Best Tire Size for Stock Rims

[Khyron686]

You can't just look at the number because the brands are different. 215 star specs are as wide as 225 stock michs. Sounds from the above guys that the PSS are wider as well.

[mkiisupra]

Originally Posted by DanoFA20

im probably going with a 225/40/17 thinking about continental DW summer tires i hear good things. good tractin in wet and dry good tread life and they are roughly 120$ per tire which isnt bad.

maybe a tire guru can chime in see if im correct or not.

Yeah, the sidewall calculations show not too much difference, a bit high, a bit low depending upon section ratio choice.

Azenis has changed their tread design and compound, and has fallen far from where it was in the mid-2000's, but much stickier than a all-season. Check out vulcantire.com for current pricing, usually pretty reasonable.

Most of the tires I have spoken about aren't great in heavy rain, and pretty sad in any snow, so caveat emptor.

As for the Conti DW's, check out the Nitto Invo's for complete tire 'rotationability.'

With respect to all seasons/non-stickies, check out the Kuhmo Ecsta 4x. A bit cheaper, I put a set on my Focus SVT before my 5k summer trip and was waaaaay happy with them, and I believe according to tirerack, they scored better than the conti's, IIRC.

Eric G

[Chimpo]

Originally Posted by Khyron686

You can't just look at the number because the brands are different. 215 star specs are as wide as 225 stock michs. Sounds from the above guys that the PSS are wider as well.

This. You will find some varience from manufacturer to manufacturer.

[jeebus]

I'm just about to order some Conti DW in stock size for the stock rims. No increase in weight, a lot more grip...sounds good to me.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by ayau

Personally, I'd stick with OEM 215. Your speedometer will be more accurate.

It's normal for most cars speedometers to read ~5% high, because in Europe, the regulation is that you're allowed to read 10% high, but not allowed to read lower than actual speed.
So, speedo most likely *is* more accurate with 225/45-17s. But odometer most likely will read low...

If you're looking for maximum grip, you shouldn't be looking at Michelin PSS tires to begin with.

If you're looking for maximum wet and dry grip on the street, and aren't in cold/snow conditions, PSS is probably the best choice.

Strictly dry grip, Dunlop Direzza ZII and BFG Rival probably have more.

But on the street, PSS is up there with *Spec, RS3, AD08 in the dry, and much better in the wet:
http://media.caranddriver.com/files/...res-tested.pdf

I doubt you'd feel a difference between 215 and 225 under 95% of your driving conditions.

Agree. 225 adds weight, ride height and not as good a fit on the rim. Should give *slightly* more dry grip, but you'd never notice on the street, and you'd need a stopwatch and super-consistent driving to notice at autoX or track.

[sierra]

Originally Posted by jeebus

I'm just about to order some Conti DW in stock size for the stock rims. No increase in weight, a lot more grip...sounds good to me.

You might want to read this post first?

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/3302084-post1.html

[dori.]

Originally Posted by sierra

You might want to read this post first?

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/3302084-post1.html

but you have to also consider that the twins weigh ~2800 lbs and an STI is 3400 lbs

that's going to make a big difference, and not to mention that brz/frs have stiffer springs vs weight vs the sti

[jpit]

That post is for the Conti DWS - all season tires. He eventually changes over to the DW and thought they were great.

[sierra]

Originally Posted by jpit

That post is for the Conti DWS - all season tires. He eventually changes over to the DW and thought they were great.

My mistake. I thought you had just left the S off.
I'll check them out.

[immortal_suby]

Anyone have experience with the 245/40/17 on a stock rim. Will they fit without rubbing?

[DanoFA20]

Originally Posted by immortal_suby

Anyone have experience with the 245/40/17 on a stock rim. Will they fit without rubbing?

i think 245 is too wide for a 7inch wheel boss. 225 would be the max. my e36 m3 comes stock with 7.5 front width 8.5 rear it was 245/45/17 225/45/17 front

id saygo with a 225/45/17 or 40/17

[DanoFA20]

Originally Posted by sierra

You might want to read this post first?

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/3302084-post1.html

idk ive had a lot of experience with those tires and they are really good. but idk an sti is a completely different car than most of the FR cars ive driven. id say teh DW is a good tire for the price. but id say go with something like my fail safe Toyo Proxys or bfg kdw loud road sound but amazing grip

[djliquidsteele]

I've decided to go with 225/45/17. Looks like this size come stock on quite a few cars with 17x7 wheels. It's more of a look thing for me than additional grip.

[Gearhd79]

show us some pics if you get a chance