Why you should get 255/40-17 tires for your OEM rims !!!
11-10-2007, 12:27 AM
#361
2007 TL TYPE S ASM
Originally Posted by bmaczo6
I am not so sure 255's are the way to go. Per the specs on Tire Rack's website you can get just as wide of a tire by choosing one that has a wider tread section. The Bridgestone listed below in stock size has the same tread width as the 255 Goodyear.
Goodyear GSD3's
255/40ZR17
Tread Depth 11/32"
Recommended rim width 8.5-10"
Tread Width 8.7"
Bridgestone RE05 Pole position
235/45ZR17
Tread Depth 10/32"
Recommended rim width 7.5-9"
Tread Width 8.7"
Goodyear GSD3's
255/40ZR17
Tread Depth 11/32"
Recommended rim width 8.5-10"
Tread Width 8.7"
Bridgestone RE05 Pole position
235/45ZR17
Tread Depth 10/32"
Recommended rim width 7.5-9"
Tread Width 8.7"
The Tread Width on the Bridgestone RE050A Pole Position 255/40/17 is 9.5"
That is 1" difference and I think that you can see it in the left rear tire pictures of before and after. I could really see the difference not from the side, but from the back of the car.
11-10-2007, 12:33 AM
#362
2007 TL TYPE S ASM
[QUOTE=Bearcat94]No offense elstis, but you suck at posting pics - 
Fixed 'em for ya. That 1" drop looks Great! Nice choice.
Sorry for the Pics, they came from 2 different digital camera's. In a hurry to get them posted and didn't get the same angles.
Fixed 'em for ya. That 1" drop looks Great! Nice choice.
Sorry for the Pics, they came from 2 different digital camera's. In a hurry to get them posted and didn't get the same angles.
11-10-2007, 03:09 AM
#363
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Originally Posted by elstls
Originally Posted by Bearcat94
No offense elstis, but you suck at posting pics -
Fixed 'em for ya. That 1" drop looks Great! Nice choice.
Fixed 'em for ya. That 1" drop looks Great! Nice choice.
Sorry for the Pics, they came from 2 different digital camera's. In a hurry to get them posted and didn't get the same angles.
The Pics are fine. Shows the drop and change great.
The post was kinda hard to deal with - pics going across, instead of down.
Just hit "enter" after each picture "IMG .... /IMG" tag and they'll post up neater.
11-16-2007, 08:46 AM
#364
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What about 255/40/17 Snow tires?
Great information on this thread and I am seriously considering getting a set of 255/40/17 tires for my second set of factory rims to use in the colder months.
My question is: If the wider profile tires are not good for snow with all seasons, does it make sense to get the benefits of the "looks" and have winter tires installed in the 255/40/17 size if I am only using them in the Winter?
I have 235/40/18's on another set of wheels that I use in spring/summer/fall so I need something for winter only.
I live in Connecticut, so the chance of driving in the snow is 100%.
My question is: If the wider profile tires are not good for snow with all seasons, does it make sense to get the benefits of the "looks" and have winter tires installed in the 255/40/17 size if I am only using them in the Winter?
I have 235/40/18's on another set of wheels that I use in spring/summer/fall so I need something for winter only.
I live in Connecticut, so the chance of driving in the snow is 100%.
11-17-2007, 07:10 AM
#365
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Originally Posted by Mr. Fingers
Great information on this thread and I am seriously considering getting a set of 255/40/17 tires for my second set of factory rims to use in the colder months.
My question is: If the wider profile tires are not good for snow with all seasons, does it make sense to get the benefits of the "looks" and have winter tires installed in the 255/40/17 size if I am only using them in the Winter?
I have 235/40/18's on another set of wheels that I use in spring/summer/fall so I need something for winter only.
I live in Connecticut, so the chance of driving in the snow is 100%.
My question is: If the wider profile tires are not good for snow with all seasons, does it make sense to get the benefits of the "looks" and have winter tires installed in the 255/40/17 size if I am only using them in the Winter?
I have 235/40/18's on another set of wheels that I use in spring/summer/fall so I need something for winter only.
I live in Connecticut, so the chance of driving in the snow is 100%.
11-17-2007, 07:26 AM
#366
I concur. I put on Michelin Pilot A/S's in 245/40/17 last winter, which are nearly as wide as the 255's. They were like 4 big snow plows in anything over 2" of snow.
This year I will go no wider than the 235/45/17's. The handling only improved slightly in summer months anyway, so the only benefit is great looks!
You will lose some fuel mileage, too, with the big skins.
This year I will go no wider than the 235/45/17's. The handling only improved slightly in summer months anyway, so the only benefit is great looks!
You will lose some fuel mileage, too, with the big skins.
11-17-2007, 03:43 PM
#368
Originally Posted by Pankul
just a tiny update from me, I got 255/45-17 Kumoho from Tire Rack as well, (about 104 each, $80 install at firestone)
Very happy with them.
If anyone cares for pics for comparisons here let me know. (i needed all seasons and softer ride hence 45)
P
Very happy with them.
If anyone cares for pics for comparisons here let me know. (i needed all seasons and softer ride hence 45)
P
Do you have a few pics of this 255/45/17 tire setup??
I'd like to run that setup and lowering it a lot...I'm concerned about the fitment and clearance.
11-17-2007, 05:52 PM
#370
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Originally Posted by FriscoNick
The tire guy talked me into BridgeStone's instead of more expensive Michelins. Did I get a good deal? 40,000 mile guarntee.
11-17-2007, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Bearcat94
Which Bridgestone vs which Michelin? What was the total cost (tire, install, balance, fees, etc) per corner?
11-17-2007, 06:13 PM
#373
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Yeah, I'll say you got a good deal. Hopefully the Potenza Pole Position 960 All Season.
If the Michelin's were MXM4, you made a VERY good decision. Not only is the MXM4 more expensive, it's not as good of a tire (IMHO).
If it was a Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, you still did OK. Roughly equal tire, but you saved $50 per corner.
If the Michelin's were MXM4, you made a VERY good decision. Not only is the MXM4 more expensive, it's not as good of a tire (IMHO).
If it was a Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, you still did OK. Roughly equal tire, but you saved $50 per corner.
11-17-2007, 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Bearcat94
Yeah, I'll say you got a good deal. Hopefully the Potenza Pole Position 960 All Season.
If the Michelin's were MXM4, you made a VERY good decision. Not only is the MXM4 more expensive, it's not as good of a tire (IMHO).
If it was a Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, you still did OK. Roughly equal tire, but you saved $50 per corner.
If the Michelin's were MXM4, you made a VERY good decision. Not only is the MXM4 more expensive, it's not as good of a tire (IMHO).
If it was a Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, you still did OK. Roughly equal tire, but you saved $50 per corner.
11-18-2007, 02:21 AM
#376
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Thread Starter
Base on "Spiritman" being able to fit a 265/35 tire on the oem 8.0 inch rim, I feel that the 7.5 inch rim should handle the 255/40. Just make sure you purchase the tires from a place that has a good return policy (ask first).
Here is the link to see Spiritman's 265 tires.
They said It couldn't be done (click here)
However, I do not endorse that you get 255's on your 7.5 rims.
Here is the link to see Spiritman's 265 tires.
They said It couldn't be done (click here)
However, I do not endorse that you get 255's on your 7.5 rims.
11-18-2007, 07:25 AM
#377
Originally Posted by MAU1976
Is it possible to use 255/40/18 in a 18X7.5 rim?
Not recommended....
See www.tirerack.com for recommended wheel widths vs. tire size.
Depending on the brand, your wheels are an inch too narrow. That wouldn't be safe! Need 8.5"
11-19-2007, 10:30 AM
#379
Team Owner
Originally Posted by MAU1976
Any other comments?
12-17-2007, 08:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Inaccurate
Inaccurate's "Top Ten List"
As to Why You Should Get 255/40-17 Tires
for your OEM rims.
(please note this is 255/40 not 245/45.)
10) Lower effective gear ratio
9) Increased braking force per given pressure on brake pedal
8) Slightly lower stance (estimating 1/4 inch)
7) Great rim protection without being excessive
6) With the 255 tires, TL now looks even more like a BMW
5) You will be less envious of others having A-Spec
4) Having wider tires than a G35
3) Car feels lighter (accelerates easier, brakes easier, more responsive steering)
2) Don't need to stay 10-feet away from the nearest curb anymore
1) TL now looks plain 'ol "mean" as heck
I got the Goodyear Eagle F1 (D3) tires. Up to this time, I was running the OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL42. I really LOVE the way the TL now looks with these wide tires. And, BTW my age is the middle 40's. I include this to give some insight into my taste. I have always loved the way BMW's looked with their OEM wide tires. So, now I have that BMW'ish look with my TL.
At first, I was aiming to upgrade to just the 245/45 tires. No one here on the forum had ever mentioned using the 255 tires, so I thought the 255 would be too much and "out of the question".
However, when I was searching the forum, I did find one thread in which a single person did install the 255's. He even included pictures. His TL in the photo LOOKED GREAT with the 255's on the OEM rim.
That was it for me. I then planned to get the 255's after seeing this one person's pictures. I was scared to make this $1200 decision without anyone else to "back up" this one person that had installed 255's on the OEM rims. But, on the bright, there was no one on the forum saying that they tried the 255's and had problems.
So, let me be the second person on the forum to say "GET THE 255/40 !!!!". Skip the 245/45. Go with the 255/40.
There is absolutely no rubbing issues. It is NOT even close to rubbing. I turned the wheel and viewed the clearance in the wheelwell --> Huge clearance.
Because the 255/40 is a half inch shorter in diameter than the OEM 235/45, the tire fills-up less of the wheel opening. To me, there is not excessive open space with the 255/40, and I somewhat prefer the slight increase open space. But, actually, this is very minor and (to me at least) not even really noticeable.
But, the increase in tire width is VERY NOTICEABLE !!!!!!! If you like the way BMW's look with their OEM wide tires, you will LOVE this upgrade.
I weighted the OEM wheel (oem rim with oem tire mounted). The OEM wheel is 51.0 lbs (bathroom scale = +/- 0.5 lb.). The oem rim with Eagle F1 255/40-17 tires weigh 53.0. So, the wider tire is 2.0 pounds heavier. This is a 4% increase.
For performance, look at it this way. The mass increase from the wider tires is probably offset by the smaller diameter of the wider tires. In physics, there is a thing called "angular momentum" - I think that is the term for it. This means that if you have two wheels that weigh the same, but with different diameters, the smaller diameter wheel will gain/lose RPM easier than the larger diameter wheel.
Changing topics now to the tire brand selection. A nice feature of the Eagle F1 is what Goodyear calls it's "Rim Protector". This feature just means that the bead area on the tire where the rim seals against the tire is VERY GREATLY recessed more than usual. So, this helps to make the wide 255 tire to fit on the our TL OEM rim because the tire width across the beading area is less than normal for other brands. DISCLAIMER - This is only speculation as I have not actually compared other brands by measuring the width across the beads.
So, you ask me what I think of the 255 upgrade. Just check the ten items listed above. I really do mean those ten items. I really do notice that my brakes seem more powerful during normal everyday usage. I do notice the engine picking-up RPM slightly quicker than before from the lower effective gear ratio.
You ask where are the pics ? I will try to get some pictures posted sometime this weekend.
Did the wider tires make my steering wheel feel heavier ? NO. The steering actually feels a bit lighter. Why ? I don't know why the steering is lighter than it was with the OEM tires. Stiffer sidewalls (from lower sectional profile) perhaps.
How does the car handle ? I can't answer this because I am not the type that corners aggressively. I will say that I feel a slightly improve steering response. Stiffer sidewalls (from lower sectional profile) perhaps.
Is there more road noise ? Not that I can hear or feel. I have driven the 255's on concrete freeway at 70 mph, and I could not hear any difference than with the OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL42. However, in general, the Eagle F1 does have a different sound (not noisier, just different). Driving around town (stop-n-go, 35 mph stuff), the tire has a "ting" sound similar to a ball that has excessive pressure (the tires had 35 psi) when driving over raised irregularities in the road (uneven joints in the road). I like the way the Eagle F1 sounds.
Does the 255/40 stickout too much (in a figurative and literal sense) ? NO. Although the wide tires are a very noticeable difference, a person that never seen a TL before would think that it was a factory design. The 255/40 on the oem rim has a very clean appearance and fits perfectly.
How much is the speedometer affected ? Too soon to say. I have had the 255's for only two days now. But, so far, the speedometer error has not caused me to notice the small difference in mph. But, on the bright side, remember the error will be having a higher indicated mph than the actual mph. So, you are going slower than the speedometer indicates. So, no speeding tickets that you can blame on the error.
Is the mpg affected ? Too soon to say. I have had the 255's for only two days now.
Does the 255 width increase hydroplaning tendencies ? I am unable to make a blanket statement because I am using the Eagle F1, which has PHENOMENAL wet performance according to the research that I did. On my morning commute this morning, there was heavy to medium thunderstorms. I did appox 10 miles at 60 mph thru moderate puddling (long stretch of standing water) while still raining moderately. Also, I went thru average puddling while still raining moderately along city streets at 40 mph. So, I am trying to say that my commute is half city streets (35 mph rated and doing 40 to 50 mph) and half concrete freeway doing 60 mph. The Eagle F1's were noticeable different than any other tire I ever used. When going thru puddling, even on the freeway at 60 mph, there was no splash sounds as normal tires make when pushing the water out of the way. The Eagle F1 made no sounds thru the puddles. Plus, there was no tugging at the steering wheel when encountering puddles; other tires usualy cause a tug on the wheel whening hitting puddles hard. The thing that I noticed the most was that I could not hear the wet roads. The Eagle F1 made the same sound and had the same feel in the rain that it does in the dry. To me, this indicates that these tires are really different. Other tires make splashing sounds, and you can feel the tire pushing water out of the way. With the Eagle F1, the tires seems to cut thru the water like a knife. (Sorry, I got off topic of the 255 width and I turned into a advertisement for Eagle F1's.)
Why did I get the 255's ? Because I did not like the way the OEM wheels looked and to gain curb protection. What were the engineers thinking ??? Those 235's are way too narrow for that 8 inch rim. Perhaps, they intended for us to upgrade to 255's so the car would look more like a BMW. With all the other styling that they "borrowed" from the BMW body style, I think they wanted to include the wide tires too but the marketing department made them use 235's to keep cost down. I say this jokingly, but who knows --- might be some truth in it.
Back to Why did I get the 255's ? The 255/40 DEFINITELY achieved both of my goals. My TL now looks much better (VERY NOTICEABLE !!!) with the wide tires, and I LOVE THE BMW'ish LOOK that it now has. The second goal was to gain some curb protection. With the 255/40, this goal too has DEFINITELY been achieved. I am very happy that I got the 255's instead of the 245's.
As to Why You Should Get 255/40-17 Tires
for your OEM rims.
(please note this is 255/40 not 245/45.)
10) Lower effective gear ratio
9) Increased braking force per given pressure on brake pedal
8) Slightly lower stance (estimating 1/4 inch)
7) Great rim protection without being excessive
6) With the 255 tires, TL now looks even more like a BMW
5) You will be less envious of others having A-Spec
4) Having wider tires than a G35
3) Car feels lighter (accelerates easier, brakes easier, more responsive steering)
2) Don't need to stay 10-feet away from the nearest curb anymore
1) TL now looks plain 'ol "mean" as heck
I got the Goodyear Eagle F1 (D3) tires. Up to this time, I was running the OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL42. I really LOVE the way the TL now looks with these wide tires. And, BTW my age is the middle 40's. I include this to give some insight into my taste. I have always loved the way BMW's looked with their OEM wide tires. So, now I have that BMW'ish look with my TL.
At first, I was aiming to upgrade to just the 245/45 tires. No one here on the forum had ever mentioned using the 255 tires, so I thought the 255 would be too much and "out of the question".
However, when I was searching the forum, I did find one thread in which a single person did install the 255's. He even included pictures. His TL in the photo LOOKED GREAT with the 255's on the OEM rim.
That was it for me. I then planned to get the 255's after seeing this one person's pictures. I was scared to make this $1200 decision without anyone else to "back up" this one person that had installed 255's on the OEM rims. But, on the bright, there was no one on the forum saying that they tried the 255's and had problems.
So, let me be the second person on the forum to say "GET THE 255/40 !!!!". Skip the 245/45. Go with the 255/40.
There is absolutely no rubbing issues. It is NOT even close to rubbing. I turned the wheel and viewed the clearance in the wheelwell --> Huge clearance.
Because the 255/40 is a half inch shorter in diameter than the OEM 235/45, the tire fills-up less of the wheel opening. To me, there is not excessive open space with the 255/40, and I somewhat prefer the slight increase open space. But, actually, this is very minor and (to me at least) not even really noticeable.
But, the increase in tire width is VERY NOTICEABLE !!!!!!! If you like the way BMW's look with their OEM wide tires, you will LOVE this upgrade.
I weighted the OEM wheel (oem rim with oem tire mounted). The OEM wheel is 51.0 lbs (bathroom scale = +/- 0.5 lb.). The oem rim with Eagle F1 255/40-17 tires weigh 53.0. So, the wider tire is 2.0 pounds heavier. This is a 4% increase.
For performance, look at it this way. The mass increase from the wider tires is probably offset by the smaller diameter of the wider tires. In physics, there is a thing called "angular momentum" - I think that is the term for it. This means that if you have two wheels that weigh the same, but with different diameters, the smaller diameter wheel will gain/lose RPM easier than the larger diameter wheel.
Changing topics now to the tire brand selection. A nice feature of the Eagle F1 is what Goodyear calls it's "Rim Protector". This feature just means that the bead area on the tire where the rim seals against the tire is VERY GREATLY recessed more than usual. So, this helps to make the wide 255 tire to fit on the our TL OEM rim because the tire width across the beading area is less than normal for other brands. DISCLAIMER - This is only speculation as I have not actually compared other brands by measuring the width across the beads.
So, you ask me what I think of the 255 upgrade. Just check the ten items listed above. I really do mean those ten items. I really do notice that my brakes seem more powerful during normal everyday usage. I do notice the engine picking-up RPM slightly quicker than before from the lower effective gear ratio.
You ask where are the pics ? I will try to get some pictures posted sometime this weekend.
Did the wider tires make my steering wheel feel heavier ? NO. The steering actually feels a bit lighter. Why ? I don't know why the steering is lighter than it was with the OEM tires. Stiffer sidewalls (from lower sectional profile) perhaps.
How does the car handle ? I can't answer this because I am not the type that corners aggressively. I will say that I feel a slightly improve steering response. Stiffer sidewalls (from lower sectional profile) perhaps.
Is there more road noise ? Not that I can hear or feel. I have driven the 255's on concrete freeway at 70 mph, and I could not hear any difference than with the OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL42. However, in general, the Eagle F1 does have a different sound (not noisier, just different). Driving around town (stop-n-go, 35 mph stuff), the tire has a "ting" sound similar to a ball that has excessive pressure (the tires had 35 psi) when driving over raised irregularities in the road (uneven joints in the road). I like the way the Eagle F1 sounds.
Does the 255/40 stickout too much (in a figurative and literal sense) ? NO. Although the wide tires are a very noticeable difference, a person that never seen a TL before would think that it was a factory design. The 255/40 on the oem rim has a very clean appearance and fits perfectly.
How much is the speedometer affected ? Too soon to say. I have had the 255's for only two days now. But, so far, the speedometer error has not caused me to notice the small difference in mph. But, on the bright side, remember the error will be having a higher indicated mph than the actual mph. So, you are going slower than the speedometer indicates. So, no speeding tickets that you can blame on the error.
Is the mpg affected ? Too soon to say. I have had the 255's for only two days now.
Does the 255 width increase hydroplaning tendencies ? I am unable to make a blanket statement because I am using the Eagle F1, which has PHENOMENAL wet performance according to the research that I did. On my morning commute this morning, there was heavy to medium thunderstorms. I did appox 10 miles at 60 mph thru moderate puddling (long stretch of standing water) while still raining moderately. Also, I went thru average puddling while still raining moderately along city streets at 40 mph. So, I am trying to say that my commute is half city streets (35 mph rated and doing 40 to 50 mph) and half concrete freeway doing 60 mph. The Eagle F1's were noticeable different than any other tire I ever used. When going thru puddling, even on the freeway at 60 mph, there was no splash sounds as normal tires make when pushing the water out of the way. The Eagle F1 made no sounds thru the puddles. Plus, there was no tugging at the steering wheel when encountering puddles; other tires usualy cause a tug on the wheel whening hitting puddles hard. The thing that I noticed the most was that I could not hear the wet roads. The Eagle F1 made the same sound and had the same feel in the rain that it does in the dry. To me, this indicates that these tires are really different. Other tires make splashing sounds, and you can feel the tire pushing water out of the way. With the Eagle F1, the tires seems to cut thru the water like a knife. (Sorry, I got off topic of the 255 width and I turned into a advertisement for Eagle F1's.)
Why did I get the 255's ? Because I did not like the way the OEM wheels looked and to gain curb protection. What were the engineers thinking ??? Those 235's are way too narrow for that 8 inch rim. Perhaps, they intended for us to upgrade to 255's so the car would look more like a BMW. With all the other styling that they "borrowed" from the BMW body style, I think they wanted to include the wide tires too but the marketing department made them use 235's to keep cost down. I say this jokingly, but who knows --- might be some truth in it.
Back to Why did I get the 255's ? The 255/40 DEFINITELY achieved both of my goals. My TL now looks much better (VERY NOTICEABLE !!!) with the wide tires, and I LOVE THE BMW'ish LOOK that it now has. The second goal was to gain some curb protection. With the 255/40, this goal too has DEFINITELY been achieved. I am very happy that I got the 255's instead of the 245's.
First, are you still an Acura fan? I read you post and happen to agree with everything you said about the TL and how it looks like the 5 series. Had a '99 5 Sport M/T my self. Always wanted bigger (fatter) tires on it, went as far as I could on an 18" rim.
I really like the amount of detail (time and effort) you put on your post, it is for this reason that I come back to you w/ this question this late in the game. After your comment on the amount of clearance even after the upgrade;
"There is absolutely no rubbing issues. It is NOT even close to rubbing. I turned the wheel and viewed the clearance in the wheelwell --> Huge clearance.
Because the 255/40 is a half inch shorter in diameter than the OEM 235/45, the tire fills-up less of the wheel opening. To me, there is not excessive open space with the 255/40, and I somewhat prefer the slight increase open space. But, actually, this is very minor and (to me at least) not even really noticeable."
I have only one question, why stop at a 255? Could the car handle a set of 265/40/17 - at least in the back?
Again, I'm a fan of the big tire look (also 47 for 10 more days). Will do the upgrade to the 255s soon enough (just got the car this month and love it). But if I could take it up a notch w/o rubbing issues I certainly would. Just wanted to hear your informed opinion on this.
Thanks.
12-18-2007, 12:02 AM
#381
Safety Car
Thread Starter
ctoro99,
I am still an Acura fan. There is nothing but Acuras in my driveway. My 2006 TL, the wife's 2003 RL, and a 2002 TL as a spare car.
Regarding going wider than 255, check this thread...
They said It couldn't be done (click here)
I am still an Acura fan. There is nothing but Acuras in my driveway. My 2006 TL, the wife's 2003 RL, and a 2002 TL as a spare car.
Regarding going wider than 255, check this thread...
They said It couldn't be done (click here)
12-26-2007, 08:55 PM
#382
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I have a few questions for you guys seeing is how you all seem to be the expert on this topic. From reading the posts on this forum I have come to the conclusion that I would rather not go with the 255/40/17. I am getting sick and tired of trying to avoid curb rash (I just tinted my windows to 15% and curbs do not exist sometimes), so I am looking for something that will help with this.
I live outside Detroit and there is a good amount of snow here as well. I need new tires BADLY and was looking at the stock all season 234/45/17 from tirerack. I found these (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tnum=345WR7CEC) to have decent ratings. Any suggestions? Should I upgrade to 245/45/17?
FYI I have an 05 manual TL. Thanks.
I live outside Detroit and there is a good amount of snow here as well. I need new tires BADLY and was looking at the stock all season 234/45/17 from tirerack. I found these (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tnum=345WR7CEC) to have decent ratings. Any suggestions? Should I upgrade to 245/45/17?
FYI I have an 05 manual TL. Thanks.
12-27-2007, 12:56 AM
#383
Team Owner
Originally Posted by silver_alty
I have a few questions for you guys seeing is how you all seem to be the expert on this topic. From reading the posts on this forum I have come to the conclusion that I would rather not go with the 255/40/17. I am getting sick and tired of trying to avoid curb rash (I just tinted my windows to 15% and curbs do not exist sometimes), so I am looking for something that will help with this.
I live outside Detroit and there is a good amount of snow here as well. I need new tires BADLY and was looking at the stock all season 234/45/17 from tirerack. I found these (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tnum=345WR7CEC) to have decent ratings. Any suggestions? Should I upgrade to 245/45/17?
FYI I have an 05 manual TL. Thanks.
I live outside Detroit and there is a good amount of snow here as well. I need new tires BADLY and was looking at the stock all season 234/45/17 from tirerack. I found these (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tnum=345WR7CEC) to have decent ratings. Any suggestions? Should I upgrade to 245/45/17?
FYI I have an 05 manual TL. Thanks.
12-27-2007, 06:00 AM
#384
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Originally Posted by silver_alty
I have a few questions for you guys seeing is how you all seem to be the expert on this topic. From reading the posts on this forum I have come to the conclusion that I would rather not go with the 255/40/17. I am getting sick and tired of trying to avoid curb rash (I just tinted my windows to 15% and curbs do not exist sometimes), so I am looking for something that will help with this.
I live outside Detroit and there is a good amount of snow here as well. I need new tires BADLY and was looking at the stock all season 234/45/17 from tirerack. I found these (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tnum=345WR7CEC) to have decent ratings. Any suggestions? Should I upgrade to 245/45/17?
FYI I have an 05 manual TL. Thanks.
I live outside Detroit and there is a good amount of snow here as well. I need new tires BADLY and was looking at the stock all season 234/45/17 from tirerack. I found these (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tnum=345WR7CEC) to have decent ratings. Any suggestions? Should I upgrade to 245/45/17?
FYI I have an 05 manual TL. Thanks.
12-27-2007, 11:19 AM
#385
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Thanks for the advice guys! I am gonna stay with the stock 235/45. The 255/40 looks amazing, especially with the F1's, but I have to take a few feet of snow into consideration :-/
12-27-2007, 01:55 PM
#387
I noticed when I attended the 2 day Acura High Performance School at MidOhio a few montha ago, they upgraded the TSX's to (Kumho) 235/45/17. They seem to be the best compromise in the Ohio winter environment, too. The 255's should kick butt in So. Cal. where everyone drives "slow & lo"
12-28-2007, 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Inaccurate
ctoro99,
I am still an Acura fan. There is nothing but Acuras in my driveway. My 2006 TL, the wife's 2003 RL, and a 2002 TL as a spare car.
Regarding going wider than 255, check this thread...
They said It couldn't be done (click here)
I am still an Acura fan. There is nothing but Acuras in my driveway. My 2006 TL, the wife's 2003 RL, and a 2002 TL as a spare car.
Regarding going wider than 255, check this thread...
They said It couldn't be done (click here)
Read the whole thread, not sure I'm sold on the look of the 265s, the 255s seem to have a better fit w/o looking out of place. I also love the aggressive thread of the Eagle (always have).
Where did you get yours mounted? I tried buying oversize tires before but some vendors won't install them. Any ideas on this?
12-31-2007, 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by silver_alty
I have a few questions for you guys seeing is how you all seem to be the expert on this topic. From reading the posts on this forum I have come to the conclusion that I would rather not go with the 255/40/17. I am getting sick and tired of trying to avoid curb rash (I just tinted my windows to 15% and curbs do not exist sometimes), so I am looking for something that will help with this.
I live outside Detroit and there is a good amount of snow here as well. I need new tires BADLY and was looking at the stock all season 234/45/17 from tirerack. I found these (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tnum=345WR7CEC) to have decent ratings. Any suggestions? Should I upgrade to 245/45/17?
FYI I have an 05 manual TL. Thanks.
I live outside Detroit and there is a good amount of snow here as well. I need new tires BADLY and was looking at the stock all season 234/45/17 from tirerack. I found these (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....tnum=345WR7CEC) to have decent ratings. Any suggestions? Should I upgrade to 245/45/17?
FYI I have an 05 manual TL. Thanks.
12-31-2007, 06:59 PM
#390
My first Avatar....
This might have been answered somewhere in this thread - I haven't been able to keep up. 
If a 245 width tire is used on the stock rims, would a 40 sidewall height be needed? Or, would a 45 sidewall be ok?
Thanks in advance men!
If a 245 width tire is used on the stock rims, would a 40 sidewall height be needed? Or, would a 45 sidewall be ok?
Thanks in advance men!
12-31-2007, 07:16 PM
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Originally Posted by pttl
This might have been answered somewhere in this thread - I haven't been able to keep up.
If a 245 width tire is used on the stock rims, would a 40 sidewall height be needed? Or, would a 45 sidewall be ok?
Thanks in advance men!
If a 245 width tire is used on the stock rims, would a 40 sidewall height be needed? Or, would a 45 sidewall be ok?
Thanks in advance men!
12-31-2007, 07:37 PM
#392
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Originally Posted by pttl
This might have been answered somewhere in this thread - I haven't been able to keep up.
If a 245 width tire is used on the stock rims, would a 40 sidewall height be needed? Or, would a 45 sidewall be ok?
Thanks in advance men!
If a 245 width tire is used on the stock rims, would a 40 sidewall height be needed? Or, would a 45 sidewall be ok?
Thanks in advance men!
12-31-2007, 07:57 PM
#393
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Originally Posted by pttl
This might have been answered somewhere in this thread - I haven't been able to keep up.
If a 245 width tire is used on the stock rims, would a 40 sidewall height be needed? Or, would a 45 sidewall be ok?
Thanks in advance men!
If a 245 width tire is used on the stock rims, would a 40 sidewall height be needed? Or, would a 45 sidewall be ok?
Thanks in advance men!
http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp
Use stock (235/45/17) as the standard and then compare you plus sizes. If your total diameter is off by more than 3% it'll throw a warning.
It will also show calculated Radius, Diameter, Sidewall Height, etc.
12-31-2007, 10:20 PM
#394
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Originally Posted by ctoro99
Where did you get yours mounted? I tried buying oversize tires before but some vendors won't install them. Any ideas on this?
Try taking the loose wheels to them. If that doesn’t work, then you will need to have one shop to remove the old tires from the rim. Then, take the loose rim and the new tire to another shop to have them mounted. In this way, it will prevent the second shop from knowing that the oem size was 235 because the second shop never had a chance to see the oem size – thus, they will not complain that you are using a non-oem size.
01-01-2008, 12:07 AM
#395
I have been running 255/45 Kumho ASXs on my 04 since May. Clearance is not a problem at all. I am more than happy:
1. Seven months without curb rash--not once.
2. Look good. I'm not a fan of the tall wheel skinny tire look, myself.
3. Seem to wear better than the OEM size Kumhos I bought in a hurry nine months
earlier.
4. Seem to handle better in the dry (no surprise) and in the wet. We haven't had
significant snow yet, so I can't say how they'll handle that.
To anyone thinking of going up to 255/45-17s, I say go for it.
1. Seven months without curb rash--not once.
2. Look good. I'm not a fan of the tall wheel skinny tire look, myself.
3. Seem to wear better than the OEM size Kumhos I bought in a hurry nine months
earlier.
4. Seem to handle better in the dry (no surprise) and in the wet. We haven't had
significant snow yet, so I can't say how they'll handle that.
To anyone thinking of going up to 255/45-17s, I say go for it.
01-01-2008, 06:51 AM
#396
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For everyone thinking of what tire size to put on their TL do your research before you decide. Their are a lot of 235 or 245 tires that fit nicely, are wider than stock, offer more rim protection, provide the desired look, and most importantly are recommended for the stock rim width.
For reference the stock Turanza EL42's have a Section width: 9.2" Tread width: 7.5"
Inaccurate went with 255/40 for several reasons as listed in his first post. He chose Goodyear GS-D3's
The specs on these tires for a 9" wheel are Section width: 10.2 Tread width: 8.7
I chose Bridgestone RE-01 in a 245/45 for the top notch handling.
The specs on these tires for an 8" wheel are: Section width: 9.6 Tread width 9.1
The Bridgestone's in a 245 put more tread on the ground than a 255 Goodyear and 1.6" more than the stock EL42's.
When Tirerack measured the 255's they were mounted on 9 inch rims. If these tires are mounted on an 8 inch rim one would expect the section width to be reduced by a corresponding amount. Perhaps, when Inaccurate has some time he can provide an actual Section width on an 8 inch rim.
All tires are not created equal. Even though tires may have the same numbers stamped on the sidewall they have real differences in actual measurements. It is worth the little time and effort to check it out. The recommended rim width for 255's is 8.5"-10" on several tires I looked at. The recommended rim width for 235's or 245's is 7.5" -9" As already stated several shops will not mount tires that are not recommended for the specific wheel.
For reference the stock Turanza EL42's have a Section width: 9.2" Tread width: 7.5"
Inaccurate went with 255/40 for several reasons as listed in his first post. He chose Goodyear GS-D3's
The specs on these tires for a 9" wheel are Section width: 10.2 Tread width: 8.7
I chose Bridgestone RE-01 in a 245/45 for the top notch handling.
The specs on these tires for an 8" wheel are: Section width: 9.6 Tread width 9.1
The Bridgestone's in a 245 put more tread on the ground than a 255 Goodyear and 1.6" more than the stock EL42's.
When Tirerack measured the 255's they were mounted on 9 inch rims. If these tires are mounted on an 8 inch rim one would expect the section width to be reduced by a corresponding amount. Perhaps, when Inaccurate has some time he can provide an actual Section width on an 8 inch rim.
All tires are not created equal. Even though tires may have the same numbers stamped on the sidewall they have real differences in actual measurements. It is worth the little time and effort to check it out. The recommended rim width for 255's is 8.5"-10" on several tires I looked at. The recommended rim width for 235's or 245's is 7.5" -9" As already stated several shops will not mount tires that are not recommended for the specific wheel.
01-01-2008, 07:14 AM
#397
Would just like to throw in 
I had 245/40/17's on my '05 6MT, and they looked great. Almost as wide as the 255's, but are acceptable for 8" stock wheels. The size is just quite as common among mfrs., though. For me, I had Michelin Pilot A/S's. Had no problems with curb rash, nor any other problems. Speedo will read about 2mph fast over stock 235/45/17. I would not recommend them for snow over 3", though.
I had 245/40/17's on my '05 6MT, and they looked great. Almost as wide as the 255's, but are acceptable for 8" stock wheels. The size is just quite as common among mfrs., though. For me, I had Michelin Pilot A/S's. Had no problems with curb rash, nor any other problems. Speedo will read about 2mph fast over stock 235/45/17. I would not recommend them for snow over 3", though.
01-01-2008, 01:20 PM
#398
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Originally Posted by Bearcat94
Here's a Tire Size Calculator:
http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp
Use stock (235/45/17) as the standard and then compare you plus sizes. If your total diameter is off by more than 3% it'll throw a warning.
It will also show calculated Radius, Diameter, Sidewall Height, etc.
http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp
Use stock (235/45/17) as the standard and then compare you plus sizes. If your total diameter is off by more than 3% it'll throw a warning.
It will also show calculated Radius, Diameter, Sidewall Height, etc.
Thanks for the calculator.
It's interesting - the 255/40/17 actually spin at the closest speed to stock, followed by the 245/45/17. The 255/40 also have a side wall height closest to stock. hmmmmm.....
01-01-2008, 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by pttl
Thanks for the calculator.
It's interesting - the 255/40/17 actually spin at the closest speed to stock, followed by the 245/45/17. The 255/40 also have a side wall height closest to stock. hmmmmm.....
It's interesting - the 255/40/17 actually spin at the closest speed to stock, followed by the 245/45/17. The 255/40 also have a side wall height closest to stock. hmmmmm.....
The real question with the 255 is do you want to put them on an 8" rim, which the manufacturers do not recommend. Or, do you want to find an 8.5" which is a manufacturer recommended size.
IMO, if your going to upgrade to an 8.5, you might as well go to 18 x 8.5.
As you can see in this thread, many users stay with the 8" and seem to be OK. Just make an informed decision about potential risks.
01-01-2008, 09:15 PM
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I have been wandering all over wheel sites and came across an interesting thing on www.discounttire.com When I added 235s to my cart, it asked if I wanted to move up to the 255s
I dont know if this link will come through exactly the same, but take a look...makes me think that I dont gotta worry about the 255s. I am still learning about all this btw.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...PlusSizing.jsp
I dont know if this link will come through exactly the same, but take a look...makes me think that I dont gotta worry about the 255s. I am still learning about all this btw.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...PlusSizing.jsp