[308chas]

What are your experience with tire sizes for 308's. I know the manufacturers spec of 205/55 and 205/50 16's, but does anybody deviate from this at all for a more aggressive or performance orientated look?

Thanks

 

[Andrew]

chas,

If you look in this section or do a search for topics started by "enjoythemusic" you'll find that he (Steven) has upgraded his wheels and tires on his 308. If memory serves me correctly he also upgraded his tires before upgrading his wheels. He is the one to speak to about updating/modifying a 308.

 

[Boxer]

Chas, Suggest you talk to a couple of specialists before moving away from the OEM recommendations. Different wheels and tires will change how the basic characteristics of the car vs what Ferrari had originally designed.

 

[308chas]

Boxer42,

I have decided to stick with original specs after discussing with my mechanic. I was wondering what rubber would bethe best, obviously Pirellis are speced but I have heard that the Bridgestone SO 2's are pretty long lasting.

Any thoughts?

Cheer

 

[Stradale]

What are your experience with tire sizes for 308's. I know the manufacturers spec of 205/55 and 205/50 16's, but does anybody deviate from this at all for a more aggressive or performance orientated look?

Thanks

You can move one size up on the rims. Get a 17" or if you want to go the whole way, get 18" rims. Get the tyre dealer to work out the sze to equal the OEM size. The 308 doesn't have electronic gadgetries, so you can change without any side effects.

 

[Boxer]

Boxer42,

I have decided to stick with original specs after discussing with my mechanic. I was wondering what rubber would bethe best, obviously Pirellis are speced but I have heard that the Bridgestone SO 2's are pretty long lasting.

Any thoughts?

Cheer

I have had good experiences with both Pirellis and Bridgestones. Either should serve you well.

 

[Boxer]

What are your experience with tire sizes for 308's. I know the manufacturers spec of 205/55 and 205/50 16's, but does anybody deviate from this at all for a more aggressive or performance orientated look?

Thanks

You can move one size up on the rims. Get a 17" or if you want to go the whole way, get 18" rims. Get the tyre dealer to work out the sze to equal the OEM size. The 308 doesn't have electronic gadgetries, so you can change without any side effects.

I had a similar discussion with my mechanic on changing the tires on the Boxer (which is also devoid of electronic aids). He was strongly against it as he believed it would upset the handling and change the steering weight.

 

[enjoythemusic]

chas,
If you look in this section or do a search for topics started by "enjoythemusic" you'll find that he (Steven) has upgraded his wheels and tires on his 308.

Have done various upgrades from after market Italian Etoile 16-inch rims (7 front / 8 rear) to now 17-inch Kinesis semi-custom (8 front and 9 rear). Would avoid 18 UNLESS you REALLY have redone your suspension to something like Nick's dual-adjustable and height adjustable shocks and uprate the springs.

My recent rim/tire upgrade has been wonderful with EXCELLENT results as seen at:

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30912

The car now can habndle about a full G of lateral traction (yes, i repeated the test and used the appropriate test instruments).



Nick sells the shocks/springs (go 300 lbs front, 250 lbs rear) and avoid his rims IMHO as seen at:

http://www.nicksforzaferrari.com/forzaferrariwebsite1005.htm




For suspension discussion see:

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11581&highlight=rochlin+suspension


Hope this helps. Seriously, AVOID 18-inchers as you leave TOO LITTLE rim and odds are they will be damaged by the road in short order. Also, the Mich Pilot Sport PS2 has a softer sidewall and this is a PLUS for tuning IMHO as i can easily stiffen the custom suspension bits accordingly yet the ride 'comfort' is good when it is set for such for daily drives, yet TIGHT AND FIRM when set for track driving as well. LOVE the dual adjustable suspension

Only changing out the rims... i would say stick with 17 or, frankly, don't bother and save your money. If you want to truly explore the possibilities you really need to dump the lackluster Koni stock rubbish from the 80's. Technology has LONG left it behind (with all due respect and apologies accordingly).

 

[308chas]

Thanks guys for the input.
I think I'll stick with my 16's for now with the new Pirellis.

However I may slide down the slippery slope shortly!! :evil:

 

[enjoythemusic]

However I may slide down the slippery slope shortly!! :evil:

Welcome my son, welcome to the machine

 

[308chas]

Wow,

that just sent a Pink Floyd chill down my spine!!