Anyone use 235/40R17 on the front?

[Quicksilver]

I've got a couple long road trips planned and with El Nino I think that running NT01s isn't the best idea...
I want to run Toyo RA1s on my 7.5x17 - 9x17 wheels (Rota Fox) but their only 17" front possibility is the 235/40ZR17.

Has anyone run the 235/40/17 Toyos on the front of a Carrera?

My fenders are rolled and I have used 225/45R17 for years. If the 235s work I'll raise the front a 1/4" to compensate for the smaller diameter. Maybe that will help.

[Driven97]

Not particularly helpful, but I run 245s. Rolled fenders, camber plates maxed out, 9" front wheels. Clearance to the fender isn't an issue, rubs tub just slightly at full lock

So there's room in there, at least.

[PcarPhil]

I haven't run Toyos but I'm currently running 235/40/17 Dunlop Direzzas on the front of my '88 along with 255/40/17 rears. No issues with rolled fenders, 1-1.5 degrees of negative camber, and 21mm front TBs.

My Zuffenhaus Fuchs may have a bit more positive offset (by a few mm) vs. your Rota wheels so that may come into play.

[Quicksilver]

If the 245s will fit then the 235s should be fine. Thanks!

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

I've got a couple long road trips planned and with El Nino I think that running NT01s isn't the best idea...
I want to run Toyo RA1s on my 7.5x17 - 9x17 wheels (Rota Fox) but their only 17" front possibility is the 235/40ZR17.

Has anyone run the 235/40/17 Toyos on the front of a Carrera?

My fenders are rolled and I have used 225/45R17 for years. If the 235s work I'll raise the front a 1/4" to compensate for the smaller diameter. Maybe that will help.

Most 235/40 will want an 8" wheel minimum

i've used them on 8s but it is very tight even w/ fully shaved lips

I currently run 225/45 and 255/40 on 8 & 9.5 x17, This is a much happier fit and gives up little to the grip that 235/275 used to provide. Also 225/40 will be much happier on 7.5 than 235/40

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

Most 235/40 will want an 8" wheel minimum

i've used them on 8s but it is very tight even w/ fully shaved lips

I currently run 225/45 and 255/40 on 8 & 9.5 x17, This is a much happier fit and gives up little to the grip that 235/275 used to provide. Also 225/40 will be much happier on 7.5 than 235/40

Yeah 7.5" is pushing it but I'm limited in what RA1s are available in. It will be a bit pudgy but it should fit a touch easier then on an 8" rim, plus it should work better then any of the other R compounds when you factor in possible rain and a rock solid compound that won't cycle out.
I really see no other option besides getting a set of NT01s grooved which is opening a whole new can of worms.

(Maybe we can start a grass roots movement to get Toyo to start producing a 225/45R17?!!! Yeah and cows fly which is why I have this umbrella here.)

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Yeah 7.5" is pushing it but I'm limited in what RA1s are available in. It will be a bit pudgy but it should fit a touch easier then on an 8" rim, plus it should work better then any of the other R compounds when you factor in possible rain and a rock solid compound that won't cycle out.
I really see no other option besides getting a set of NT01s grooved which is opening a whole new can of worms.

(Maybe we can start a grass roots movement to get Toyo to start producing a 225/45R17?!!! Yeah and cows fly which is why I have this umbrella here.)

Again the spec wheel for RA1 is 8-9.5

why not another tire, I think that i'm going to get RE71s next

[Driven97]

The RE71R is a truly amazing tire. How it got a 200tw rating I don't know.

[Cajundaddy]

RE71R, RS-3, RE-11s are just way better dual purpose tires than NT-01 or RA-1s. They handle the wet much better and are awfully close in terms of lap times. Worth a look if some street driving in the wet is part of the mix.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by Driven97

The RE71R is a truly amazing tire. How it got a 200tw rating I don't know.

I cornered a tire engineer at Laguna Seca a number of years ago and one of the tidbits I sucked out of him was the truth about the tread wear number.

There is no standard behind the tread wear number. The government gives zero guidance and there is no parity between manufacturers. Basically each manufacturer comes up with their own scale and uses it as a comparison between their various tires. Apparently some manufacturers don't even make it an even scale between their own products. Some of them arbitrarily pick a number for a product so it lines up well with a competing product.

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So I got the Toyos on today and the 235/40R17s fit with no issues. It doesn't even look pinched. The tire is shorter so I gave the t-bar adjuster a half turn which should lift it almost a 1/4". (My estimate is .44" of ride height per turn of the adjuster.) Yeah it would be best to be inside the rim with spec but I would rather be this way then have it on a 9" rim with the rim sticking out past the rubber. (The modern tire/wheel fashions are STUPID! No sidewall so the tire damages easily and the ride is rough and the tire is non compliant, and at the same time the wheels are out at the edge waiting for a curb and with less tire cushion they are just waiting for damage!!!)

Why go with Toyos (or NT01s) instead many of the other options? RA1s or NT01s consistently turn lower laptimes then the competition except for Hoosers or Victoracers. Hoosers and Victoracers cycle out HARD so they will cost way WAY more then I'm willing to screw with with the quantity of street use I do. RA1s and NT01s have cast iron durability with regards to heat cycles. They just go and go.
Until I see something that will still win class towards the end of their life I'm not about to change.