5o9

Looking to buy new summer tires & wheels. Our stocks are 17x7, and think that the stock tire width is maxed out at 7" wide.

Should I go to 7.5" or 8" wide and move to 45 series tire? I am sticking with 17s

Simba91102

Boy this is a tough question; kind of like asking "what should my new girlfriend look like?". Pretty much everyone will have a dog in this fight, so be prepared for as many different suggestions as there are replying posts. Mine? I first went to 235/45x17's (wider tire, same diameter) on 08 TL wheels (17x8, et45)(basically an 04-08 TL OE setup)(but not those crappy Michelin's), but discovered that I occasionally rubbed in back (I'm lowered a bit and run OE spec camber). Plus, those wheels are heavy. So I got rid of those and since have been running 225/50x17's on 7.5" wheels with et50 offset. They're slightly taller (than the OE tire), which works for me since I do virtually all highway driving (and allot), and can use the effect of the slightly longer final drive provided by the taller tire. And the 5mm difference in offset along with the 1/2" wider wheels both work to move the tires and wheels out slightly which provides I think a great look (especially lowered). That's my story. I'm sure you'll get many more.

5o9

^ Appreciate your well-informed description.

The 7" wide does not seem right to me. Thinking about going 17/7.5 with 235/45/17. Don't worry about the weight, looking in the range of 16-19 pounds and the tsx stocker is I think 24 lbs, oink.

Ottawa-TSX

I have 225/50/17 for my winter tires and i like them. I personaly wouldn't go to a 45 tire with 17's. I feel as if the wheel gap to the fender would be to much. If you have a drop thats a different story. I totally agree with Simba91102 your going to get all kinds of different answers. when I look for my tire size for my summers a look at the picture gallery. people usually put there tire size with there rim pictures.

huludicidal

I went 225/45 on the stock wheels but you can't go any wider. The fender gap difference isn't noticeable at all, IMO, compared to the 215/50 and I'm on stock suspension. It's a little harsher ride but I felt like I made the right choice going with a (slightly) lower profile tire and get the cm increase in width. The speedo is off by 2mph according to my GPS.

kanonen

How is fast speed grip? Corners? ABS? VSA?

huludicidal

According to the tire chart, the size difference does not affect ABS or VSA and I can vouch for that. The ABS and VSA behave exactly as they did with the stock tires. I can only compare the difference with the stock tires but the fast grip seems the same, however the tires are more responsive and curves in the freeway are taken fast with confidence. As far as cornering goes, I couldn't be happier. I have yet to understeer on dry pavement and can rail around the on/off ramps at much higher speeds than deemed necessary. Just comparing sizes, the profile is slightly lower so you'd expect a bit less sidewall rollover and the extra cm in width is an improvement, however probably negligible to the daily driver in most circumstances. Again, my only complaint is that the ride is harsher and living in Boston, I am swerving all over the place to avoid potholes and cracks etc. When you hit a hole, you feel it in your spine.

TheMirror

I ran 17x7.5 ET +48 Gram Lights with 225/45R17s on my TSX and it was a perfect setup.

Stock wheels weigh 22.9 lbs.

Simba91102

Personally, I'd stick with the 235/45 if you're going to use a 45 series tire. The 225/45x17 size is a little shorter than the OE 215/50x17, and since I'm of the opinion that the OE tire looks a little small (at stock height) to begin with.... well, I'd recommend the larger (and proper diameter) tire. No reflection here on the guys using the smaller tire; just my opinion.

Oh, and a 17x7.5 inch wheel that's 16-19 pounds? Sounds attractive, but awfully fragile. Here in Mass., I think I'd keep a wheel straightening shop on speed dial.....