Finally given up on getting a new set of lightweight 18" wheels. Can't find any style I like as much as the OEM 17" on my SE. My question is....for the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 tires I can now get the size of 235/50/17 or 235/45/17... I was thinking of going with the 50 series instead of 45 to fill the wheel gap out a bit. Think I'm crazy for going with the 235/50/17 instead of the 235/45/17 ?

Peter

 

i think there will be too much sidewall flexing which will feel like your car is not handling as great as it should. i would stick with 45 series.

 

Amen to that

I went from 225/50/17's to 235/45/17's on my 03, I have Pirelli Pzero Nero M/S. Helps that the tire has a fairly stiff sidewall, but if you get ones without you may get some "interesting" handling.

 

No problem going to 45 series if I was willing to change to a 7 1/2" wide wheel...I know lots of people run 45 series on the stock 7" wide OEM wheel....but not worth the risk to me.

Peter T

 

IIRC, the F1 GS-D3s do come in the 225/50R17 OEM size. Shop around.

 

Thanks for the reply. I knew they came in 225/50/17 size...I wanted the 235 series to go a little wider.

Peter

 

So,

1. You like the 17 inch OEM rims
2. You don't want to go off spec on the 7 in wide rim
3. You want to go with a little wider tire
4. You want stiff sidewalls but don't want the 4x4 look

The way I see it, all these don't work together, no matter what brand tire you buy. You're going to have to compromise somewhere, whether going off spec or buying new rims and a drop will be a must.