# Tire gurus plz chime in!

**URL:** <https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tire-gurus-plz-chime-in/247463>\
**Category:** Shift518 Automotive\
**Created:** [October 10, 2009, 8:40am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tire-gurus-plz-chime-in/247463 "2009-10-10T08:40:15Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 10

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**Author:** ![RocketPunch](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rocketpunch/32/6429_2.png) [@RocketPunch](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/RocketPunch)\
**Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 4:01pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tire-gurus-plz-chime-in/247463/10 "2009-10-10T16:01:14Z")

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> [@well might as well post up new system](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/well-might-as-well-post-up-new-system/24172/16):
>
> The car- 2009 subaru impreza 2.5i premium with 16" wheels currently running the stock 205/55/16 tires. Come spring I would like to make this car handle more crisp with a lot less body roll, and just be all around more fun to drive. The car will NEVER see a track or auto-x event as it is purely a good daily driver. So now my question is this, Which size tire and wheel package would you choose and why? I’m not really into the whole bling thing anymore or spending huge dollars on wheels because i’m sure my wife will curb atleast one this summer.  
> So here are the options, please keep in mind this will only be to attack my ride to and from work and any weekend trips that my wife and I take.
> 
> Stock tire size-205/55/16
> 
> Possible other sizes that are all very close to the overall diameter of the stocker size.
> 
> 225/50/16- could fit on stock wheels thus making it a lot cheaper with tons of options for great tires.
> 
> 225/45/17- more money and would require me to buy new wheels.
> 
> 225/40/18- same as above^
> 
> So basically it’s this, with looks aside, what would bring me the best dollar to fun ratio out of 16-17-18" wheels and still handle very well. Thanks in advance.

I would recommend doing 225/45/17; Here is my logic:

1. Your current stock wheel is likely to be heavy and increasing tire width may exceed the recommended 225 tire’s profile due to the stock rim that could be too narrow. Furthermore, putting the wider tire on will increase your unsprung due to a heavier tire than the 205.

2. If budget allows, you can get a new set of 17" that is probably lighter than the stock 16" and you can choose the correct rim width that is good for the 225 profile. You will likely save on unsprung with a 225/45-17" on a lighter wheel over the 225/50-16" on stock wheel. In other words, your upgrade will not only made your car look better, your car will also have an actual performance gain due to lower unsprung. Two birds with one stone.

Enjoy! :thumbup

P.S. Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec is a great tire.

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