I finally got my suspension fixed but before getting it fixed (New bushing and a real alignment) I slightly cupped my new Yoko Spec 2 tires. I am headed to the dragon so I want to throw some new tires on before the trip.

I am looking at going from my Yoko 205/45/17 to Sumitomo HTR Z II 215/40/17.

So here are the specs

Yoko
Select Width 8.3
Thread Width 7.6
Overal Dia 24.3

Sumitomo
Select Width 8.5
Thread Width 7.2
Overal Dia 23.9

I am running Spax Coilovers with 1.5 drop, MSW Wheels with 37 Offset. I dont have much clearance now but no rubbing. Are there any benefits or down side of going with the 215/40?

 

Anytime you go with 40 series tires you're going to get less comfort for daily street use. Handling will be responsive but road conditions will be important.

Since you have a lowered suspension I would expect more road noise and more risk for damage to tires, rims, and suspension parts if you did hit a pothole. If you are going slow then not too bad, do it enough times and your alignment will be affected but generally strong rims and a strut tower brace or anti mushrooming plate will help keep you OK.

215/40-17 is smaller than stock so it should fit OK. The wider tire is OK only 10mm more on same rim. +37 offset is very wide to the outside so you can't run tires that are too tall, only stock sized or smaller.

HTR ZII
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Model=HTR+Z+II
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=41
HTR ZII are compared to Yokohama AVS ES100 which by today's standards are not that good. Test was done in 2002!
$72 each (good value) 220 treadwear 20 lbs

For those thinking of tires in 215/40-17 these are worth a look-
Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec
$128 each 200 treadwear 20 lbs
$50 rebate on set of four tires for now.
Extreme performance summer tires with solid wet and dry handling and traction.

 

What size do you recommend with my setup. Yeah the 40's might be to low for NY roads and I dont want to bend a rim.

I could go with 205/45 which I am running now but just trying to figure out my best option.

 

Well you know that 205/45-17 does fit. That is the only 45 series tire size that is going to work well for you.

Otherwise it's 40 series and more risk on bad roads and stiffer ride.

Why not Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R in 205/45-17?
Price is not as good at about $152 each but handling and dry traction is good and ride comfort is very good for Extreme Performance Summer tire.
Treadwear is low at 180 but the ride quality makes up for that.

For better value in 205/45-17
In Max Performance Summer tires:
Toyo Proxes T1R $116 each 280 treadwear, 20 lbs each
Dunlop SP SportMaxx $129 each ($50 rebate on set of 4)
240 treadwear, 20 lbs each

Same size in Ultra High Performance Summer tires (also Parada Spec2)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 $124 each 240 treadwear, 20 lbs
BF Goodrich g-Force KDW2 $121 each 300 treadwear, 22 lbs

KDW2 has better handling and aggressive tread pattern, but not as comfortable for street use.
Pilot Exalto PE2 is good enough at handling and comfortable for daily use.

 

The Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 mentioned above has given me so far over 36,000 miles of "riding on rails" handling with good comfort..

I still have probably 15,000 or more miles of GREAT handling left on them and when that is done I will go for the same tires again.. Precise with none of that feeling of running on marbles when pushed through a turn..

Just my 2 cents worth..

Jim

 

Wouldn't 215/45 be an acceptable option here? I realize the car is lowered and the offset is small, but this size is only 0.3 inch larger in diameter than stock.
I would test fit this size, for clearance especially in the rear, and likely go this path. Get more meat on the road if you can.

 

Acceptable with risk for rubbing.

I have a 2003 MCS with H-sport springs for 1" drop front and rear using 17x7 rims with +42mm offset and 215/45-17 and it rubbed in the rear both sides with any uneven roads, when cornering, and with one person in the rear seat about 110 lbs. Since then I changed to coilovers, adjusted negative rear camber and trimmed the inner plastic wheel well arches on the inner sides for more clearance.

It might work but I think the risk of rubbing is high enough. Lowering 1.5" effectively limits your tire diameter to stock or less. There are some variations between MINIs.

Also rubbing will vary with tires, some are 24.7" tall and some have a square shoulder design which decreases clearance while others are more rounded.

10mm more tire width isn't worth the rubbing if this is your daily driver.
Wears on the tires as well.

 

Thanks for the further insight and details. Yes, I guess 1.5" of lowering is pushing the limit. Also since there are significant differences by tire and cars, a test fit will always be the final judge.

So in this case it seems a 215/45 definitely has risk of rubbing, but to know for sure......

Rubbing is not fun.

 

i have been running the 215/45 17 ever since i ditched my runflats. i'm also lowered an inch on H sport springs with no rubbing what so ever even with people sitting in the back and going around corners with the people in the back. I'm also running the stock wheels so the offset might make a difference.

 

Did you really mean 215/45/ That's wider AND taller than stock...

 

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That wasn't my question...I think 215/45 was a typo

 

no typo
215/45 17 is what i'm running currently
Hankook H105's

 

My mistake...wider and taller and lowered still and no rubbing? Wow...cool. Thanks

 

Why do you want to go to 215 width anyway? Look at the tire specs. The 205 width tires are wider than the 215 width tires... It varies quite a bit from tire to tire, you need to look at the width.

 

I've run 225/50/R16's on the track before . That's pretty tall and wide! No rubbing .

 

I have 225/50/R16s with JCW suspension & I lowered the rear an additional .75" by modifying upper spring perchs. The front never rubs.
I had to remove a little material in the inner edge of the rear bumper to avoid rubbing when crossing rail road tracks.

 

i've had 215 45's on 17 lowered and inch and got bottom out and rubbing all the time....sucked big time and huge mistake