C Street Guys with 2017 PP What size tires?

[imnotsureaboutbrz]

Hey guys, for those with the new PP cars with the 7.5" wheels what size tire are you all running?

I've only found decent deals on Pilot Super Sports and RE17Rs locally, so now I'm trying to narrow it down to the ideal tire size. I will be dailying these tires as well, but summer tire season is only from late April to September and there's no road trips to be had so I'm not too concerned about burning through the tires before the end of the season.

I just don't want to ruin the fun nature of the car, but I want to capitalize on getting a dedicated summer/autox tire with that extra 1/2 inch of wheel. So what say you...

[strat61caster]

RE71R's will be faster (they have more grip) than Michelin's regardless of size, at the exchange of durability. But I think they will easily last a season unless you run a large number of events, (>100 runs plus a few thousand street miles might have them totally dead).

On the 7" wheel the 225 was the popular choice, I think that is hands down the safe bet. At best I think a tire size would be worth at most a tenth of a second or two, something a good driver can compensate for. With the 7.5" wheel I wouldn't expect a consensus on if the 235 or 245 is viable for a few months at best, I think I read someone testing it in the CS thread, but there wasn't a strong opinion.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...postcount=4618

As you're still learning the car the better fitting tire in the 225 will give you better responsiveness and feedback (i.e. not ruining the fun nature) while you figure everything out, the 215 will be even more responsive and 'fun', but I think you'll lose out on a bit of grip.

[TrqlessWonder]

as a 245 on a 17 x 7 guy, I say try a 255.

[imnotsureaboutbrz]

Originally Posted by TrqlessWonder

as a 245 on a 17 x 7 guy, I say try a 255.

holy crap... do you have pictures of how that looks?

[bslate3]

Wider is usually better. I've seen a 245 squeezed on a 7" wheel. It is noticeably pinched and was told it was too squishy in transitions, but was awesome in the sweepers.

Now with and extra half inch, that might work out well now.

[Cueman]

The first year with my car, I put 245 Stones on.



It doesn't look insane... but my next set was 225/45 and I've never considered going back. I don't believe the narrower size is at a disadvantage anywhere.

[TrqlessWonder]

Originally Posted by imnotsureaboutbrz

holy crap... do you have pictures of how that looks?

Let's see if i can figure this out.

No terribly awesome shot angles on-hand.

[imnotsureaboutbrz]

I found this older thread, it had some pretty good nuggets of information...
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33614

I think I'm gonna go with the 225's. Now I'm comparing the RE71R, PSS and Continental Extremecontact Sport.

I know the RE71Rs are the autocross go to, I just don't want to burn through them during daily drives, mountain runs, and the occasional drift/donut session...

[JazzleSAURUS]

You're cross shopping three separate performance categories of tires.

The RE71R is very sticky, and will dissapear quick if you're sliding and doing donuts. The Conti I think is too soft in the sidewalls when you're considering tires like the RE71R and PSS.

I think the PSS is the best choice of the tires you mentioned for your intended purpose, and the S-04 is another tire to consider. Slightly better wet grip, slightly stiffer sidewalls, slightly faster wear, and slightly slower in the dry. The price between the two fluctuates, so if one is cheaper, I think it's a fine buy.

[imnotsureaboutbrz]

Originally Posted by JazzleSAURUS

You're cross shopping three separate performance categories of tires.

The RE71R is very sticky, and will dissapear quick if you're sliding and doing donuts. The Conti I think is too soft in the sidewalls when you're considering tires like the RE71R and PSS.

I think the PSS is the best choice of the tires you mentioned for your intended purpose, and the S-04 is another tire to consider. Slightly better wet grip, slightly stiffer sidewalls, slightly faster wear, and slightly slower in the dry. The price between the two fluctuates, so if one is cheaper, I think it's a fine buy.

Yeah I knew the RE71 would be like that. But from what I was reading the new Conti Extremecontact Sport is supposed to be a close competitor to the PSS. The last interation of the conti the extremecontact DW where not far off of the PSS dry pace, but exceeded it in the wet. and the Sports have more dry grip now... I guess we will see which one is cheaper installed... There is only one place that will order the contis, and I am still pricing the PSSs.

[JazzleSAURUS]

My apologies then! I was referencing the DW. I do tend to like Conti tires, I'd like to see them get a bit more serious and play at the top of the high performance summer pack.

Curious how the new conti fares against the PS4, I fully expect the S-04 to look a bit tired when compared to it, so I'm hoping there will be an update by next spring when my current set is cooked.

[imnotsureaboutbrz]

Originally Posted by JazzleSAURUS

My apologies then! I was referencing the DW. I do tend to like Conti tires, I'd like to see them get a bit more serious and play at the top of the high performance summer pack.

Curious how the new conti fares against the PS4, I fully expect the S-04 to look a bit tired when compared to it, so I'm hoping there will be an update by next spring when my current set is cooked.

Frankly if they where available I would get the PS4s but its gonna be a year or so before they get to making 17's. So in my head its looking like:

Extremecontact DW< PSS <= Extremecontact Sport < PS4s

but that's complete conjecture.

[justinco]

Did you consider the new BFG Rival S 1.5?

If you're not looking to be ultra competitive I would go with a PSS or similar. I had them on my Lexus IS-F and they are a great street tire with occasional autox.

I have gone through a couple sets of RE71R, 100+ autox runs on each set and very little street miles. They are pretty much done at that point.

I personally wouldn't stretch a 245 onto a 7.5" rim, but that is just me.

[imnotsureaboutbrz]

Originally Posted by justinco

Did you consider the new BFG Rival S 1.5?

I have and there is not a stocking dealer here so ordering and shipping is killing all the deals. Right now Costco is looking like my best bet but they don't stock the Rivals, but do have the RE71rs and PSS and will order/ship for free.