345/30-19 rears

[Jason Watt]

Have anybody tried that size in any brand on the GT? (pictures would be great)
I know they are a bit low, but around corners a lower (and therefor stiffer) sidewall can only be an advantage...

 

[Xcentric]

It is smaller diameter, which effectively lowers your final drive ratio a bit, and creates a bigger fender gap. And makes your speedo read a little fast.

 

[nota4re]

Almost 1.8" shorter in overall diameter. I'm not sure to so quickly agree that a shorter/stiffer sidewall is an advantage. JMO ICBW

 

[paul b]

I am running 345/30-19 Invo's, I had to recalibrate the speedo with my Diablo tuner. At first I thought I felt a little difference because of the lower ratio, but you get used to it very quickly. As far as driving and looks I found no big difference. The major drawback has been the rear diffusers tend to drag a bit. When I get around to it I will trim them a 1/2 inch since they were a problem even before the change. Overall I found no real advantage to the change, just something a little different.

 

[Ed Sims]

I agree with Ford that the OEM rear tire size does give the GT a retro look. Part of the link to the past thing. Low profile tires definitely are a modern look. I like the retro look. Looks more like the GT40s.

Ed

 

[FB GT40]

I've got 345's and they look and feel good except for older roads where there are "wear grooves" in the surface. The rear tires tend to steer the car. I would not go this route again.

 

[RALPHIE]

I've been running 345/30ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cups on the rear of my car for the last 2-3 years, and 235/40ZR18 's on the front, also Michelin Pilot Sport Cups. I believe they are as close to a Hoosier as you can get, while still having a formed tread pattern, instead of a slick. They have 1/32" less tread than the OEM Goodyear F1 Eagles, so you won't get quite the milage. The rear of the car sits 3/4" lower than stock with these tires, and the front drops ½". This can be adjusted back to stock height with Penske shocks. I think they are an exceptional track tire, and yet are fully D.O.T. rated for the street, whereas the Hoosiers are really not intended for that application. I do this for insurance purposes - to keep the safety requirements of the car within legal limits (same for keeping on the rear bumper). They are a better track tire than Bridgestones - very sticky.

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The TireRack will heat cycle them for you for a small additional charge.

Here's a link:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Sport+Cup

 

[BlackICE]

Raphie you must be running after market front wheels to accommodate the 19" front tires.

 

[RALPHIE]

Raphie you must be running after market front wheels to accommodate the 19" front tires.

Sorry - 235/40ZR18's

PS - I also like the additional width of the rears - about an inch wider than the OEM Goodyears.

 

[BlackICE]

Raphie do you run the Sport cups in the snow?

 

[nota4re]

Raphie do you run the Sport cups in the snow?

Taking the chains on and off is easier with the smaller diameter.

 

[RALPHIE]

Raphie do you run the Sport cups in the snow?

Taking the chains on and off is easier with the smaller diameter.

:confused :lol :facepalm: :willy :frown

:cheers

 

[Jason Watt]

I agree with Ford that the OEM rear tire size does give the GT a retro look. Part of the link to the past thing. Low profile tires definitely are a modern look. I like the retro look. Looks more like the GT40s.Ed

Just my thought, thats why I would like to see if anybody had pictures of that setup.

But a lot of people go for the 19/20" wheels combos with 335/30-20 rear and that look good I Think.The reason for me asking is that I see that Hoosier does a R6 in 345/30-19 and I'm planning a 19x12 rear wheel, so I thought that could make the old Girl hook up even with TT power... hahaha

 

[FBA]

I have a 345 /20 rear, but overall height is the same as the stock rear setup...so only the width is wider.

 

[Jason Watt]

Yeah - your 19/20" ADV's looks really good, but I'm going for a 19" rear to be able to run Hoosiers. So if anybody has a picture of a 345/30-19 I would be very grateful... :thumbsup

 

[Jason Watt]

I'm not sure to so quickly agree that a shorter/stiffer sidewall is an advantage. JMO ICBW

Hmmm - can't see why that wouldn't be the case, even though we're talking small amounts in this case....

 

[nota4re]

I'm just saying that the whole topic of tire and suspension design is a complex discipline and understood well by only a few (and I ain't one of them). I was recently with one such expert who climbed out of a (Honda) race car and remarked that he thought the car could be made a little faser on the the track with more caster and a little LESS tire width. Who woulda thunk it?

 

[Jason Watt]

Well if it was ice racing I kind of get it Kendall :lol