Hey all, I've been autocrossing my TSX on my aftermarket 18's as those are the only wheels w/ grippy tires I had, but they're bald now anyways. I'm running STS and would like to upgrade to one of the usual street tires, RT615, RT215 or MX.

I have 2 sets of wheels a set of 16x6.5 Civic Si rims and 17x7 OEM TSX. I'd prefer to put 225's on if possible since my car has no problem fitting them. I'm wondering what people think about going to a -1 sizing, as the sidewall will increase on the tire.

Choices are

225/50/16 MX (2.4% off, $115)
225/45/17 MX (2.0% off, $136)
215/45/16 RT215 (7.8% off, $104)
225/45/17 RT215 (2.0% off, $111)
205/40/16 RT615 (11.8% off, woah, $93)
225/45/17 RT615 (2.0% off, $150 )

So the RT615 sizes suck, and the MX for 16" fits very well. Anyone done -1 sizing?


Modified by xizor at 9:44 PM 5/6/2005

 

I'd go with one of the Azenis tyres in 225/45/17.

 

I noticed some people are suggesting the new Hankook's as well

225/45/16 (6.2% off, $87)
225/50/16 (2.4% off, $82)

Those are both looking pretty good, especially w/ the sizing option.

 

How's the stock gearing on your TSX for autoX? If it's a bit long, then go with a shorter tire... if not, then I'd suggest sticking with the 225/45 17's. Any of the tires listed should be fine but the new RT615 and the MX will probably stand up better to the extra heat that a TSX is going to pump into them (vs a Civic/Teg/CRX).

Christian

 

TSX is a relativly heavy car, id say you want a minimum of 225 of width, i know some people say its not enough for a 2,400 lbs civic, so id say go bigger

 

I'd go for the smallest diameter wheel that you can possibly fit over your brakes, then go for the widest tread and shortest sidewall tire that you can fit on it.

In this case, if it were up to me, I would think the 225/45-16 would be a great choice, but I don't know how they would fair on a 16x6.5" rim. Some care some wouldn't (I wouldn't because I don't drive fast enough for it to make a difference).

If you can, maybe sell off the civic wheels and buy 16x7" or 16x7.5" wheels, then slap 225/45-16 hankooks on them? Or perhaps you could just put the 225/45-16 Hankooks on the 16x6.5" Civic wheels, run on them, and if they feel sloppy to you, trade the civic wheels for a wider 16" wheel. Even if it costs you a little money for the trade, you can make up for it in the long run by not going with the more expensive 17" tires...

Either way, when comparing the 225/45-16 to the 225/45-17, the 16 inchers win because they cost less, give you better gearing, but still have the same amount of sidewall as the 17s...

 

Plus the weight savings on the 16" versus the 17". They have the RT615 in a 215/45R16, but not available until mid to late '05. I put in a vote for 16" as well.