Hokie99

I'd like to try the General Exclaim UHP tires as my next set but they don't offer our OEM Size (215/50/17). I did a few searches but seems like I can't find any others with these tires or this specific size. I definitely don't want rubbing...

My options for these tires are:

215/45ZR17
225/45ZR17
235/45ZR17
245/45ZR17

According to Tire Size Calculator the Diameter difference is less than 3% and that is recommended.

****When changing tire sizes, we recommend staying within 3% of the diameter/height of the original tire. Any more than this and you face the risk of brake failure.

If no one has any good advice, I will stick with the ContiExtremeContacts as they have great tires for the last 45K miles. The OEM crap only lasted 24K.

thanks in advance!

III

go 215-45 i say... but i like smaller tires overall. definitely not 245's or 235's IMO

bonknhead

I'd go for the 235/45-17s personally. They're the closest to stock diameter tires. I'll do that when my BFGs need to be replaced. There's at least one member here on AZ (Special E. Dition) that's running the Contis on stock TL-S wheels and likes them. He's dropped too. They look good on his TL. I also remember another member (Mr. Motoring?) with an ABP running 235's, but not Contis. I believe he's dropped too. Neither have reported any rubbing issues that I remember reading about.

Be advised that tire manufacturers specify that 235s be mounted on 8" wheels. Maybe Special E. or Mr. Motoring can weigh in on their experiences with the 235's, now that they've been driving on them for a while?

special e. dition

Yes Siiir!!!

Running wider tires is key to not having them wear unevenly on the inside. I bought these tires used first of all, ran them all last summer, to RI and back(Colt State Park) NY and back (Ross Dock) and down to Niko's area on the Cape. NO INSIDE TIRE WEAR AT ALL!!!

Hokie99

Great Info guys...I'll give the 235/45/17 a try and see how I like them.

bonknhead

Those 235s fill the wheel well up nicely! You got any pics of the rear wheel well? Any rubbing at all, even with passengers in the rear?

I think my H&R Sport drop (1.5/1.75 I think) isn't as low as your Tein drop, so I should have less of a chance of rubbing.

special e. dition

Here is a pic of where I trimmed the tab. You can get an idea of how much they "stick out" from this pic. No rubbing unless I have 2 heads in the back. And even then I have to hit a deep "dimple" in order for it to rub!!!



I will see if I can get you a better "rear" shot...