Better tires on stock rims? Experiences? Opinions?

[Stewie]

Can you share your opinion and experiences in putting 'better' tires on the stock size on the stock rims? Has anyone gone wider than stock size tires on the stock size wheel?

I was originally planning to slap a set of lightweight 17x8 rims on the car with some sticky 225/45/17s, but I'm placing that thought on hold for now while I try to figure out if a vibration I've been feeling is a problem or just a characteristic of the car. (the dealership has already been consulted on this matter and we're waiting to see if it gets worse )

So for now, I'm only considering a set of tires that increase the amount of grip (particularly in wet conditions because the stocks are just scary with even the slightest bit of water on the road at highway speeds) without completely eliminating the fun that can be had on the stock tires.

So what have your experiences been with better stock size rubber or larger on the stock wheel?

Thanks in advance.

For reference, I like to take spirited drives, but I do not have any current plans for any HPDE.


[and out of curiosity, just to keep all my options open, what would be the appropriate tire size for a 17x7.5 wheel? Tire rack alternates between a 225/45 and a 215/45 depending on the wheel & off set. thx again]

[Estey]

I have a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports that are the same size as stock, and it makes a world of difference! You dont need more rubber on stock wheels, as I highly doubt it will do anything but add weight, although not much. You just need a better compound, and you'll be good to go. Maybe some negative camber up front, and your car will be planted.

[Stewie]

Originally Posted by Estey

I have a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports that are the same size as stock, and it makes a world of difference! You dont need more rubber on stock wheels, as I highly doubt it will do anything but add weight, although not much. You just need a better compound, and you'll be good to go. Maybe some negative camber up front, and your car will be planted.

Thanks for the input. Could you describe your experience and the world of difference?

[Ive been debating giving the PSS tires a try but I've always been a Bridgestone guy. The PSS's are lighter than the Bridgestone RA-11s' and the S-04 Pole Positions by 4 lbs per tire. I just looked it up on tirerack...the PSS tires are only 1lb heavier than stock. Damn.]

[Estey]

When I got my first set, I just felt a huge difference. The car was more confident in the corners, and I noticed that I could take turns with these tires much faster. The rear was more planted, but I have too much camber in the back at the moment, so Im not using all the tire in the rear. Overall, I think its a great tire for daily and spirited driving. Im not sure how it holds up on a track, but through the canyons, the car handles like a dream. The tires limits are much, much higher than my my stock turanzas, and you'll be able to feel it. The only downside is the tread life, because I drive way too much lol. I might look into something that lasts a bit longer for my next set.

I cant really speak about the other tires youre considering, and I dont have a large amount knowledge on the subject, but this is just my two cents from my own experience.

[Stewie]

Anyone have any other experiences ? Anybody running Bridgestone tires?

[continuecrushing]

I wouldn't worry about tire weight too much...I used to, until I realized all the "good" tires for track/autox are heavier than others because of stiffer sidewalls and tire construction.

I'd probably do:
RE-11a
PSS
S-04

If I needed something to last long(er) I'd do the pss before the re-11a's

[continuecrushing]

have you thought about the Hankook evo v12 2?

Pricewise, its significantly better than michelin/bridgestone

[FirestormFRS]

S-04's are amazingly good for the price

[reardrv]

I have PSS's in 225/45r17 on stock wheels on mine right now. Tons more traction in every measurable way, wet or dry. A great DD tire, and certainly leaps and bounds better than the stock rubber. If you plan on regularly competing in autocross's or doing some track days you might want something a bit more aggressive.

[Weasel Soup]

Originally Posted by Shutter

have you thought about the Hankook evo v12 2?

Pricewise, its significantly better than michelin/bridgestone

Not on my FR-S and it wasn't the version 2, but I've used the evo v12 and they were very good.

[M23]

Star Spec or ZII, RS3 or RE11a

[quicksilver30]

Originally Posted by FirestormFRS

S-04's are amazingly good for the price

I totally agree. I have the Potenza S-04 Pole Positions on my stock rims and i love them. I was going back and forth with the RE-11A's and the S-04s but couldnt justify the cost.

The car handles great and the grip is amazing compared to stock. I can take a corner even in rain much faster than before. They need to warm up a bit but once they do you have grip for days.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by Estey

I have a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports that are the same size as stock, and it makes a world of difference! You dont need more rubber on stock wheels, as I highly doubt it will do anything but add weight, although not much. You just need a better compound, and you'll be good to go. Maybe some negative camber up front, and your car will be planted.

Have you noticed shorter stopping distances compared to the primacy?

I just experienced a really close call Friday and I was literally inches away even with ABS on.

[Estey]

Originally Posted by N1rve

Have you noticed shorter stopping distances compared to the primacy?

I just experienced a really close call Friday and I was literally inches away even with ABS on.

yeah, it definitely stops a lot quicker. Although, my stopping power used to be terrible with the oem brake pads. the rubber really shined once I upgraded my pads to EBC yellow stuff.