Hi guys, I'm tossing up between 215/45/17s and 225/45/17s (in Dunlop Direzza Star Spec Z1), and I'd like to get an idea of who is running certain sizes on the stock challenge rims, rubbing problems etc etc.

Please post with your experiences

Thanks

 

I run 215/45/17 BFG G-Force A/S. They fit fine but the extra size causes them to wander a lot on the road and amplifies torque steer.

Be aware that Star Specs already run large in tread for their size so a 225 is most likely going to bulge at the sidewalls on our little wheels.

 

I've run 215/45/17s, both Falken Azenis RT615's, and Sumitomo HTR-Z II's. Perfect size I think, 225's look too big to me and probably rub at least in some brands.

 

Be careful with 225's Depending on what you have done suspension wise they can and will (been there, done that) rub and/or cut the outside rears.....215's I have had no issues with at all (except for the 2mph on the speedo....)

 

215/45/17 Nitto Neo Gens on the Challenge wheels with the JCW suspension.

 

Dunlop Dirreza 215/45 17 seems to work quite well for me. Good grip and good in the wet.

I also run Nitto NT-01 215/45 17 which seems less tall than the Dunlops.

I also have the BFG G-force KDW in 205/45 17 which I think is a below average and very loud tire.

Remember, there are some differences in the size of tires by manufacturer so not all 215/45 17 are exactly the same; some are taller, some are wider but they are all 215/45 17.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I think I've settled on 215/45/17 Star Specs, I just hope that there's not much loss of steering feel from my 205/40/17 Toyo RA-1s

 

The turn in on the star specs are pretty good so I think you should be quite happy with it.

 

my two best mates are running them, and they love them, not to mention the thousands that are running them with 100% satisfaction.

Also, I know that the 215/45/17s are actually 220mm wide lol, and the 235/45/17s are 242mm wide.

 

Well here you go, I am running

Falken FK452
245-35 x 18

This size also corrected speedometer error that all minis have.

Now at 80mph indicated, actual speed is 79mph. The factory wheels and tires had an error of 6+mph at these speeds.

 

the 6+ was the error at 80 i was actually doing 74

 

I've had 215-45-17 Star Specs on new Kosei wheels for 3 weeks now. I do autocross and a little track time. The tires are awesome and seem very good in the rain as well.

 

For autocross, I am running 235/40-17 Star Specs on 7.5" Rotas. No rubbing problems so far.

 

Thanks guys.

Wahoo, what offset are your rotas?

 

+45. They just barely clear the JCW calipers in the front.

 

I can imagine!

Thanks for the prompt response.

Are you running stock suspension?

 

It's a work in process due to dealers not meeting their shipping commitments. Right now it has Ireland Engineering camber plates and Hotchkis rear control arms. KW v3 coilovers as modified by Texas Speedwerks for the JCW and a rear ARB also from TSW are supposed to be here this week. A front ARB from a MINI D is on the way from England.

 

Very nice. I'll be interested to see how the KW V3s hold up...

 

225/40/17 hoosiers for track and 235/40/17 dunlops for the street .

 

hey etalj - how are you liking the star specs? Are you running them on the stock "challenge" JCW wheels? Any rubbing issues on the front struts?

 

These tires are awesome. They do not rub, They do not sing, They do not hydroplane and the car rides less harsh then when I had the Dunlop runflats.
The 215/45/17's are wider and a tad taller then the 205/45/17's and look great.

********Fill the wheel well much better**** Wider with no rubbing problems at all.****

 

my dad has those tires on his miata and likes them alot.
I am looking for a more aggressive autox tire however, it is good to know the 215/45/17 size should fit without issue on the jcw. any idea if the sport suspension would cause any clearance issues compared to the stock? - i am assume no.

 

No problems at all.

 

Awesome! Thanks Ronnie!

 

Slinger688 how do you like the Nitto NT01's. Just ordered a set for the track.