15x9 wheel, more than 225, less than 275?
 

So right now I have the 15x9 ULs with 225 45 15 RS3 tires all around, a decent combo.

I am wondering about street/ DOT tires, not really slicks.

245 40 15 (only DOT tires found are Maxxis RC-1 and they're a slick tread but 100 treadwear)
275 35 15 (only Hoosier slicks , nothing I'd run for the street, 40 treadwear)

Victra RC-1 | Maxxis USA

I take the car out 2-3 days a week during the warm months, and might take it to work, the gym, class, and then a fun drive the long way home. Needless to say, I'd never get them hot enough.

So help, for next year and better grip, should I go for a wider tire, or a stickier tire? I haven't researched the options in years since I got the RS3 and they were $104 a piece, so that sealed the deal for me. Of course, I was down 100hp/100tq at that time so now I need more. Wet traction is irrelevant as it's a sunshine car only.

There isn't anything wider than 225 on a 15 that's a street tire.
What you have now is already one of the most popular street tires, in one of the most popular sizes.

If you don't care about wet traction, I would say the BFG Rivals would be a solid option. But like 18psi said, nothing bigger than a 225/15.

You have the best street option.

Maxxis 245 with cut thread pattern would satisfy the looks department and would maybe behave in a shower. Not $104 though...

I have the old RS3, and I'm not really sure what's new about the Version 2 in practical terms. I did look at the BFG rivals also. Hows the NT-01 compared to the others?

Never thought of this, and now that I think about it, I don't know anyone who could cut in a tread pattern for me and it sounds very expensive. How much are the Maxxis anyway?

Deals with heat better.

Just pick one of the 225/45s. It really doesn't matter for the street.

The R1R and R888 also fall into what I'd consider an acceptable price point at $170 a piece

I also hate how the BFG looks from the side with the tread chunks rolling around to the side. I wouldn't let it sway me away from good performance, but I think tires with a smooth wall look tons better

R888s are a waste on the street. R1Rs have horrific lifespans and in that size, aren't as fast as the RS3.

Same. When I look for tires, I mostly base it off of sidewall appearance and tread pattern.

That's why I run Falken Azenis RT-615Ks and paint the sidewalls white myself.

the RS3 v2 basically fixed the biggest wrong with the original RS3, aka being useless unless you were racing on the surface of the sun. Its probably the best option in 225s right now.

I've ran through a set of 225 Rivals and also a set of new 225 RS3 v2's. The Rivals lasted me about 10k street miles with a few donuts and drifts here and there. The RS3's look like they will last about 10k as well with street driving and about 10 autocross events. IMO, I liked the way the RS3's handled over the Rivals, and it seems like the RS3's are wearing slower as well. I also experienced pretty good wet weather traction with both tires up to the wear bars. I drive an MSM with all the bolt on mods, so roughly 200whp.

All street, no track, RS3v2. Any track time, Rivals. Rivals tolerate heat better.

The production 245 RC-1's are too wide for a 9" wheel. Rival and RS3 are about as good as it gets with stock fenders. We have a hand grooved set of 245 RC-1's going onto 10's but that NB will have 30mm wider fenders F&R.

Where does one acquire these fenders?

One no longer does unfortunately. Mine are not for sale, sorry.

This makes me super sad

Other people still sell larger front fenders and rear overfenders/flares.

I don't want flares but if you can point me to these fenders for an NB I would appreciate it.

Buy an NA, pick from a couple different makers, profit. Or just buy that NA in the classifieds that already has all the AK wide body bits and a fastback transfer your parts and sell the NB. Probably end up cheaper than buying a pair of fenders. :P