Okay, I have my wife's authorization to purchase new AGX's (or maybe GR-2's, haven't decided yet) for my ProKits, new ES bushings, and get new tires for my TSW Stealth wheels. These were Alex Banducci's old wheels, 16x7.5, with a 34mm(?) offset.

I've test fitted them (not completely) using the 245/45R16 worn BF/G R1's that came with the wheels, and they seem to fit with no clearance problems, and only stick out about 1/2 cm from under the wheelwells. I like this sized tire. Alot. I imagine grip would be as far above the 225's as the 225's are above the 205's. The 245 is right at the upper 'allowable' range of the 7.5" rim, while 225's are at or below the lower range.

The problems are price, and drivability. The cheapest price I've gotten so far is the Kumho ECSTA Supra 712, $200ea and Pirelli P7000SS, $220ea at this size. The next 'levels' are $275ea., $310ea, and then $350-$360 for 'super tires' like the S-02 Pole Positions. Getting them from the US seems like a better option ($85US ea for Bridgestone RE-71's, and not much more for the Kumho 712's or Dunlop SP8000's), but I'd still have to work out shipping to eliminate border charges. I've worked out almost every available tire I can get in this size, and there aren't many...

Also, everybody that uses this size uses them mostly for track-only. What would it drive like on the street? By the way, imagine what the streets of Sarajevo look like after large-scale bombardment, and you have our roads...

These are strong arguments for me to lower my aspirations to 225/50R16's, but I don't want to. I want a car that sticks like glue to the road. Of course, I could go 225's on the back, and 205's in the front to look like a RWD... (:

Troy,

Correct me if im wrong here but wouldnt the 45 tire wall be too small and cause the speedo to be off and create an ugly gap between the wheel and fender.

Ive been told in orer to run a 45series tire on a DSM you need to step up to 17inch rims.

------------------
http://pstlpete.streetracing.org
92 Eagle Talon TSi FWD
90 Red Laser RS-T - RIP
90 Black Laser RS-T - RIP

205 * .55 = 112.75
225 * .50 = 112.5
245 * .45 = 110.25

2.5/112.75=.0221

The speedo would show 2% faster than stock NEW tires.

This 2% won't heat the Center Diff either. Go with it if you can find some that you can afford.

I'm going with 225/50r16 all the way around my car. I have 225/50r16's on the back right now with the 205/55/r16's on the front until I get my new Nitto's in from the states. Just my opinion but I think the 225's are a good match for the 16" wheels. I'd be a little nervous about some sidewall rollover rubbing on the springs in the back if you go with 245's, it may clear at rest but will it when you're going 140 on an onramp?

[This message has been edited by Michael Hamilton (edited February 28, 2001).]

Hi,

I used to have Toyo T1 245x45x16 on my
previous car, and I loved them.
The price was ~ $250 each, including taxes.

Bye,
Sergey

Hey, just happened to be passing through!

Troy, have a look at the tires as they are mounted now. If you see any grooves cut in around the inside or outside shoulders of the tires, that woudl indicate contact. I don;t recall there being any contact between those tires and the car, and you know what type of use they were subject to. There was a small shiny spot on the frame at the front. Two other things to consider are that stree tires will have full tread, and the GABs I had on my car jacked it up about 3/4" which may have given some extra clearance. Hope this helps.

Ive got 245/35/17 for my summer tires and the fronts rub a bit on hard cornering. The rear wheels fit perfect but thats after the dealer machined the "hub"? of the rim. Even with 17" wheels theres a bit of fender gap and thats WITH a 1.25" drop. Looks nice and aggresive from the back though

------------------
'90 Laser RST

[This message has been edited by Chris Wyatt (edited March 01, 2001).]