Will 225/40/R18's damage my transmission?, Tire shop says so....? Options

[CanadaCelica]

Hey everyone, I tried searching for a topic similar to this one already in the forums and on the net. No luck so I hope someone can give me a little insight here.

Yesterday I purchased a rim & tire package from a local dealer around here. I told them I wanted 225/40's for the tires, as I figured this would make my drive a little more comfortable and help me from scraping my front everywhere I go. Also it fills the wheel gap for a way better look.

So today I had the rims put on but I noticed that the tires were not as I asked, they were 215/35's. I asked the guy why he switched the tire sizes on me, and he told me that the 225's would cause my gearing ratios to be all screwy and it would hurt my transmission. Now I don’t know if this is true or not since I’v never heard of this from anyone else putting larger tires on. I know it would mess with my speedometer a little bit but I used that miata tire site and it’s only a 5% difference.

The guy said if I really want the other size put on then he would switch it, but he just doesn’t want to see me ruin my trans. Now this car is a daily driver and I don’t drive it hard ever. I just enjoy cruising around town.

So what does everyone think???

[95celgt]

it wont mess it up, especially if you dont stress the motor...

[beastman]

I have 225/40-18's on my car and it hasnt shown any stress.. it takes our cars longer to get going with the bigger rims but other than that i have had no problems, except for my custom CAI rubbing, but that will be fixed pretty soon. (hopefully)...

[vsideboy]

my tyre package was originally for 225/40/18's but I asked for the £60 toyo upgrade and they gave me them with 215/35/18's on. Basically cos I don't think toyo do the 225 size (could be wrong though!) but to be honest, Stick with the 35's matey. thay should be slightly cheaper too!!

[Mr_E]

As long as the rolling radius is the same on all 4 wheels, I don't see a problem at all.

However, changing the RR will mean your speedo will read differently.

[CanadaCelica]

Hey thanks for all the input everyone.
I had the tires switched to 225/40 and there perfect.
The best part is I don’t have any rubbing where the cold air filter sits

[beastman]

The best part is I don’t have any rubbing where the cold air filter sits

lol.. i finally fixed it tonight. 90 degree coupler and its all good. After a little gorilla tape too. LOL. its nice and airtight. Im happy. good choice on the 40's i had 35's orignally and bent a rim pretty bad with them.

[CanadaCelica]

haha ya when I did myne I had to grind some metal down and then sorta jammed the pipe through on more of an angle and it actually worked really well. Good to hear that you fixed that, must have been annoying when you made turns.

Well ill get some pics up of my celi soon in the next week with the rims on, just gota get the sides and rear back from paint so it doesnt look so funny with just a front on.

[Batman722]

Hey everyone, I tried searching for a topic similar to this one already in the forums and on the net. No luck so I hope someone can give me a little insight here.

Yesterday I purchased a rim & tire package from a local dealer around here. I told them I wanted 225/40's for the tires, as I figured this would make my drive a little more comfortable and help me from scraping my front everywhere I go. Also it fills the wheel gap for a way better look.

So today I had the rims put on but I noticed that the tires were not as I asked, they were 215/35's. I asked the guy why he switched the tire sizes on me, and he told me that the 225's would cause my gearing ratios to be all screwy and it would hurt my transmission. Now I don’t know if this is true or not since I’v never heard of this from anyone else putting larger tires on. I know it would mess with my speedometer a little bit but I used that miata tire site and it’s only a 5% difference.

The guy said if I really want the other size put on then he would switch it, but he just doesn’t want to see me ruin my trans. Now this car is a daily driver and I don’t drive it hard ever. I just enjoy cruising around town.

So what does everyone think???

it will not hurt your tranny. If you put an imense stress on your system the axles would go first, not the tranny.

[Kadett]

my tyre package was originally for 225/40/18's but I asked for the £60 toyo upgrade and they gave me them with 215/35/18's on. Basically cos I don't think toyo do the 225 size (could be wrong though!) but to be honest, Stick with the 35's matey. thay should be slightly cheaper too!!

Running 225/35/18 Toyo's here m8. They are however about 30 Euro's a Tyre more expensive then the 215/35/18

But I will go for 225/40/R18. Will mess up my speedo a bit, but gives some comfort back to me. Even with the EDFC install and on Low setting you can feel the 35 tyres.

[JonMarkos]

I don't know about cars....but I've had a few buddies throw large rims and tires on trucks and suvs and had their transmissions damaged as a result

[khye]

I have had 235/40/18 on my Jap import GT (2.0i GT) for the last 4 years and my trannies fine.

And I drive the life out of it so there's yer answer!!

This post has been edited by khye: Jun 29, 2006 - 7:47 AM