I have a mild homemade turbo setup in my 92 Civic sedan and bought a set of 14" steelies to replace my 13s. I'd like to get a bit wider tire to increase traction while I'm at it. The stock size is 175/70/R13, would it be a good idea to go to a 205 tire width? Is that too wide, should I only go as far as 195?

I would either get 205/55/R14 or 195/55/R14 to keep my overall diameter close to stock size. I'm also looking at getting BFG Traction T/A tires, anybody have anything to say about them?

 

If it were my car, I would get the Falken Azenis RT-615 in 185/60-14 (which should be available any day now, new size introduction, at Vulcan Tire). That's the right size for your car, shouldn't rub, will keep your speedometer accurate, and will give you MUCH better traction than any other street tire, even one in a wider size than that. Remember, if you want the best performance, concentrate on getting better, stickier tires, not wider tires.

BTW, the Traction T/A is a crappy all-season tire, NOT what you need. With a turbo setup, you really NEED at least a top-quality sticky summer tire (and the Azenis is as sticky a street tire on dry pavement as you can get). If you need to drive your car in the winter, get a separate set of wheels and put winter tires on them. That would be a good use for your 13" stockers; you can get the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 or the Michelin X-Ice in 175/70-13.

 

Thanks for the reply. I do other tires that I can use in the winter so I guess I don't need all seasons in the summer. So you are recommending a 185/60 Azeni, how about a 195/55? What is a common size that they are available in and where is the best place to buy these from?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jizzmaster Zero &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So you are recommending a 185/60 Azeni, how about a 195/55?</TD></TR></TABLE>

They're not available in 195/55-14.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jizzmaster Zero &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What is a common size that they are available in</TD></TR></TABLE>

As I mentioned, 185/60-14 is perfect for your car, and they are supposed to be available in that size some time this month, according to Vulcan's website. (They're also available in 195/60-14, which is a bit big.)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jizzmaster Zero &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">where is the best place to buy these from?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I included a link to Vulcan Tire in my previous post, and their prices are as good as anybody's. Other places that sell them include Edge Racing and Discount Tire.

You'll love 'em...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by solbrothers &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the overall diameter of the 185-60-14 is bigger than the 205-50-15</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's not typically the case. The calculated diameters are 22.74 inches for 185/60-14 and 23.07 inches for 205/50-15. However, those dimensions are not always precise; some tires are larger or smaller than others labeled with the same size.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by solbrothers &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">dont waste time mounting tires on steelies... they're heavy as ****. </TD></TR></TABLE>

They're perfect. And steelies help maintain my sleeper look.

 

It's no prob.

I've decided to go with the Azenis in 185/60, just waiting for them to come out (September's over bitches! wtf)

Does anybody use 195/60/14 on their civic? I'm tempted...