my car came with 205/55/16 - couple option questions
 

i have the stock 2002 SE wheels. The previous owner must have cheaped out and so put on a taller less expensive 205/55/16 series tires.


I doubt i can lower it at all with that big rubber on it. I only want to go maybe 1-1.5" down.

I can replace just the rubber with some Kumho Ecsta 215/40's for about $350 total shipped and installed and keep running the 18lb 16" wheels,........... or

Pick up someones used 15 tire/wheel set for a decent price and sell my entire SE wheel/tire set.

I'm kind of a whiny guy with wheels and really like a classic 5-spoke that runs right to the rim edge. Think of the MSM Hart wheels and that is what I would like but in a 15 or 16 that is light when compared to what I'm running.

No track just DD on sometimes potholed bumpy roads.


Some advice?

Step 1: 949racing 6UL wheels 15x8, plus Hankook RS3 225/45 R15

Step 2: ??

Step 3: Profit

Edit: No, they're not 5spoke. But they're light, strong, and look good.

Team Dynamics makes a cheap 5 spoker. Decent wheels to, et 30 offset is the way to go.

Team Dynamics Racing

I was just running that setup. While I hated the "look" of the wheels on my NA, the tire/wheel combo provided great performance. Not noticeably heavier than daisies, and feel the same as my current Panasports. The short sidewalls weren't too bad if you like good transitional response, and my stock size tires aren't the improvement in ride I thought I'd get over them, so no loss really.

The Kumhos are amazing on the street. I never tracked them, but the performance envelope is way out there, and you'll find yourself pushing ludicrously fast on your favorite road. The 215/40 fits surprisingly well on the 6.5" width wheel, just be nice to the guys in the tires shop. It's probably worth paying for a lifetime mount and balance, since my weights, while well balanced, were all on one side grouped together on each wheel. I don't know if this was the wheel or the tire, but knowing I could take it back if they ever started wobbling was comforting.

Tire handled even freezing and wet weather well. Same predictability, just lower traction level. Not the breakdown in sub40* traction I had feared. I'm assuming here the Ecsta you're considering is the SPT, but seeing that you're in Canada disregard all this if you're looking at the all season.

Good luck.

So I weighed my current set up, and it was 39lbs - ouch.

2 questions - Is a 205/50/15 that much more grip than a 195/50/15 ?

Out of these tires what would you choose ?

Zeix 512
Zeix 912
Ecsta AST
Neogen VR
Direzza DZ101
Ventus HRII H405

Now remember that most mornings are from O - 10 celcius and daytime highs are 25 celcius so I need almost a 3 season tire where I live. We rarely get to the 80's and usually have 70's for a while and 60's for a lot longer.

ps I'm cheap.

Ziex 912's. I have these on 3 of my cars and love them in every type of weather.

ps Because I'm buying through Discount Tire Direct and shipping to Montana these are the choices listed. Still way cheaper than local places.

I approve of your choice of vendor. Get the 912's you won't hate them.

Are 512's stickier than 912's ? I dont need track grip but I'll trade a bit more wet/dry grip than longer life

I've had 512 and like the 912's much better for dry grip. Wet grip is much better and I can even not die when it's snowing a little bit.

What about at 12-14lbs of boost in 6-12 inches of snow?

I'm running 912s...they're almost as good as the Kumho Ecsta SPTs I was running, or atleast when you consider they have 30mm less section width.

Good feedback, good wet and dry, low noise and comfortable.

+1. I gotsum too.

ahh that is where my Semperit winter only 185/65/15 steelies come in (I only took them off last week - sad) they were 38lbs total.

I actually dread icy roads and the upcoming boost - at least at highway speeds making a pass and having it all unleash - may have to garage it if I get a truck

So the 195 vs. 205 debate. Stick with 205 for grip under boost ?

If I could fit 205s on my wheel I would be running them.

You don’t want the stretch and rubbing issues?? Admittedly the stretch looks very unique, maybe even cool but I'm glad I don’t ride that way. Time for some 15 series tires for that smooth, supple ride........

Might be out of my league $$ as I would have to pay seperate shipping and mounting from the wheels I may end up buying as a combo to the tires.

But that is a good deal for such a tire. Thanks

Then you drive your minivan or do as I do and work from home for 2 weeks.