kchandra

So, I purchased a set of Enkei PF01 in matte black - 17x8 +50 and 17x9 +60 staggered in matte black. I plan to use the wheels for spirited summer driving, possibly auto-x, but slight chance.

I was looking at tire size options and have two options I am considering:

1) 235/40/17 and 255/40/17 - This seems recommended on the forums and the rear seems slightly taller than the front. For example looking at Dunlop Direzza ZII at 24.4" front and 25" rear overall diameter.

2) 235/45/17 and 265/40/17 - The tires seem to be the same size overall diameter wise at 25.4", but tire selection is disappointing. All Tire Rack has is Potenza RE760 Sport.

I am on stock suspension. If I did anything, I would possibly do Swift Spec-R and maybe CR dampers or Konis and and an aggressive alignment. Will I have rubbing issues with setup #2.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

Jet3010

Do 225/45/17 fronts and 255/40/17 rears. It'll give you a wide selection of tires and matches the OEM diameter close enough to not affect the speedometer. The first will have a decent rake and can work but will look odd on stock suspension. The second set is just too tall.

kchandra

Thanks for the response. Only question I have is do you think the 225 too narrow for an 8" wheel aka "stretch"?

s2000Junky

no not at all, it will sit pretty square on that width rim actually, far from stretched. I use to run that size tire on a 8.5 and the profile was about perfect. You can run up to a 9" max recommended rim width. The wider the rim within its specified range, the more you will get out of the tire, tread width put to the ground along with more direct handling or steering response.

the 235/40 would also be a fine choice. Slightly smaller diameter up front is fine to run as long as your aware. The shorter sidewall will improve directness with the slightly wider tire on that rim anyhow.

ZDan

^^^
What them guys said: 225/45-17 or 235/40-17 fronts and 255/40-17 rears (very poor selection in 265/40).
All I have to add is to pick the best tire make/model for your specific usage, that's WAY more important than 225 vs. 235 or 255 vs. 265.
Take into account *worst conditions* you might be driving in (rain, cold, snow?), as well as whether you'll be tracking or autoXing.

kchandra

Right now, the car has the Ectsa 4X on them on the OEM rims.

Thanks again for feedback. Regarding tires and use, I really don't think I will be autox-ing this car much. I just don't have the time for it nowadays. It will be something I will enjoy only in the summer months, tinker with and such. I won't be driving it rain or snow AT all. It is a summer car only. I have the Focus ST for daily driving duties. So, unless I get caught in a sudden downpour or something, it won't happen.

I have narrowed tire choices to the following for 225/45-17 and 255/40/17:

Extreme Performance:
1) Federal 595 RS-R - $480
2) Nitto NT05 -$595
3) Kumho Ecsta XS - $679

Max Performance:
1) Kumho Ecsta LE Sport - $477
2) Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position - $574
3) Continental ExtremeContact DW - $587

The Federal is tempting for the price for performance. Any recommendations on the list above would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

s2000Junky

As someone who has been running the kuhmo xs for several years now, its going to offer the best peak dry performance out of your selection. If its going to be a summer dedicated car as you mentioned, that tire is where it shines best above any tire in its class. Be careful in the wet and when the tires are cold. They deliver about the best dry adhesion out of any extreme summer, but there is a price to pay in other broader ranges of use.

Themikewoo

The Continential DW's are great in rain. Check out this review https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/872...me-contact-dw/

I have a set of DW's as my daily driving tire and for autocross (that's why I bought the car ) I have Dunlop ZII's. Next year I think I will go with the Rivals.