How much difference if fitment/clearance issues would their be?
Though I don't care for the rubber-band appearance, I do like the dub appearance -- if done well. (I have to admit it took awhile to soak in, but it did grow on me.)
I just ordered 20's last Friday. Now I need to choose tires. I'm pretty certain 275/45-20's will fit "out of the box". They are a bit less than 30" tires and should be even smaller than the 275/70-16's currently mounted on my VX.
Those 275/70-16's are 31" and seem to have plenty of room except with the front bumper (where there's less than 1/2" clearance). Obviously, the 275/45-20's should clear more readily -- since they're over 1" smaller in diameter.
To combat the rubber-band look, I've considered 285/50's. They appear to be 1/4" bigger than what I have now (and would be 1/2" wider). Because my current 275/70 tires are so close to the bumper as-is, I think I may have contact. I might be slight and I might be able to dremel off plastic w/o being able to notice the result (aesthetically).
But that doesn't account for differences in offset -- which may affect clearance too. I have no idea what 16" Borbet's have for clearance -- but that's what I'm taking off. (They might be for sale if someone is interested.)
My new wheels are 10mm offset. They'll probably ride out further. As such, it might be that the 275/45's would just barely clear? I'm thinking the less (inboard) offset wheels have, the more likely they are to contact the front bumper as you turn them into the wheel well. (Is that right?)
As with the wheels, I'd like to order tires online. Best prices are usually found that way. A set of four tires are $510 delivered. I think the 285/50's are about $50 higher.
Of course, there's the issue of MPG, effective wheel torque, blah-blah, blah...But, I'm not sure that change in size would make any difference.
BTW...I noticed (for the first time) that it's worthwhile to check out tire weights. A 275/45 in one brand was 41lbs. In another it's 46lbs. So there can be a significant difference. I'm pretty sure the "unsprung" weight of wheel/tire can change the steering/handling characteristics of a car.
I'm this case, I'm going with Falkens. They are one of the ligher options at 41lbs. So, the 285/50 size would be 46lbs -- which is the same weight as some 275/45 tires in other brands.
