The stock Evo wheels have a 25.3" diameter according to the Tire Rack. I'd like to try a particular tire that comes in a 245/45/17 but the OD is 25.7. That's 822rpm vs. 809 for the new tire. Doesn't sound like a whole lot of difference but with the extra section width, I'm worried about fitment. Stock rims, stock suspension.

 

Anyone? Neal?

 

I've run 245/45/17 Hankook RS-2's on the stock rims with no problems even with lowered coilovers. The difference in speedo readings is negligable too. Just make sure to replace all 4 together.

 

you'll be fine with the 245/45-17

 

Cool...thanks! I want to try out the Hankook Z212's...at just over $100 each, I'm willing to experiment a bit.

 

They're a good bargain. They're just not quite as good as the Falkens.

 

Didn't they do better than the Falkens in the two recent magazine tests?

 

Grassroots motorsports had the Falken 615's over a half second faster than the Hankook RS2 Z212's in an autocross course. That's the only magazine I'll believe. It might have been even more of a difference, but it's been a while since I read the article. I read the article about 1 week after I bought the Hankooks

 

Well, what are your thoughts on the RS2's (Z212's) versus the stockers? I appreciate the info!
Michel

 

I have a few threads on this topic if you search, but I'll summarize. The RS-2's are a good value. They have about 8.5/10th's the traction of the stock tires. They are excellent on cold days. The turn in isn't near as sharp as the stock tires. And, I think they get very greasy when hot.

They are a very forgiving tire. The breakaway is very gradual. It's like they'll break lose very early on, but just keep sliding without ever getting totally loose and uncontrollable. It is a very fun tire because of this. But, you need to plan ahead for this slip and turn in earlier. The stock tires grip and grip and grip and then suddenly break loose with little warning. I was very competitive locally in STU with these tires in a competitive Milwaukee region SCCA, but was happy to go back to stock eventually when the Hankooks wore out.

Hope this helps.

 

That was exactly what I was looking for! Thanks again!

 

Why are you going with a taller tire. It will improve ride quality, but sacrifice performance. The Kuhmo 255/40r17 is shorter than that tire and does quite well when flipped into a corner. They are cheap too.

 

The tradeoff for a taller tire is worth the added grip. The Kumho MX can't compare to the Falken when talking grip.

 

The 255 series is approximately 25" in OD which is .3" less than the stocker. I'd actually prefer to go up in size a bit rather than down. I usually put 50 miles on the car a day but sometimes it's three times that. Trying to keep the gas bills in check! My company reimburses at the rate of .30 cents a mile. Highway robbery basically.

But...I'm now considering just going to 18" rims and the Falkens come in a 235/40/18. We'lll see what happens. The MX's showed quite poorly in most of the tire tests. I've used them on the RX7 in the past and wasn't too happy with them once they started to wear a bit.