$620pr BFG 345/30 x 18"vs $350pr 315/35 x 17" BFG

[FE 065]

$620pr BFG 345/30 x 18\"vs $350pr 315/35 x 17\" BFG

I think I've got all those numbers correct. Anyway, my 2002 comes with 18" rims. Can I put some old 17" rims on the back of it and use the marginally smaller, and much cheaper 315s? Should I? There's one obvious answer I guess-go with the biggest tire they make! The choice might also depend on anticipated power level in the future; no sense buying the smaller tires now, only to have to replace them later with the bigger ones eh? I'll be buying 2 spare back rims anyway,so what rims I have now isn't a factor. Opinions please.

 

[ViperJohn]

Re: $620pr BFG 345/30 x 18\"vs $350pr 315/35 x 17\" BFG

Stock size is 335/30 R18. I recently bought two rear tires for $320.00. There were even cheaper a few months back. Do a search under "tire wars." You could go with the smaller diameter tire, but the factory 17 in were wider than 315's. I think those were 335's as well. Installing smaller width tires will affect acceleration and handling. I would not recommend it. Check Tirerack.com or call John B at Parts rack, you should be able to get stock replacements cheaper than $620.00.

 

[BigCarrot]

Re: $620pr BFG 345/30 x 18\"vs $350pr 315/35 x 17\" BFG

He was talking about drag radials. Pilot street tires are much cheaper right now.

 

[ViperJohn]

Re: $620pr BFG 345/30 x 18\"vs $350pr 315/35 x 17\" BFG

That makes more sense Big C. He doesn't specify that though. I just envisoined a guy buying smaller rims and tires to put on his Viper to save money.

 

[FE 065]

Re: $620pr BFG 345/30 x 18

No it's my shock and awe at the expense of 18" Drag Radials compared to the 17"! They're almost 2x the price for alot less than 2x the traction. The 17" chopped about.4 off of my '94 RT/10, hence the thought to use them on the 2002. I'll probably bite the bullet and go for the 18 inchers. ..Local tire guy called the BFG area rep later today and was told the big ones aren't available yet anyway. Maybe they'll be cheaper in the Spring.

 

[Alternative]

Re: $620pr BFG 345/30 x 18\"vs $350pr 315/35 x 17\" BFG

You can put narrower rims (maybe 17x10 - 17x12) in the back with 315/35/17 drag radials (DR's) for strip duty. You should not only consider price, but performance between the 2 drag radials. By the way, the new BFG GForce T/A drag radials cost $286/each, and the Comp T/A DR's is priced at $151/each at Tire Rack. I'm sure JonB/PartsRack is a bit cheaper.
I've been told that the new BFG GForce T/A drag radials (345/30/18) is pretty close to ET Streets in performance. I don't know how the Comp T/A DR's will compare to the GForce DR's or to ET streets. I hope someone who have experienced both would chime in.

 

[Maverick The Electrician]

Re: $620pr BFG 345/30 x 18\"vs $350pr 315/35 x 17\" BFG

I just recieved a set of the 345 drag radials from JonB. These are the meanest looking tires I have seen. Hope to get some good use out of them soon. Shipped to my door in 3 days from the day I ordered them, and less than 600.00 for the pair.

 

[FE 065]

Re: $620pr BFG 345/30 x 18

Tire Rack's not too far away in IN, and they do have them at $286ea. I'll check out JonB as well
Thnx

 

[96 GTS]

Re: $620pr BFG 345/30 x 18

Spend the extra money, and get the 345/30/18's. You'll be glad you did.

 

[FE 065]

Re: $620pr BFG 345/30 x 18

Ya, I think bigger is better!