[Jack21]

Went through the same exercise 2 years ago. Here's what I came up with.

Rear gearing is 3.55. Bought trans (T5Z) with .80 5th.

All the tire tech support people recommended 17". No wide sizes in 16"

Compomotive: $500/wheel. TeamIII: $300/wheel. Got the TIII's in 17x8 front, 17x9.5 rear. 4" backspacing front, 5" backspacing rear.

Tires are 235/45ZR front, 275/40ZR rear. Tire choices were Bridgestone RE730, and Falken FK451 for best grades in dry and wet road traction. Got the Falkens, the entire set including shipping for just under $500.

Dry road traction is phenominal. Very difficult to break loose, they just grab and go. Wet roads? Most of the drive to DVSFIII was through constant, relentless rain, and thunderstorms through the mountain trails of PA and W.VA. Slowed down sometimes because of windshield wiper limitations limiting visibility, but the tires worked great.