Biggest tire

[punishercb]

I'm looking to get some new tires for my 95 gst, and I was wondering what was biggest tire I can fit is. Right now I have 205's and I was thinking about putting on 225's if possible. Will it fit? I just have the stock 16" rims. Also, does anybody have any suggestions on some good performance tires that don't cost an arm and a leg? I have winter tires for snow so I don't need all-seasons.

thanks,
chris

 

[wret]

Stock wheels? It's best to stay with the stock size.

 

[GritsnGravy]

You can run a 225/55r16 with no problem. I run that size with BFG g-sports.

 

[BaddAssGst]

You can run a 225/55r16 with no problem. I run that size with BFG g-sports.

225s are a little wide for a 6" rim. There will be quite a bit of sidewall flex. I know because my car handles like shit for having 225s on stock wheels.

 

[punishercb]

Soooo....I should or shouldn't? Would 215's be a good compromise?

 

[BaddAssGst]

Soooo....I should or shouldn't? Would 215's be a good compromise?

I honestly don't think 215s would be so bad. But let me ask you something. Are you hoping to go with a larger tire for better traction? If that is the case, I would suggest something else. I've done it and tried and I have seen no difference except handling wise. You will hook up so much better running a top of the line, 205-55, tire then if you were to end up going with the larger tire, such as a 215 or 225. Especially using the stock rims.

 

[punishercb]

I honestly don't think 215s would be so bad. But let me ask you something. Are you hoping to go with a larger tire for better traction? If that is the case, I would suggest something else. I've done it and tried and I have seen no difference except handling wise. You will hook up so much better running a top of the line, 205-55, tire then if you were to end up going with the larger tire, such as a 215 or 225. Especially using the stock rims.

Hmmm, so what would you suggest for a good 205 tire? I honestly don't have much experience with tires so I would appreciate if it you could help me out.

 

[BaddAssGst]

Well what are you looking at as far as price range goes and do you drive the car in the winter? You don't want to put any kind of "good street tires" on through the winter because the car will slide all over the place. Throw a set of tires on to get you by through the winter until it gets nice out again. I've experimented quite a bit with some tires so I should be able to help you out.

 

[punishercb]

Well, I have dedicated winter tires, so that won't be a problem. I'd like to get a nice reasonably priced tire, but the most I'd like to spend is 80-90 per tire. Maybe more if it's totally worth it.

 

[jtmcinder]

On those rim at (close to) that price: 205/55/16 Falken Azenis Sports.

- Jtoby

 

[BaddAssGst]

On those rim at (close to) that price: 205/55/16 Falken Azenis Sports.

- Jtoby

As much as I liked the Falkens, I would say I liked the Yokohama ES100s better. My Yokos still have pretty decent tread on them and I used them all summer long. I ended up wearing my Azenis out in 5 months.

 

[punishercb]

On those rim at (close to) that price: 205/55/16 Falken Azenis Sports.

- Jtoby

WOW, I just checked out the falkens and they look like race tires! How long would it take to wear tires like that out? I don't drive crazy but I do drive aggressive.

 

[jtmcinder]

Unless you autocross or drive like an idiot on the street, these tires will last at least until you decide that you should have bought wider wheels in the first place.

As to Azenis Sports vs ES100s: the difference in sidewall stiffness puts these two tires in completely different categories. Yes, the Sports are louder and less compliant on the street, but this is a performance forum, so I ignored this. The lateral responsiveness of an Azenis Sport borders on that of a R-compound.

- Jtoby