Tire Choices (probably too long)

I've started looking for new tires for spring. I've had a few different combos over the years, and am thinking of trying something else again. The primary use of this car is daily driver when I feel like it / weekend toy. I have a set of Nitto Drag radials for the track (245/50/16).

I see 3 or 4 options for tires. All of the dimensions are averages from the various makes I've been looking at.

Stock 225/60/16, 26.6 diameter, 9" wide.
I think these fill the wheel well nicely, but are just a little narrow for my taste.

245/50/16, 25.7 diameter, 10" wide. I've run these a lot, and like the way they handle, but they are a little short for my taste. They also look a little lost in the wheel well. They seem to be fine on the stock wheel, but are at the minimum recomended width for most brands.

235/55/16, 26.1 diameter, 9.5 wide. These are the ones I have no experience with. They seem to be closer to stock height, and will get some extra width. The downside I've seen is that its not a real common size so brand choice seems limited.

255/50/16, 26.1 diameter, 10.5 wide. I think these are to wide for the stock wheels, and will probably cause interference on the front.

Is anyone running the 235/55/16 combo on their car? Has anyone tried a 255/50/16 on the rear with stock wheels? Are there any other good options I'm missing?

Any feedback is appreciated

Bob Myers



[This message has been edited by martin0660 (edited 02-01-2003).]

Bob, I'm running the 235/55/16. It's the only combo I have experience with besides the stockers. They are noticiable improvement in handling and traction. I'm in the same boat as you, I'm going to need new ones this year.
The current ones are Goodyear Eagle T/As. They have a little over 40K on them and I can probably get another 3-5K out of them in good weather. They do firm up the ride a bit but it's very livable for day to day driving which is one of the reasons I'm hesitant to go wider or lower. I'd like to try some Dunlops but I don't think they make them in this size. Keep me posted on what you find/do

I got some POS Generals, stock size tires on the daily driver. They were new when I got the car so I figure I'll drive them off. They are ugly but so far have worked in the snow.
They have no traction for hard acceleration

how much of a traction improvement are the Nittos? I got to get something for the track but have no experience with drag radials.


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Pete,
Thanks for the info. I'm leaning towards the 245/50's. These seem to be more popular, available, and are available a decent prices. I am still going to give the 235/55's a good look.

As for the Niito's, I love mine. I've found them to be very predicatble if you follow a good routine. My first run, I do a very hard burn-out, and make a pass. The rest of the day / night, I will basically get them spinning, then roll out of the box until they hook. If you do more than one good burn-out, they get greasy and spin.

Most times, a 5 speed car will either burn or bog, and neither is real predictable. The Nittos hook enough that every launch is a slight bog with a 4000 rpm launch.

Bob Myers

Bob, thanks much for that info on the Nittos