2003 S widest rear tire fitment
 

What is the widest tire that I can run in the back? (including using spacers if needed)

Currently have the stock 18/35/265

the car is now having problems hooking up when launching from a stop. and i need wider rear tire.

I did a search and I couldnt find a simple answer. just what is the widest tire without rubbing issues??

Thanks.

I think you need stickier tires instead.

+1 ................

They are high perfomance tires

Bridgestone Potenza RE 01's

although they are a summer tire and it has been in the 40's.

still would like to know.

Stock 18inch wheels are 9" wide. I wouldn't go wider than a 275mm and that is pushing it. The 9" wheel is designed for a 265mm tire

You wheels are designed for a 265mm. However, you can do up to a 285mm in the newer high performance tires. A good friend is head guy for one of the major brands and indicated that would be within safety tolerance of the newer tires. That being said, I run 265's.

But if it was in the 30s overnight
 

and just now into the 40Fs the pavement may still be cold enough that the tire doesn't get warm enough for the "rubber" in the compound to deform and fit into the micro-irregularities in the pavement which is what gives you traction in a summer tire.

Wait till a day when it has been only in the 50Fs at night before making a judgment.

And be extremely careful any time the pavement has been colder than about 45 with summer tires...cost me a '99 when I applied the brakes and just slid in the morning when the temperature was probably 40 degrees but it had been colder the night before.

That's your issue. If it's below 45 or 50 outside, my 2.7 will break the rear 255 SP Sport Maxxs free if I go WFO while rolling in first. That shouldn't happen with 192 ft-lbs, and it has everything to do with the temperature.

If you want better traction in cold weather, get a UHP all season made of rubber designed to function in lower temperatures. 265s are plenty wide for an S, and I doubt that the same tires in a 285 width will make much of a difference with your wheelspin with those temps.

Tyres
 

I run 285 30 18s on my 01 with sports suspension. No rubbing and they look fab

If you need wide and super sticky these will fit your wheel wells. Not much use at 40deg F though:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=ECSTA+V710&side wall=Blackwall&partnum=83WR8EV710

Thanks All,

I realized quickly. the car is scary in temps below 40.

Cold Weather
 

Definitely the cold temps are the issue. I have destroyed my Michelin PS2 this winter in 30-40 degree temps. The tractions control light stayed on so much I thought it was going to burn out.

I want to get rid of my stock rims (18" carrera lights) I see alot of people running OZ rims. How is the weight compared to what I have?? obviously i don't want a heavier wheel.

Weight??
 

I have never weighed my rims so I would not be able to tell you. I have heard that OZ boast about having some of the lightest wheels on the market. Mine were already on the car when purchased.

This I have read, "If considering rotational enertia test show that 1lb of tire weight is equal to 8lbs add to vehicle weight while 1lb of wheel weight is equal to 6lbs added to the vehicle weight"

Times this by 4 and it adds up quick.

You can google Dave Coleman and rotational inertia.