Tires

venous · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2002, 04:49 AM

I want to put on a new set of 17" tires. Which tires do you guys suggest?

Thanks,

Bob

klayfish · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2002, 05:33 AM

Bob,
That's a really tough question to answer. What are you looking for in the tire? What are you using the car for (drag, cruise, autocross)? Budget? You'll definitely be going with the low profile look. I have 17" Firestone Firehawk SZ EPs. They're a great street tire for me. Low profile, very agressive tread pattern and look. Quite grippy, which is good since I autocross my car and don't have race tires at the moment. But they are also quite expensive.

Steve

renaissance man · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2002, 08:59 AM

I'm using Yokohama AVS Sport. They look great and stick to the road like a freshly squished possum!

cslithergo · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2002, 09:39 AM

I will be running the 17" Michelin Pilot Sports (they currently stay in my living room).

Jack21 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-12-2002, 07:48 PM

Researched this subject at length before buying tires. Tirerack.com has an extensive customer feed back section. What surprised me was the big names weren't faring out that well, and the lesser known brands were getting good grades. Boiled it down to two finalists. Bridgestone RE730's from tirerack, and Falken FK451's from Vulcantire.com. Both have AA traction ratings wet and dry. Sprung for the Falkens. 235/45ZR17 front, 275/40ZR17 rear. $495 for the set of four, delivered.

Have 7000 miles on them now. Fantastic traction cornering, braking, and acceleration. Not for screeching, and smoking though. You have to really work at it to break them loose. No hocky puck for a car when it starts raining either. Would never put a 15" tire back on car, and when they wear out, will likely use another set of Falkens.

Campy · #6 (**permalink**) 06-16-2002, 10:25 PM

All good advice. There are occasions where the size of the tires you choose limits the selection.

For my car I just bought a set of Team III HB's in 17" I wanted a rear tire that would hook-up and I also had some extra room to spare. I considered the Yokohama's but wanted a real sticky rear so I went with Nitto NT 555R Drag radials in 315X35X17 in the rear and Nitto NT 555 High Performance in 245X45X17 in the front. So far I am completely satisfied.