S4/Sprint tire size

[74Twincam]

Anyone running 175/70 R13’s on your S4/Sprint?

After a lot of anxiety and waiting, I finally received my Minilite 13x5 wheels and searched for tires, first choice was the Kumo Solus, however, Discount told me they’re no longer made (seems we were just here a few months ago...).
So instead, sort of in some desperation, I went with a set of General Altimax RT’s in the above size. No clearance issues on the rear at all (narrow TT Fast Road set up), but they are FAT and close to the fender lip. I mean, I may have a 1/4” of vertical travel and they’re going to collide.

I have yet to set the final ride height, and I’m OK with trimming the inner lip of the fender, but am still concerned that on a solid whump that the tire’s going to smack the inside of the fender flare.

How tight is too tight (maybe I answered that for myself?), and what trimming have any of you done? I see it mentioned often, but never any pictures or details.

Thanks all

[steve lyle]

Anyone running 175/70 R13’s on your S4/Sprint?

I am. ‘72 Sprint. No issues.

[74Twincam]

Well, that’s promising...thanks Steve-
What wheels are they on, do you know the offset by chance? Any trimming of the fender?

[nmauduit]

yes, but on stock 4"1/2 wheels... and it may require a bit of triming of the inner fender lip...

the wider the rims, the more difficult it gets (unsure about the remaining margin with 5", but the various 5"1/2 I've tried were definitely too wide for a stock S4 body). In any case, if the tire can touch, it will, sooner or later (at the rear it only takes a bump on a day when the car is a bit loaded; for the front if it may only touch while turning, then one has to remember that if attending a track day then touching the kerb...).

[pharriso]

I have Michelin XVX 175/70-R13s on Standard wheels at the moment.

No wheel arch collision issues at all.

Interesting about the Kumhos; I was just about to order a set of 155/80-13s. Discount Tire still list the 155s & 175s in stock.

[74Twincam]

Thanks Phil,

I may be dealing with a few things on the margin-
Torque on the rear hub retaining bolt (I got ahead of myself), which will pull the rear hubs in a very slight amount. As well, 5” wheels in the Minilite which I need to double check offset compared to stock wheels.
The Kumho’s were a surprise to me as well, since they’re listed on Discount’s website and also Tire Rack. Maybe my Sales guy looked up the wrong model Kumho…
I may be ok with a slight shave on the inside rear fender lip, still concerned with front edges while turning. There’s a possibility to return/exchange if I find they’re a no-go (and then hope I can get replacements). My preference is to keep these!

[h20hamelan]

How about rubbing at full lock at the inner fender, or right in front of the front wheels.
I can take some pictures this weekend if needed, but both my fronts barely rub at either full lock.
175 70
TTR fast road set at a higher not optimal position. I may need to clearance the fender well if my new lower but wider tyres do the same.

[74Twincam]

I am still sorting all the adjustments, getting the suspension height correct front and rear has made a big difference. Too many late nights on this already.. but getting close. Much less worried about the tires, but I may also trim just a bit from the inner fender lip in the rear. I’ll post some pics too when I’m all done. Sometimes, just gotta take a breath and think about things without getting over excited, big project and looong checklist…

[StressCraxx]

How about rubbing at full lock at the inner fender, or right in front of the front wheels.
I can take some pictures this weekend if needed, but both my fronts barely rub at either full lock.
175 70
TTR fast road set at a higher not optimal position. I may need to clearance the fender well if my new lower but wider tyres do the same.

The acid test is full lock with full bump.

[h20hamelan]

The acid test is full lock with full bump.[/quote]

Ah, thanks!

[1owner69Elan]

How about rubbing at full lock at the inner fender, or right in front of the front wheels.
I can take some pictures this weekend if needed, but both my fronts barely rub at either full lock.
175 70
TTR fast road set at a higher not optimal position. I may need to clearance the fender well if my new lower but wider tyres do the same.

The acid test is full lock with full bump.

The 175's are close to the original 155's in diameter so that appears to be OK but they are also wider than the 155's.

The net effect is that while the 175/70's may not rub in normal use on an S4/Sprint they can foul the top of the front arch on full lock and bounce. Like turning into a driveway that has a dip.

If the dip is severe enough to initiate full bounce then you can see below what can happen,. Real life experience:

175/70 r 13 on an S4 with stock springs, at full lock and bounce. Both front arches had similar damage from separate occurrences.

[74Twincam]

Ouch!
Sorry to see that, but certainly appreciate the warning and I’ll heed that advice.
Thanks for the replies and tips!

[1owner69Elan]

Ouch!
Sorry to see that, but certainly appreciate the warning and I’ll heed that advice.
Thanks for the replies and tips!

No need to be sorry . All fixed.

Now with 185/60 VR 13. No rubbing.

[elancoupe]

Interesting about the Kumhos; I was just about to order a set of 155/80-13s. Discount Tire still list the 155s & 175s in stock.

Too bad you don’t live closer to me, Phil. I could hook you up with an almost new set of Kumhos.