hi,

I have an 05 MCS with the stock 16'' wheels and dunlop 5000 runflat tires. While the ride is not too bad, its still pretty rough.

I was wondering if I were to get aftermarket 17'' wheels with high performance tires, would the ride actually be smoother?

I know that I will need to carry around a spare, but the car is really feeling like it's not properly equipped with the Dunlops. I feel it could corner ALOT better with good tires as it has tendency to stay rock stable in hard turnes but the tires start squeeling and loosing their grip at increased velocity

So, again: 16''RF or 17'' performance??? i'm very curious about ride comfort between these 2.

Any comments and experiance would be appreciated...

 

Assuming you have stock suspension you could do the following-

upgrade your stock 16" wheels and runflats to:

17x7" rims with non runflat 215/45-17 or 205/45-17 tires.

I'd suggest a smoother riding tire that still gives decent performance along with all season grip so it's good in wet or dry conditions, this will also keep the cost down.

Maybe-
Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S in 215/45-17 for $119
Avon Tech M550 A/S in 205/45-17 for $102 or in 215/45-17 for $98
Avon Tech M500 in 215/45-17 for $104
Talk to Alex@tirerack.com for more info.

If cost is not a problem then-
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 in 215/45-17 for $132

I would say that with 17" nonrunflat tires your ride quality, traction and performance would be better than with stock 16" runflats.

I would not suggest the 215/40-17 tire since the lower profile sidewalls would result in a more harsh ride quality although it would do well for cornering.

 

ok, 1 for the 17'' and 0 for the runflats. :smile:

 

Why not just put 205/50-16 non-runflats on your stock 16" wheels?

FAQ: What high performance tires are being used to replace OEM tires?

 

I would go for the 17's non-run flats for performance. Carry a can of fix-a-flat and an air pump for emergencies.
When I had my previous Corvette, It had the run flats. I dumped them at 3K miles for some normal Michelin pilot sports. The difference was amazing and it really made the car ride and handle much better.
I have a MCS on order. I got the 17 web spoke wheels which are 3 lbs lighter than the standard 17" wheels. I already have plans to replace the tires with some non run flats.
Good luck with your choice.
mike

 

thanks for all the reply's...

There were 2 reasons to go to 17's:

- I could mount winter tires on my stock 16's and swap them myself.
- looks!

Do the cans of "fix a flat" really work? I read somewhere it unbalances your wheel...

 

IF you can use one set of rims or just stay with 16" rims then yes, 205/50-16 in non runflats are fine. Easy to find good tires for street use, fits the rims fine, good comfortable 50 series sidewall yet offers decent performance.

For comfort and cost, 205/50-16 are better than 215/45-17 but not as good on performance. Generally the 16" rim will weigh less than comparable 17" by 1-2 pounds as least.

 

Hi list.
What is the difference betveen a 215/45-17 and a 205/45-17 tyre?
I am planning to replace my current OEM 17 inch runflats to something fancier like Michelin Pilot plus.
Denes

 

I agree, the 17s look better, IMO
the fix-a-flat is a temporary fix unitl you get get to a repair shop and have it serviced. It is not intended to be a permanent fix

 

205/45-17 is the stock size tire for the stock 17x7" rim.
You get the tire designed for the stock suspension at a height that works "best" with the speedo/odometer.

The 215/45-17 sized tire will fit on the same rim and be 10mm wider which may help with cornering but weighs a tad more (2 pounds) and costs a little more. You also get slightly more rolling resistance so possibly lower mpg.
Outer tire diameter is 24.6" which is slightly more than stock.

For Michelin Pilots in 205/45-17 there is only the-
Pilot Exalto PE2 for $147 each Ultra High Perf Summer tire 24.3" outer tire diameter 20 pounds each. I didn't see a "Pilot Plus".

For that price range you might also check out
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
Or for less try Avon Tech M tires
Talk to Alex@tirerack.com, he carries them all.

You can choose either sized tire- selection is greater with the 215/45-17.
Runflats come in 205/45-17.