I just got a new, (well, used actually, but new to me!) set of Konig 17 inch rims with a 37 mm offset, and I am trying to decide what kind of tire to buy for them. I want to do this as cheaply as possible, but still get a good handling set of tires. I came across 3 models from the Tire Rack that seem fairly cheap; Goodyear Eagle GS-D, Kumho ECSTA Supra 712, and Sumitomo HTR Z. Out of these, which would you guys recommend? Are their any other tires out there that would be better (for less than $100 each)? Any good tips on where to get nice tires for cheap?

Also, what size tire would be good for 17x7 wheels? Tire Rack recommends 215/45's, would 225/45's fit? Should I get the same size tires for both front and back wheels?

Thanks guys!!

 

The choices are pretty lame...it's really a toss up. FWIW, the GS-Ds were once OE tires for the base model FD (JoeD, Johnny, MaxCooper, Wade--correct me if I'm wrong)...

Why did you get only 7-inch wide wheels? Classic mistake most enthusiasts make. They go for the look of the taller diameter, but forget about the wheel width... Anytime you plus-size, you should go WIDER too!

FWIW, the 215s will be a better fit. Run the same size all the way around for best handling...

 

Get some S02's or S03's, or maybe SP8000's or SP9000's. Dope tires and you'll love ther performance. THey're not cheap, but why cheap out on the only thing that actually has contact with the ground?

 

Well, I don't want to "cheap out" as you put it. I am in medical school right now, so that equals no job and not a ton of extra money to throw around. I am also in the process of restoring a Triumph TR6 and that is expensive. I would like to have gotten 7.5 or 8 inch wide wheels, but I got the ones I did for an absolute steal, and I just couldn't pass them up. I just need some decent tires for daily driving on the 17 inch rims. I also autocross the RX-7, so I have a set of 15 inch wheels with the "not so lame" tires for that...that is where I have spent money for max performance. So I already have a set of all out performance tires for when I race, I just need some nice but cheap ones for the day-to-day grind. Don't get me wrong, I would love a set of state-of-the-art tires on there everyday, but that will have to wait a few years until I actually start doing surgeries instead of just learning about them! There are a couple of guys here who autocross on Kuhmos and like them...I am thinking about going in that direction.

 

Dang! How do you have time autocross. I think it's a huge waste of your time standing around working the course.

My grades weren't high enough to get into medical school, so you must be one SMART guy to have time to go racing, while your medical school buddies are studying their brains out!!!

FWIW, I'd go with Yokohama AVS Intermediates, if they come in your sizes. I have a set in 255/40--17s (on 9 x 17 SSR Integral A2, 45-mm offset), and have been very pleased with their performance thus far. I also have a set of racing-only tires--Hoosier R3S03s--245/45-17 on 8.5 x 17; and 275/40-17 on 9.5 x 17 SSR Comps.

Good luck!