will be considering ordering 2 FL-5 10.5" wheels for the rear so I can get more tire in rear, and have the option of staggered and square set-ups.

[rkmjr]

Originally Posted by VTBoss302

I am also considering the same tire size options you are, so hopefully someone can chime in with some real world experience

According to APEX you may need to run more negative camber to get the wider tire s to fit properly

Also, as far as I know, a 295/35/18 is not currently available in a Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

Thanks for the heads up on the camber adjustment. Apex forwarned me regarding that issue and I have noted the the 4S does not seem to be available in the 295.

[rkmjr]

Originally Posted by chief1richard

I am using Apex FL-5 Square set-up, 18" (9.5) ET 28 wheels. I will be running them this Friday at Palmer Motor Speedway for the first time. My M2 is all stock so I stuck with 255/18/35 tires. I will be considering ordering 2 FL-5 10.5" wheels for the rear so I can get more tire in rear, and have the option of staggered and square set-ups.

Have you noted at this point if you need, or have you already made a camber adjustment? Would be interested in if you have any issues with your front, although I believe I will need to get a negative camber adjustment for the front 265's.

I am wondering if 255/40 - 275/40 would be better than the 265/35 - 285/35.

[chief1richard]

265's are borderline for (stock) M2's on the front. Depends on the tire manufacturer, as all are slightly different. There is really no Camber adjustment on the front of the M2, which is why I opted for 255's. I have Dunlop Dirrezza 11 tire in square set-up, and I doubt 265's would fit on front, without compression scrapping. If your going to modify your suspension, that's a whole new ballgame. It all comes down to modify or not. Two completely different approaches. For me it's all sock now. 255/40, 275/40, is not the way to go.

[recycledAlva]

I just test fitted 18x9.5 et28 FL-5s with 265/35 PS4S and it's a pretty tight fit. It clears but I haven't driven the car yet so take it with a grain of salt. I'm also lowered on aFe lowering springs but i'm not rubbing or touching anything at full lock. However, it could be different under compression.

[rkmjr]

Well, the 265/285's seem to work. I will resolve a TPM's issues Monday and run the car through its paces early next week to see if there are any fitment issues, but to be honest, I am pretty optimistic. The car is not lowered, and tire diameters are .4 to .5" shorter than stock.

[chief1richard]

Looks good. Are those 35 series? Do you have any compression rubbing? Just came back from Whiskey Hill at Palmer to put my set-up to the test. I will be switching back to a staggered set up as soon as I get 10.5" rear wheels. Car just performs and looks better staggered.

[rkmjr]

Yes, 35's. Have not noted any rubbing as yet.

[gasdoc]

rkmjr nice setup! Anyone have thoughts on 255/275 staggered setup using Apex FL-5 9.5/10.5? Would prefer to do a 265f/285r using RE-71s, unfortunately can't get the RE-71s in a 285/35. Still hearing conflicting advice for square or staggered setup for track.