recommendations on widest rear wheel/tire combo for an MKIII

[marklombard]

I am thinking about going to a wider wheel/tire combo on the rear of my solid axle, 3-link MKIII that currently has 275/35-18 BFG KDW2 tires. I don't feel like I am getting enough grip on the rears during AX sessions, and am not quite ready to move up to racing tires and the associated cost and difficulties (e.g., tire trailer, air gun, etc.). I have been looking at 17 x 10.5" wheels and was curious about what backspacing and offset would work with the widest tire possible to run without suspension or body mods.

Thanks in advance for your experience.

[MJN]

Mark are you talking about lateral grip or forward grip? Apart from better tires the solutions could be different depending on what you are trying to improve.

[marklombard]

Thanks Mike. Maybe a little of both, forward and lateral. Of course it could be driver grip as well. I know I need more seat time but may want to get more tire underneath it over next winter if possible.

[MJN]

Mark I run 315's on 10.5" wheel on the back of my MkI and they fit with a few mods, on a MkIII I think it would work with no mods. I run 275's on the front and can find a reasonable balance. Wider rubber will help grip but you may find that the car becomes a little unbalanced.

[jirehn]

Most cases of this if you widen your wheels you may experience uncomfortable or not in control.