Will this fit? (width, offset and tire size Qs)

[ayau]

i have some 17x7.5 +50 wheels and am planning to get some stickier tires in 215/45/17. i'm not a big fan of deviating too far away from OEM specifications without any additional supporting mods.

[rikdrt1]

good-valid question. Basically i dont like the stock wheels .. i just wanted to changet that out to make it a bit more custom.

the tires are just ok, but i wouldnt mind a hair wider in the starSpecs or similar.

i can keep the 17x7s and do the same but i figure id jump it a bit to add a little width and height in the 225/45 format... thats pretty much why.

[digital_assassin]

Gonna need to stretch tires and go big camber to get them in depending on drop.

[empower-auto]

Originally Posted by digital_assassin

Gonna need to stretch tires and go big camber to get them in depending on drop.

lol no.

this forum is AMAZING for misinformation. people pass off their opinion as studied fact.

18x9.5 +38 has been fit on the front. it pokes .. but it fits without any modification required. 255 tire was used.

18x9 + 40 will fit rather nicely and no stretch is required.

[digital_assassin]

@empower-auto - I was thinking rears. Yeah, fronts will be OK. Lots of room up there. I rub slightly on my rear set up of 19X9.5 +35 with 235/35/19's with a 2" drop and -2.5 camber.

[rikdrt1]

i know StarSpecs are about the best tire for this car. im trying to put some replacement tires on some 17x7.5 rims -- and wondering what you guys recommend for that price and quality of the specs..

i even like the Michellin and have considered picking up the 225/45's at costco since i saw them there - I also noticed they carry Bridgestone but not sure. trying to come up with at least 5 other similar tire choices.

btw, the reason i dont get starSpecs - is that i called Discount and they tell me they dont have any more in some sizes because they are about to release the new ones that unfortunately wont be avail till late jan2013

send me some ideas - thanks

[Hanakuso]

This is a good read for high performance street tires used on track.

http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/8391...gestone-re-11/

By the way, I believe most would say the RE11 is the best but it's also the most expensive, then again best is subjective. Also, the reason why Discount Tires couldn't get you the star spec is because Tirerack is the only ones in the US that sells them now.

[CSG Mike]

Tires? Did someone say tires?

See my review of the Z1SS, RE11, and more at http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/8391...s-dunlop-z1ss/

My question for you is, what exactly is your objective with new tires? Maximize dry grip? Wet grip? Feedback? Tire life? Cost? You can't get everything, so list those in your order of priority, and I'll make you a recommendation.

I go through a lot of tires...

[Dezoris]

First off Discount Tire always steers people away from the star specs because Tire Rack gets better margins on them.

I have had the Star Specs Z1 on 3 cars including my old Exige. I have the RE-11 on my other car. And RS3 on the FR-S at 225/45.

I can tell you without question the Star Specs are the most versitile and coat effective performance tire.
They operate well between 35-85 degrees and provide great dry grip in those ranges. They get slippery over 90 degrees, but get the best grip from 45-75. Wet performance is good as long as you have tread depth. And they make no noise at limits of their grip or tire howl. They do have road noise which is their weakness.

The RE11 is one of the only tires I have gotten where I immediately was disappointed. They DO NOT tolerate heat. After 80 degrees they get slippery and howl and immediately when you get near their limits above 70 degrees like an all season tire. Their best grip is between 55 and 70 degrees. Wet performance is good and road noise is the strong point. They are also usable down to 40 degrees. The cost is what kills it and they need a lot or negative camber

The RS3 Hankooks are the stickiest of the bunch from 60-95 they are like glue and tolerate heat better than the star spec. But... they are worthless below 55 and believe me I had a crash with them when they broke away at 50 degree range. They need a lot of heat to stay sticky. And in the cold and wet forget it. They are a great track and autox tire. If you do mostly street driving the star spec are better. They also dont make any noise at the limit regardless of temperature. Road noise is moderate.

[CSG Mike]

Both Star Specs and RS3 make noise when driven at the limit. The RE-11 howls before you're at the limit; the tone will change as you break traction. The noise is one of the features of the tire; it makes it much easier to approach the limit by providing you with multiple types of feedback, any one of which can be used to determine how much grip is left.

The RS3 is terrible in the cold. Completely agree there. The RE-11 has the widest heat range, but it also has the lowest heat range.

[Hanakuso]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

My question for you is, what exactly is your objective with new tires? Maximize dry grip? Wet grip? Feedback? Tire life? Cost? You can't get everything, so list those in your order of priority, and I'll make you a recommendation.

What would you say if priority is

1. Feedback
2. Cost
3. Tire life
4. Dry Grip
5. Wet Grip

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Hanakuso

What would you say if priority is

1. Feedback
2. Cost
3. Tire life
4. Dry Grip
5. Wet Grip

If you're talking EHP tires similar to the ones currently discussed in this thread, RE-11.

While it is more expensive, it does offer a MUCH longer tread life than the other tires mentioned; your cost per mile driven on the tire will be lower provided you never need to prematurely replace the tire. The sidewall construction of the RE-11 is superior to the RS3, and even the Z1SS, providing you with feedback without giving you a harsh ride. As a plus, they don't roar like Z1SS until they get really low on tread life.

Discount Tire Direct and America's Tire typically has a Bridgestone sale once or twice a year where you can get a $80 or $100 rebate on these...

If you're talking non-EHP tires, then none of them really offer spectacular feedback, and I'd recommend Hankook V12 as the best "bang for the buck" tire as of this post. I'm sure this will change, as that segment is where the manufacturers compete heavily.

[Hanakuso]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

If you're talking EHP tires similar to the ones currently discussed in this thread, RE-11.

While it is more expensive, it does offer a MUCH longer tread life than the other tires mentioned; your cost per mile driven on the tire will be lower provided you never need to prematurely replace the tire. The sidewall construction of the RE-11 is superior to the RS3, and even the Z1SS, providing you with feedback without giving you a harsh ride. As a plus, they don't roar like Z1SS until they get really low on tread life.

Discount Tire Direct and America's Tire typically has a Bridgestone sale once or twice a year where you can get a $80 or $100 rebate on these...

If you're talking non-EHP tires, then none of them really offer spectacular feedback, and I'd recommend Hankook V12 as the best "bang for the buck" tire as of this post. I'm sure this will change, as that segment is where the manufacturers compete heavily.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm not looking at any specific range of tires, other then I would like summer tires. I'm basically just looking for "learning" tires that can give me the best feedback on how the car handles. I've heard the Hankook V12 get greasy very fast. Last thing I want would be a tire that is prone to snap easily.

I'll look more into the RE11. I didn't think it was the right tire for me but maybe later it's the best option.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Hanakuso

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm not looking at any specific range of tires, other then I would like summer tires. I'm basically just looking for "learning" tires that can give me the best feedback on how the car handles. I've heard the Hankook V12 get greasy very fast. Last thing I want would be a tire that is prone to snap easily.

I'll look more into the RE11. I didn't think it was the right tire for me but maybe later it's the best option.

What exactly will you be using the tire for? Please list ALL uses, as I'll have a better idea of what would be the best fit for you.