Ok im at 20k miles and I'm going to need to replace my tires. I did a brief search for the tires, but came up with a plethora of posts that mostly refer to tires complementing new rims. I am going to keep my 2001 type S rims, and instead would like to get the best tires for the lowest price (as everyone else in the whole world would to). The Pilot's on TireRack are over $200/per, and I just cant spend that kind of $$$. Some people have said that you can get much better tires for a cheaper price, so if some of you would be kind enough to answer the following questions for me, I'd appreciate it.

1. Can 225/x/17 tires fit on stock rims? If so what is the best 'x' value for performance and comfort?

2. What are some brands that are equivalent to our stock tires, though perhaps a bit cheaper?

Thanks in advance

 

Smumitomo HTR+ are GREAT value for $$$$$. Tirerack had them on sale for almost nothing in stock size. Those tha have bought different sizes other than stock in sumos have had problems. Much better than stock Michs in all areas IMHO.

 

225/50/17 is gonna b a good fit...and yes, they will fit just fine on stock rims

i have the Pilot Sport A/S's on my stock '01 rims for winter, unfortunately the tires r $200 a pop

 

im wondering the same bkknight ... want to keep my stock 01 rims and just replace the rubber.. im mostly interested in tread life and traction in the snow (had one minor incident with the stock michelins)

 

bkknight369,
In CA do you need all season tires? I'd look for a summer tire. Lots of people like Toyo Proxes T1-S and Bridgestone Potenza S-03s. 225/45, 235/45?

After reading about balancing and noise problems with Sumitimos (mostly 235/45, 215/50 problem ), I'm leaning towards Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 225/50WR17.

My stock Michelins have been flawless with 50k miles, no flats, no noise, no bubbles, no balancing issues, no problems at all. I don't think the Sumitimos are as high quality.

But the Michelins cost twice as much It's a tough decision.

 

One of my friends reccomended Yokohama AVS ES100. 215/50/17, cost about $109/tire, or about $473 for all 4 delivered. The price is right, and the reviews seem to indicate that they are really good tires. One more quick question: the 225 and 215 indicate the width of the tires? If so, are 225's really that much better? I'm asking seriously, because the 225's are quite a bit mroe expensive, and I'm wondering if they are truly worth it.

Thanks for the replies, past and present

 

For what it's worth, I'd personally go with anything *but* Michelins. I can't stand the stock tires--After a few thousand miles they suck in water, squeal like pigs in corners, have too much sidewall drifting.. I'd much rather have Dunlop, Yoko, etc. And for straight perf. def check the Sumimoto. Also, tire rack doesnt' carry all sizes/brands so make sure to check out other places too (Tire warehouse?)

sorry to hate on Michelin but for a variety of performance & other reasons (including they are French owned) I'll take my $$ elsewhere.

 

Hi guys! I'm new to posting. I have been accessing this site for a few years though. Excellent posts and opinions. I just replaced my tires on my 2001 Type S with yokohama AVS ES100 tires in 235/45/17. They work pretty good. Only have 100 miles on them. I got them from discount tires in California for $131 a tire. I don't notice any increase noise in tires over stock (although at 32,000 miles were pretty worn). If you want to preserve the stock rim from guaranteed damage at carwash, then the larger tire prevents it. I was looking into Bridgestone S03 and 750 at Costco. They offer a 30 day test drive but, at $190 each I had reservations. I am still trying to dial in tire pressure (currently at 36psi) which seems good.

 

one more thing...assume I order the tires online, how much can i expect to pay for installation?

 

Hey rkb007_2000, I'm considering those same tires (AVS ES100's)in that same size. Can you post pics? How do they ride compared to stock?

 

I agree with louisn ... get the Sumi's ... just got them myself. Great tire at a great price.

 

ive got the yokohama avs es 100's....and i love them...they are probably your best bet....plus they have a 40k mile tread warranty (which you will never see) and probably get a new set

 

you can't go wrong with sumitomo's. one of the best tires i have ever had. the price is outstnding. sumitomo owns dunlop.

 

zoot what size are you're tires?

 

As I have mentioned on prior posts, the OEM Michelins on my 03 CLS gave me major headaches with pulling; only fixed by replacing with PilotSports AS and new rims. One could fit 225/45/17 onto stock rims with increase in tire pressure in spite of what TireRack has said (refused to sell the tires). See the Michelin website, which footnotes the higher pressure requirement for the 225/45/17. 235/45/17 is somewhat wide for stock rims (which is why I bought new rims). But 235/45/17 are the closest to the OEM diameter, and so don't cause any change in speedometer and odometer. I'm not sure why one would want to put 225/50/17's on and change the diameter, raising the already high car and making the speedometer and odometers inaccurate. I put Dunlop SP5000 on my wife's SHO and they work great -- put the Acura's OEM Michelins to shame last winter.

 

The stock speedo reads high (do a search), so why go with a smaller diameter tire (225/45/17), make the reading higher and more inaccurate, and put more miles on the odometer.

The height difference is minuscule. How much gas you have in the tank makes more of a difference. The better tread and compound will negate any performace lost to height. If performace is important, get 18s and springs.

The 225/45 also has a lower load rating, 93 to 90. Probably why tire rack refused to sell them.

The extra sidewall and load rating makes a difference with pot holes.

 

I would say that the tires feel pretty good. I don't know if it is the increased diameter but, I do feel some drift on the freeway. Doesn't feel as straight as stock. Cornering and hard right turns is amazing, especially those long sweeping right hand freeway ramps. I still don't notice any increased noice (although with wear I probably will). I will try and post several pics for you to see when I get to work today (Sony camera doesn't work with Window ME at home). Sorry for not responding quicker.

 

Almost forgot, you won't need to worry about scratching you rims anymore with bigger diameter. I'm sure other manufactures in this size will help too.

 

pics?