Hey all just a quick question about tires. From what I've read the advans that come on the car are supposed to give the best grip for dry weather. Now if I swithch to an 18" rim say .5" wider will I be able to get a tire that grips just as well or would I be better off just getting new rims and sticking with the advans. I would just like some info before I spend the money on the rims. I see alot of ppl switching to 18s. Thanks..

 

Some tires that are right up your alley are the Advan Neovas, bfgoodrich KD's, Falken Azenis 615's. But the Neovas don't come in 245/40/18's if thats the tire size you're looking for.

 

I've gotten used to the "feel" of the advans and don't want to spend the money on 18s if im not going to get the same "feeling" if that makes sense. So are ppl switching over to 18s mainly for looks? I would like some new rims but I really don't want to lose any kind of traction. I might be better off just getting new 17s and staying with the advans.

 

That might be your best bet. Its very hard to get a better dry tire than the Advan. In the stock size I'd look at the Michelin Pilot Sport PS-2. Thats the closest you will get. In 18", check out the PS-2 again or Yokohama's Advan Neova <<< !!

 

It's true the 046’s are a pretty good tire all around. Surprising it's so good on the dry as it's first and foremost designed as a good wet traction tire. Mitsubishi wanted a tire that worked well in overall wet/dry street conditions. The other plus is they last pretty darn well. If you were looking to get two sets going, I'd recommend trying the Neova like Neal mentioned. I've also had great experience with the Potenza S-03 as an all round performer. As long as it doesn't see snow, it 's fantastic in the wet.

 

S-03's are great in the wet, but leave a little to be desired in the dry when compared to the A046 in terms of grip.

 

what about the toyo RA-1's , aren't they supposed to be rated higher than the a046's ?

 

mich. ps2 or goodyear F1-GS-D3, cant go wrong with either one. great in the dry fantastic in the wet

 

PS2 have a softer sidewall even in lower profiles. if you like the "feel" of the advans, i'm assuming you like the sharp turn-in and steering response, you will be disapointed. I tracked on the stock advans, then switched to 255/35-18 PS2s on 18X9 rims and was dissapointed. on my m3 i used BFG KDs and they are much better, they have a very stiff sidewall. they are a little nosiey if that bothers you.

 

+1 when compared to the A046

 

I've got a pair of Neovas I'm trying to get rid of. Neovas are the best IMO. They are 265 35 18's. Very good shape, a bit more than half tread left. I have a post in the FS forum under wheels and tires.

 

The Eagle F1 is a great tire in the wet as well as in the dry. If you were going to go w/ 18's id probably go with the f1's

 

+1, good experience with F1's on a boosted RSX.

 

It will feel different, but better/worse is up to you. I like the more direct feeling of the 18's but then again, it will be a littel less tolerant on carp roads. The thing is, it depends a LOT on what wheel you're getting. If you get a real heavy 18 then it's not worth it IMO.

In any case, to answer you questions from my perspective the main reasons for going with 18's are
1.)Clearing brake kits. It's a PITA trying to get brake kits that fits 17's.
2.)Looks. 18's just fill the arches better

Reasons why I haven't yet gone for 18's
1.)Nice ones are expensive. Tyres are also more expensive.
2.)I have to sync getting new tyres with new wheels
3.)Almost abandoned the idea of getting 18's. Knowing my luck, the 18's I like won't fit the brake kit I want.

You won't lose any grip as such cos the contact patch will actually be ever so slightly larger with the 18's...

Oh, and the Bridgestone RE-01R's are great. I rekon they're a match for the advans, if not slightly better...

 

I guess im more worried about unsprung weight. I don't want to loose any performance with the switch to 18 inch wheels