I will be using my all season 16" OEM set up for the winter. But I have a set of S lites for the summer/track. And I would like a Max performance-Extreme performance summer tires on the S lites. I searched for the OEM size 205/45/17 at tirerack.com and the choices are extremely limited. There are more options if I go with 205/40/17 or 215/40/17. Will I have an advantage in handling if I went with the lower profile (205/40/17) instead of the OEM size or 215/40/17? Or would you just go with 215/40/17 for the extra contact patch?

 

Try here
http://www.tires-easy.com/start.html

 

www.edgeracing.com has many of the big name high performance tires that tirerack doesn't carry (like toyo, or falken for example)

The sidewall difference will only be 1/10th of an inch, and the contact patch won't be much wider. I think the handling change would be minimal with whichever you chose. The 205/40/17's will also have better gearing than the 215 to aid in acceleration at a slight lose of absolute top speed (which is limited already at 135 or whatever the r56 is limited at). The 205's might also weight a tiny bit less which would be nice

I'd stick with the 205's cause in my opinion, they offer more pro's. They'll look better, the sidewall is shorter, the gearing is better, the weight and distribution is better, and the price is probably better .

 

At the same time, wouldn't the advantages in gearing/weight be very minimal?

If the setup is predominately for the street, I don't think you will really notice the difference. At the track, the extra contact patch might help you better then a minimal weight or gearing advantage. I would look for tires in both sizes and buy the best tire for your budget.

 

Yes....most likely very minimal. Either way you go with the tires, I'm sure you'll be happy. But if you list all the (minimal) pro's, it might help with the indecision.

 

Very true.

 

there are sooo many cheap tires!
Which tires are the stickiest among the ones below $100?

 

ECSTA MX KU15205/40 ZR17 84Y RF BSW

 

r56mini:

You can check for the Falken FK452 or the Falken RT615. Personally, the FK452 will give you a more comfortable ride with good wet and dry traction. Plus, the tire is very quiet. The RT615 is all out performance and will grip much better than the FK452 in the dry. The wet traction is not as great and it is a loud tire. These tires are both under $100 each. Let me know if you have any questions.

Leo Barrios
leo@edgeraciong.com
800-489-5353 x211
http://www.edgeracing.com