16" tire selection

[nightfire]

I'm starting to regret buying 16" wheels; the tire selection is really crappy.

Can anyone recommend a sticky summer 235/40R16 or 225/45R16? There really doesn't seem to be much out there (including my beloved general exclaim uhp).

[onlytrueromeo]

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1. ... unFlat=All" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1. ... unFlat=All" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1. ... unFlat=All" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

UHP Is also available in 225/50ZR16

You want a tire size that isn't too popular. One of the reasons why I don't want to go over 205 is because it makes finding tires very difficult. Apparently most people want 17's now because theyre all N00bs! Even the tire tests are done on 17's w/ low profile tires...what the hell.

[onlytrueromeo]

How wide are your wheels? 8"?

[Daninski]

I always thought that those cheaper performance tires that were only rated for 80k were made of a softer rubber compound hense more "sticky". I'm sure ND4SpudsSE will read this and comment and set things straight.

[onlytrueromeo]

They are made of softer rubber. 80k? No one should ever be expecting 80k from a performance tire

20k MAX miles I'd say. Softer rubber = glue! These are street tires, not track tires, although some could argue the occasional track day - they will definitly wear down faster.

This is one of the guys on CP w/ his nice 6UL wheels...225 Hoosier - 8" wide wheel...It's a little overboard for every day use. haha.

[Nd4SpdSe]

I always thought that those cheaper performance tires that were only rated for 80k were made of a softer rubber compound hense more "sticky". I'm sure ND4SpudsSE will read this and comment and set things straight.

Lol!

Ya, you're pretty much on the dot. Even my Kumho MX's only have a treadwear rating of only 220. My first set lasted me literally 2 seasons. You can guage how long they'll last from that rating, but also technically how grippy they'll be too.

Asking for a high-milleage soft compound tire is like asking for a all-season tire that's going to stay soft in the cold winter months.

[nightfire]

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1. ... unFlat=All

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1. ... unFlat=All" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1. ... unFlat=All" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

UHP Is also available in 225/50ZR16

You want a tire size that isn't too popular. One of the reasons why I don't want to go over 205 is because it makes finding tires very difficult. Apparently most people want 17's now because theyre all N00bs! Even the tire tests are done on 17's w/ low profile tires...what the hell.

That's weird... my tirerack search didn't find a bunch of those tires from your search. Hmmf.

Ok, I guess 225/50ZR16 or 225/45ZR16 is the answer. My wheels are only 7" so even though I'd like the extra rubber, I guess it would affect sidewall stability too much anyway.

[onlytrueromeo]

^ I would go w/ a 215 over a 225 w/ 7" wheels. I'm going w/ 205 if I get 7" wheels, and 225 if I get 8" wheels.

[nightfire]

^ I would go w/ a 215 over a 225 w/ 7" wheels. I'm going w/ 205 if I get 7" wheels, and 225 if I get 8" wheels.

I've been thinking about that a lot. The problem is I just need more damned rubber. I guess 10% (or 5% to 215) won't make that much of a difference. And I really should consider the sacrifice in sidewall stability.

However, 1) it would protect my rims and 2) did I mention I need more rubber?

With my 205/45R16 general exclaim UHPs I'm spinning all the way through 1st and partly through 2nd, and I'm about to go turbo. I already have an LSD that works beautifully.. and I don't want to stress it with wheel hop.

Maybe I'll have to consider selling my wheels and getting something bigger.

[onlytrueromeo]

You're spinning through first w/ those tires on just a ZE?

[nightfire]

Well, ZE with headers. I mean at any point if I go WOT in 1st, the tires will break. If I powershift into 2nd they'll break and spin clear through 6000rpm.

I mean don't get me wrong. It pulls... hard. But I want more!

[solo_ryder]

Just cause you get a 225 or a 235 tire doesnt mean its gonna solve your traction issues, if you really wanna solve the issue get a LSD. There is not much you can do if you have a open diff other then changing your driving habits or lower your tire pressure. You can also look into getting some traction bars of sorts (Ask hppdwn) as that may improve your traction as well

Look at a 205/50/16 or a 215/50/16 tire, you will find more common sizes that way.. Also look at a stickier tire like a Falken Azenis or a Nitto NT01. Exclaims are OK, but there are a BUNCH of other tires out there that are stickier then the Generals (Like the two I mentioned above).

[nightfire]

Just cause you get a 225 or a 235 tire doesnt mean its gonna solve your traction issues, if you really wanna solve the issue get a LSD. There is not much you can do if you have a open diff other then changing your driving habits or lower your tire pressure. You can also look into getting some traction bars of sorts (Ask hppdwn) as that may improve your traction as well

Look at a 205/50/16 or a 215/50/16 tire, you will find more common sizes that way.. Also look at a stickier tire like a Falken Azenis or a Nitto NT01. Exclaims are OK, but there are a BUNCH of other tires out there that are stickier then the Generals (Like the two I mentioned above).

I have an LSD tranny already. Maybe you're right about the exclaims.