Need advise on tires

[Bastard1g]

Here is the deal. i have some 16" rims with some 225/50/16 . I cant get a wider tire without increasing the overall size of the tire and being that I have a 98 gst now, what would be better for traction?
225/50/16- not as wide but taller sidewall for a good flex
235/40/17- wider tire but almost no sidewall (also would have to purchase 17" rims)
So it comes down to width vs side wall height.

 

[UCSLugRacerX]

Keep in mind that the total area of the contact patch matters greatly. You said that a taller sidewall gives good flex. Why would you want to have a flexy tire? Tire companies pull their hair out trying to engineer tire formations to be square and have a specific amount of stiffness.
A shorter sidewall will cause less tire distortion, thus turning will be more responsive. Simultaneously, it won't mold to bumps on the road as well as taller sidewall tires.
If your complete aim with your FWD car is more traction, then think: wide contact patch, stiff sidewall, less tire distortion, and most importantly: sticky compound.
Also, the physics of how a race car tire is VERY complex, with variables of heat saturation, tire slip angles, the traction circle, etc. Read up.
I suggest to first learn how your car reacts under numerous conditions while turning, (most likely understeer), and change tires accordingly.

It's not as clear-cut as: should I get this sized tire? Or this size instead?

 

[RedGSX21]

you really wont get that much more flex with 50 compared to 40. I would go with the 235 because overall thats more rubber on the ground....more traction

 

[ldstang50]

Keep in mind that the total area of the contact patch matters greatly. You said that a taller sidewall gives good flex. Why would you want to have a flexy tire? Tire companies pull their hair out trying to engineer tire formations to be square and have a specific amount of stiffness.
A shorter sidewall will cause less tire distortion, thus turning will be more responsive. Simultaneously, it won't mold to bumps on the road as well as taller sidewall tires.
If your complete aim with your FWD car is more traction, then think: wide contact patch, stiff sidewall, less tire distortion, and most importantly: sticky compound.
Also, the physics of how a race car tire is VERY complex, with variables of heat saturation, tire slip angles, the traction circle, etc. Read up.
I suggest to first learn how your car reacts under numerous conditions while turning, (most likely understeer), and change tires accordingly.

It's not as clear-cut as: should I get this sized tire? Or this size instead?

These is probably the best explanation of tires (when someone asks what size) I have ever heard or read. And its put in a manner thats very understandable.

When purchasing a tires, think of your needs and wants. If you want something to provide a smooth ride and get you from point a to point b for a while, get the smaller (width) taller tire. If you are looking for performance; get a tire with more contact patch, 'shorter' sidewalls and lower treadwear rating

 

[LaserDad91]

Also keep in mind, the “stickier” the tire, the softer the compound, and the shorter the tire life will be. Depends on what you want, and how often you want to drop $400+ for tires.

For my everyday driver, I got the BFG Traction T/A’s 225-55-16, 60K life, $450 installed at Sears, yes, Sears!! Lol. #1 consumer rated at Tire Rack for a High Performance all season tire. Very stable, responsive in the dry, and very good in the wet. I wanted something good, long life, and good in the rain and snow. I have about 3 - 4K on them and no visible wear.