Tire Dilemma...UGH!

[Vezna31]

Ok...some of you guys here know my driving style. My front tires have gotten to 40k miles on my Goodyears F1's (which I love) and they are finally bald on the insides. Although that is some incredible mileage, I am going to have to switch to a cheaper and longer lasting tire because I've blown through 4 sets of rears in that time of 2 years. And with being on 18" rims, those rears are expensive at $225 apiece plus shipping, mounting and balancing.

That being said, I still have alot left on my rears, so I will be mismatched for a short time period. Not the best thing to do, I know, but sometimes sacrifices must be made. With the cost of gas and the 20k miles I drive every year, it's a sacrifice that must be made. Plus, I have R-compounds for the track and for aggressive mountain runs that I can use so as not to push the handling on mismatched tires and to really make these tires last longer.

So...getting to the question. I'm supposed to run 225/40/18 but the 18's rub if I hit a big dip in the road. Does anyone think dropping to a 215/40/18 will help this at all? I found a BF Goodrich G-Force Sport for $112 (vs. $182 for my current tire) with the diameter off by .2" to OEM. The same tire is also available in the 255/35/18 size recommended which was not in the Goodyears. I had to use a 245. The BF Goodrich rears will also be $70 cheaper apiece when I'll need them.

Comments?

[dezignpro04]

Vez you gotta listen to dez! I have 18" rims as well.

Specs are: F: 18x7.5 w/215/40/18 R: 18x9.5 w/265/35/18

I experience no rubbing at all, and love the tire sizes. going to a 215 front wont make much of a difference IMHO. And the fact that I run 265 in the rear gives me all the grip I need. Not sure the specs of your rims, but a 215 front works GREAT for me. I think you should jump on it. Especially since you can match them later and get the correct size you need for even less $.

My .02 and hope it helps...

[Vezna31]

Originally Posted by dezignpro04

Vez you gotta listen to dez! I have 18" rims as well.

Specs are: F: 18x7.5 w/215/40/18 R: 18x9.5 w/265/35/18

I experience no rubbing at all, and love the tire sizes. going to a 215 front wont make much of a difference IMHO. And the fact that I run 265 in the rear gives me all the grip I need. Not sure the specs of your rims, but a 215 front works GREAT for me. I think you should jump on it. Especially since you can match them later and get the correct size you need for even less $.

My .02 and hope it helps...

I looked at my rims last night and it looks like I could drop the front size down without it being too small for the rim. The Tirerack recommends 225 on 18's, but again, I'm not going to be beating the crap out of the tires. I have track tires for that. I can't remember the spec for the rim. I think it's 18x8.

[chazdawg35]

Hey Dudes any idea's on Sumitomo's?

[Vezna31]

Originally Posted by chazdawg35

Hey Dudes any idea's on Sumitomo's?

I wound up putting 225/18 Sumitomo HTZ III's on the front. They aren't bad. I've pushed them a few times on exit ramps and they were predictable. They performed to my satisfaction. As soon as the Goodyears in the rear wear out, I will put Sumi's on there too.

[chazdawg35]

Well I guess the Sumitomo HTRZ will work for the price, F 225/55/16= $69 R 245/50/16= $72 and the treadwear is 140. After the track twice and Canyons I ate up the Yokohama S-drive's in 6 months.