215 vs 225 PSS on stock rims

[etherdude]

When I purchased my 2015 FRS I believe that the only choice was 225/45-17 for Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Since then 215/45-17 has become available. I don't want to lose the great stock steering feel with wider tires, but would like better traction. I know that the Michelin Pilot SS will be MUCH better than my OEM Bridgstone All-season tires even in the stock size.

For a 3-season daily driver on stock rims, which would you recommend?

[gramicci101]

Does it get below freezing during those three seasons? If not, the MPSS is a great tire. It gets kind of slippery in cold temperatures though.

That said, the MPSS sidewall is STIFF. There was more of a degradation in ride quality when I switched from OEM to the MPSS than there was when I installed aftermarket springs. Traction skyrocketed; ride comfort suffered. A softer sidewall summer tire like the Continental DW might be more comfortable. People have written dissertations on here about why one summer tire is better than another, so there's a lot of reading material available.

[etherdude]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

Does it get below freezing during those three seasons? If not, the MPSS is a great tire. It gets kind of slippery in cold temperatures though.

That said, the MPSS sidewall is STIFF. There was more of a degradation in ride quality when I switched from OEM to the MPSS than there was when I installed aftermarket springs.

I already have a separate set of winter wheels and snow tires and have gone three winters of daily driving with those. I am ready to replace my OEM tires which are getting fairly worn prior to putting the stock wheels on this spring. I am specifically interested in the sizing difference between 215 and 225 on stock wheels. I have read from multiple sources that steering feel degrades with wider tires.

I know there are MANY choices of high performance summer tires. I am running stock suspension and wheels and I am pretty sure most of the high performance performance summer tires will ride more stiffly than the OEM tires.

Doug

[jamal]

215s are the better option for stock 7" wheels. If you had 17x8s, then yeah the 225.

[gramicci101]

Originally Posted by etherdude

I am specifically interested in the sizing difference between 215 and 225 on stock wheels. I have read from multiple sources that steering feel degrades with wider tires.

When you're reading that, they're probably talking about going to 245 or 255. You won't really notice a difference in steering feel between 215 and 225.

What you WILL notice with better tires is an increased desire to tramline and track grooves in the road. The other thing you'll notice with increased traction is increased body roll. Because the tires stick better they force the suspension to work harder and the car rolls more.

[FirstWinter]

For stock wheels I would advise to stay with 215 size.

[soulreapersteve]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

Does it get below freezing during those three seasons? If not, the MPSS is a great tire. It gets kind of slippery in cold temperatures though.

That said, the MPSS sidewall is STIFF. There was more of a degradation in ride quality when I switched from OEM to the MPSS than there was when I installed aftermarket springs. Traction skyrocketed; ride comfort suffered. A softer sidewall summer tire like the Continental DW might be more comfortable. People have written dissertations on here about why one summer tire is better than another, so there's a lot of reading material available.

+1 ^ what he said.

It took me a week to adjust to how jarring the ride was after getting new tires (potenza s04 pp). As with the PSS, the s04 has extremely stiff sidewall and my gosh.. almost every imperfection in the road was magnified.

There is a give and take, I would not give up the driving feel for more comfort provided by the DW's, personally.

Btw, I don't know how the PSS stacks up to the stock tires (A/S or GT summers) but the shop guy called me over when he noticed how much wider the s04 was compared to stock... and I triple checked they are stock size!!

[Stang70Fastback]

I went from stock wheels to 18x9s with 255/35 MPSS, and all I can say is I'm glad I spent the money on a set of good, relatively soft KW V3s. I don't even want to know how bumpy the ride would have been on cheap coilovers, lol. Very stiff sidewalls indeed!

[asdf]

Honestly, for a daily driver I would go with whichever sizing is cheaper when you purchase. Tirerack has the 225s slightly cheaper at the moment. You will notice the difference in traction more than anything else. This is based on the assumption the primary purpose for these tires is to drive around (would suggest alternatives for autox and track).

I had the 225 MPSS on my stock wheels and really liked them. In my opinion, the 225 fits nicely on the stock wheel:
(photo from thread, courtesy of user @djliquidsteele: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=762899)

[CatDaddysBBQ]

Spent 2 years on the OEM Bridgestone A/S tires.
SPent the next 2 on 215/45/17 PSS

The best road tire I can imagine. Reacts to the way you drive. Want to slide? They'll do it all day, just come in hot and hammer the gas mid corner. Want to grip? Drive properly and you will be shocked how high the limits are on the street. They wear pretty well considering the performance too.

However, they Leave a bit to be desired on autoX, and are just ok at the track (though wet track days they are outstanding).

Verdict? Buy them. Don't be worried about the 215 for the stock wheels - they'll keep the speedo accurate and honestly I can't imagine that for road use you'll need the extra 10mm.

[JD001]

Has anyone tried the Pilot Cup 2 tyres on the standard wheels?

[CatDaddysBBQ]

I don't think they make them in anything remotely the right size. I think those start at 18" fitments.

[JD001]

Originally Posted by CatDaddysBBQ

I don't think they make them in anything remotely the right size. I think those start at 18" fitments.

Found the following:

[CatDaddysBBQ]

Wow! That's crazy. I looked a year or two ago and even Michelin started their size list at 18". I should have checked back more recently!