Deciding on New Tires

[CowPimp]

My current tires are getting pretty low on tread, and I just got my tax money back. I'm in the market for new tires. After lots of research, I am having trouble deciding between two tires: Yokohama AVS ES 100s and BFG KDW 2s. I currently have Ecsta MXs, but I want something that lasts a bit longer. I'm leaning toward the KDW2s beacuse at only $7 more per tire, the treadwear rating is a tiny bit better (300 vs. 280), and they sound better in terms of performance, although a direct comparison is hard to come by. Opinions, comments, and suggestions are all encouraged.

Furthermore, I have a couple of questions:

What do you guys usually run in terms of tire pressure? Personally, I'm more of a cornering guy as opposed to a drag guy. Comfort comes last on the list. I was thinking 38 PSI, although I will probably end up playing around with it.

Do you think 225-45-17s or 215-45-17s would be better? I run a 7" wide wheel. I know 225 is kind of pushing it. Does the advantage provided by that extra bit of width get negated by the fact that the sidewall bulges a little more, or could this be corrected by higher tire pressure anyway?

Thanks in advance. Any and all input is encouraged and welcome.

 

[DSM PERFORMANCE]

I would not go 225 on 7", for tires I recommended S-03 or PS-2, but they may not last long enough for you, I will try avs on my other car this summer, I think it will last a bit longer...

 

[timm98gst]

i've always been partial to dunlops. i have them on all my vehicles. great performance and great treadwear. you can get them for a decent price at tirerack.com.

 

[wret]

In general, the best handling occurs when the wheel width is somewhat wider than the “measuring width” for any given tire. I think you will find that 7.5” is the measuring width for most brands of 225/45/17’s and 7” for 215/45/17’s. For max performance I’d stay with the 215’s.