Alternate tire size?

[Nick R]

I was discussion my upcoming tire replacement over on Focus Fanatics. I was planning on going with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS, but then someone suggested a 205/50/17 Goodyear Assurance Tripletred. I know that tire, I had it on both the cavalier, and now on the mustang. But I'm unsure about the size. Will going with an off-size tire be an issue? 215/45/17 stock. What do?

Edit: Nevermind,it's a moot point. The Contis are $115 a tire in the 215/45/17 form, the GYA TT is over $200 for the 205. I'll take my chances with the Contis.

 

[Astro14]

Put the Extreme DWS Contis on my Volvo 235/45R17 - they're great...

 

[Quattro Pete]

Why would they even suggest a narrower tire in the first place? To improve fuel economy?

 

[ahoier]

I checked out http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos and with the 205/50-17s, your speedometer will be "off" a little bit..will read a little slower than what you are actually going.

How about 205/45-17? Discount Tire has a fairly good selection available too http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/filterT...48&sw=false

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Why would they even suggest a narrower tire in the first place? To improve fuel economy?

Could help fuel economy, also with a narrower tire the sidewalls can get closer to vertical, if the stock tires are "pinched" abit, which can sharpen the handling feel.
If Nick is going to run the tires in the winter I'd go for the narrower option just for the better slush/snow clearance.

 

[Astro14]

...I think he said he was going with the OE size in the DWS...at least, that's what "I'll take my chances with the Contis." meant to me...

 

[HTSS_TR]

If the stock is 215/45-17 you may want to up size +0 to 225/45-17. The width and diameter of the +0 increases by 0.4". There are many more in size 225/45-17 to choose from.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
If the stock is 215/45-17 you may want to up size +0 to 225/45-17. The width and diameter of the +0 increases by 0.4". There are many more in size 225/45-17 to choose from.


True, but he could be going backwards depending on his stock wheel width (as well as effectively numerically lowering his final drive ratio-GREAT for fuel economy, BAD for performance, especially on a lower power ride).

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: dailydriver
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
If the stock is 215/45-17 you may want to up size +0 to 225/45-17. The width and diameter of the +0 increases by 0.4". There are many more in size 225/45-17 to choose from.


True, but he could be going backwards depending on his stock wheel width (as well as effectively numerically lowering his final drive ratio-GREAT for fuel economy, BAD for performance, especially on a lower power ride).

Not really. I up sized my S2000 from OEM Front 215/45-17 and Rear 245-40-17 to Front 225/45-17 and Rear 255/40-17, the Performance/Handling is better but gas mileage went down a little.

 

[crinkles]

the tripletreads are $200 each!

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: crinkles
the tripletreads are $200 each!


Yeah. That's why I said "[censored] naw".

 

[Nick R]

I'm really trying to decide here. So I'm looking at either the Conti's above, the 215/45/R17s. Or, I'm looking at some Goodyear Assurance Comfortread Touring, that are 215/50/R17. I'm trying to justify spending an additional $40 a tire. I don't think it's worth it. Thoughts?

 

[IndyIan]

Are the stock tires shot already? Or terrible in the rain? I guess its your money but $500+ for new tires when you already have new tires seems like a strange pruchase?

 

[Nick R]

After checking the other day, I'm already down to 4/32nds, and they were never great in the snow, or rain to begin with.

 

[IndyIan]

Well that is impressive tire wear! You're not checking on the wear bars? If not, I guess you are due for tires.
Are your tires wearing evenly?

 

[flwxman]

Agreed, down to 4/32 after 14k-ish miles is pretty fast wear there, Speed Racer

What air pressures are you running? Are these the OE Continentals?

 

[Nick R]

I know, I was shocked. These are the OE Kumho Solus KH16s. I may drive hard, but I don't spin tires often. Tire wear is even, I rotated them at 6k miles. Running 38PSI all around.

 

[IndyIan]

What is the wear rating on your tires?
I think if you are going to run them that hard you should get a set of used summer performance tires and a set of used winters on rims for your $400-500.
Probably it should also be said, don't drive like a maniac all the time, pick and choose the odd safe corner with no other traffic around to go for rip, but 99% of the time take it easy. You'll save money on gas and tires, and maybe traffic tickets and repairs. Or do some autocross, its how I scratch my racing itch on the cheap.

 

[kkreit01]

Wow. I thought they would last at least 25k+. Why not run the recommended PSI stamped on the door?

I wish my OEM Eagle RSAs would wear that fast

 

[Nick R]

The only time I drive hard around corners, is a few high way on ramps that are lots of fun. Other than that I don't really though. What about some Goodyear Assurance comfortreads in a 215/50/17 size? Would these be too big?