optimal tire size for stock wheels

[Koolkripto]

I just bought 225/45R17 94Z XL for my stock rims 17x7. Should work fine right ??? ... will post pics after install.

[icesilvermetallic]

Stay with 215/45-17, there are plenty of good choices in this size, the 7" wide OE rims aren't wide enough to optimize 225/45-17's.

[Chanpion]

EDIT: Math was wrong. The below still applies though.
If anyone cares about their fender to tire clearance to its effect on their speedo; Make sure you've got the correct section height tire. Tire sizes are weird. 215/45/17.
215cm=width, 45% of section width=height, 17in. So the 45 is a different value depending on your section width.

[WNDSRFR]

I have always used 235-45-17.
The first tires I tried were Falken Azenis FK453. I took them off my VW with about half tread left. The dry grip was great, the wet grip was terrible. Downright deadly.
The next tires I tried were Continental Extreme Contact DW. Pretty good all around tire but the sidewalls were the softest I've ever felt and the treadwear was terrible. The rears lasted less than 10,000 miles.
My current tires are...don't laugh....Champiro UHPI. They are very cheap and handle the best of all the tires I've tried. The sidewalls are extremely stiff so sliding or drifting the car can be done with confidence. Something that could not be said of the Continentals.
If they last at least as long as the Conti's then I will stick with them.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by WNDSRFR

I have always used 235-45-17.
The first tires I tried were Falken Azenis FK453. I took them off my VW with about half tread left. The dry grip was great, the wet grip was terrible. Downright deadly.
The next tires I tried were Continental Extreme Contact DW. Pretty good all around tire but the sidewalls were the softest I've ever felt and the treadwear was terrible. The rears lasted less than 10,000 miles.
My current tires are...don't laugh....Champiro UHPI. They are very cheap and handle the best of all the tires I've tried. The sidewalls are extremely stiff so sliding or drifting the car can be done with confidence. Something that could not be said of the Continentals.
If they last at least as long as the Conti's then I will stick with them.

My winter tires are... don't laugh at me either Champiros and as cheap as they were they have been about the best snows I have ever used (as a strictly DD car I don't think they would cut it as a "performance" snow tire).
I was wondering about the UHIPs when it is time to change so please update when you know the life span on them!

[Fred Flintstone]

How about a 225/45/17 sticky on rear and 215/45/17 same brand for front with good turning ability. Any thoughts on that idea???

.

[Leonardo]

Unless you already have them. I would stick with the same size front and rear. 225/45 doesn't affect the steering negatively. I have run this size.