paw-kz1k

Hi,

I am going to buy new wheels/tires for my Max. I have decided to go with the Kosei K1 Racing wheels. I am trying to decide between tires now. I am thinking about getting either Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Symmetrical or Dunlop SP Sport A2 tires. The size I am considering is: 225/60-15. (Yes, that's a fifteen -- not a typo.)

Any opinions on these tires? The reviews from the tirerack site where generally favorable. The price is right (5000s are $73 and the A2s are $63.) Any other recommendations? Thanks

The reason for picking 15" wheels are many: (1) I got my drivers license in 1969 (you do the math ;-)) when the Boss 302s, Camaro Z28s, Roadrunners, etc, ruled and 15 wheels were the standard that I grew up with, (2) as Dave B. pointed out, 15" wheel typically outperform larger, heavier wheels in most situations, and (3) the Kosie 15" wheels are $109 ea at the tirerack (closeout). So with all that in mind, I tend to go for balanced performance verses "Bling-Bling" image.

My max is lowered (H&R/KYBs) so I don't thing it will look terrible anyway. I am looking for some semblance of a decent ride, better performance and to improve the appearance a little over the stock steelies.

Thanks for your input.

dental stud

Congratulations on choosing performance over that "bling-bling" nonsense. I get so sick of hearing people whine that "my 19's are too small, I want 21's" that this is a refreshing change. I might have gone 16 myself because that allows a 225/50 series tire to be used (lower profile and stiffer sidewalls, but not too much more weight), but I can't fault you for your decision. How heavy are those wheels you're getting, anyway? Dunlop A2's are decent. My experience is that they grip well, but have mushy sidewalls. You can feel them roll more, but they'll still hang on well even when pushed. Good in the rain, too. Don't know about the 5000's.

paw-kz1k

I think the 15x7" wheels are 13.5 pounds. The 16x7.5" weigh 15.5 pounds.

By picking the 15" over the 16", I save about $85 per corner! The Kosei 15" are $109 the 16" are $159. The Dunlops (Sport 5000 for example) are $72 for 15" and $107 for 16".

So, as you can see, simple economics is also driving my choice!

Thanks for the response, the Dunlops A2s are tempting.

DanSE

iTrader: (1)

I agree with your theories, so im sticking to the stock16" SE wheels. I think they look good too. Does changing to 225 rather than the stock 215 change anything?
Thanks,
Dan

dental stud

A 50 series tire has a slightly harsher ride, slightly less roll, and the slightly wider contact patch (225 is one cm wider) helps slightly. So I guess what I'm saying is that the differences are slight... but I like the wider stance and lower profile look. Performance difference is marginally in favor of the 225's. It matters more what type of tire you choose than the size when the differences are this small.

maxNYC

iTrader: (1)

I've been driving on 225/60-15 on my GLE stock wheels for a year. They are Mushy as the previous poster commented. I recently lowered the car with kyb agx and maxspeeds and the mushiness is amplified.

The car is currently running v rated br goodrich comp T/A tires and the tread where is not noticible (probably to the fact that i have three cars and rotate their use).

as a matter of fact, i just ordered a set of 205/60 15's today to replace these tires. If youre interested, i'm considering selling my BF Goodrich's.

paw-kz1k

MaxNYC, thanks for the reply.

Are the GLE wheels 6" wide or 6.5". If they are only 6" wide (like my GXE rims) then some of the mushiness might be attributed to the somewhat narrow rim.

I have the H&R/KYB combo and I noticed MUCH improved tire behavior when throwing the car hard into a corner. (As long as the road surface is very smooth.)

At any rate, I am not going to autocross the thing and I am reasonably sure that even high profile (by today's standard) 60 series tire will provide all the lateral grip I will ever need.

Thanks for the offer for the tires, but I am going to buy the wheels/tires already mounted and balanced from the Tirerack.

voltman

iTrader: (1)

I'd suggest 16" wheels for the sole reason that you can get better tires in that size.

hacim105

iTrader: (6)

The reason that people get bigger rims is because they look better on the new cars. I agree that 15 is as big as you should go on muscle cars because they look best on those. I always think it's stupid when I see a 69 camaro or mustang with 18" wheels on it. But I also think that having bigger rims looks better on new cars because it gives it more of a showy appealing look. Unless you drive performance all the time who cares about how much your rims weigh.
on another note. Low profile tires are best for performance so get 50 series tires and lower your car 2"

paw-kz1k

But that is part of my purchase choice. I am less concerned about "showy appealing look[s]" than I am about performance.

Well, wheel weight DOES make a difference. All else being equal, your MPG will improve, your brakes will last longer, your suspension will not be worked as hard, etc. These things hold true regardless of driving style, although the "fast and aggressive" among us will see a greater benefit from a lighter/tighter rotating mass.

My car is dropped, though only 1.5"-1.75" (H&R/KYB), and that change alone really improved the stock 205/65-15 tire performance. There certainly is some merit to using 50 series tires (no argument there) however, I am looking for the best bang-for-the-buck and the 15" combo vs. 16" combo saves me $340! That will pay for a y-pipe and wheel alignment with cash to spare.

I appreciate your comments!

dental stud

I'm just still so glad to see the argument going the other way. Who's up for 14's, guys? Do I hear 13's?

Tripower

No way! I've seen nicely and tastefully done muscle cars with 17" and 18" wheels on them that look very good. If you put a tire with decnt sidewall height on a 60's car abd lower it, it doesn't look bad at all. My plans for my GTO include upgrading the entire suspension and going 13" Baer brakes as well as 17" or 18" wheels. It'll look good and handle as good as a sports car when I'm done! Just my .02 worth...

Tripower

No way! I've seen nicely and tastefully done muscle cars with 17" and 18" wheels on them that look very good. If you put a tire with decent sidewall height on a 60's car and lower it, it doesn't look bad at all. My plans for my GTO include upgrading the entire suspension and going 13" Baer brakes as well as 17" or 18" wheels. It'll look good and handle as good as a sports car when I'm done! Just my .02 worth...

krbga

I am currently using 15's for winter months:

205/60 15 Dunlop Sport A2's on 15x7 ATS COMPLITE GUNMETAL.

I love the ride, quick, responsive and nimble! I swear people think with the dark gunmetal..they are 17's.

Go with the 225's, I loved that width when I ran 225/50 16's.