Hey guys - got a question on something i was thinking about today.

I currently have my OZ on BFG 205/50R15 tires. My question is this - would switching to a taller sidewall ( say maybe a 60 series ) or a wider size ( 215 or 225 ) help my cornering?

My suspension mods are tein s-tech springs, a progress rear sway bar and a RRM single front strut bar. I have competed in 4 auto-x events.

I'm currently in the middle east right now and i was contemplating getting a set of Falkens after i get home.

I know ( okay, i'm guessing ) that by getting a stiffer sidewall, i can get rid of some of that lateral motion in the turns and keep the tires more on their contact patch increasing my grip.

Any thoughts about a different tire size ??

 

Yes, a wider (not taller sidewall) tire will give you more grip all else being equal.

The main thing you need to get your car to handle is to ditch the s-techs. They're not meant to be used for competition.
I had them on my car when I bought it & the handling @ events was horrible. I put the stock springs back on & the handling improved dramatically on-course.

I know the ride height/aesthetics are not ideal, but the car will handle like it should. Good luck & have fun

 

I went with the widest rt-615 I could fit on the MR's wheels, and the extra half-inch of tread over the stock advans was a little noticeable. If you go w/ a taller sidewall you will actually "roll" the tire to one side or the other when aggressively cornering. So a thin (stock size on the OZ is good), stiff sidewall will keep the flexing to a minimum.

Be safe over there, see you this fall.. OIF, yeay! *sarcasm*

 

There are a lot of factors that go in to tire size vs. grip. Your best is to go with a tire size one size wider and shorter than stock for handling. So maybe a 215/45 if they make that size. Any wider and you may just be wasting tire that isn't contacting the pavement unless the tires roll over.
This will also lower your gearing which may help you pick up some speed.
Of course, treadwear and brand will make a big difference.

 

^ +1 on that. But I believe it is easier to find a 215/40 size.

If you are running a street tire class....then look at the Hankook RS2's, Falken Azeni's RT615 or the new Bridgestone RE050A's.