I have had 205/40/R17's for a long time. I have not been happy since I blew out the first tire. I have blow out probably 4 since I had them. With the extra power of the 3SGTE, I noticed I can rip those suckers loose fairly easy.

So, I finally got myself a new set of tires. I bought the B.F.Goodrich G-force KDW2, size 225/45/R17.

Pictures of the sad old tires.




New tires






My experience so far. These tires GRIP, period. I did a test launch from 0-60, I did not brake loose once. It was amazing. The ride quality is I would say, 20 times better. The car is now two inches higher off the ground, that makes me feel better about dips and pot holes. The ride is so much smoother now. Steering is much easier for me now (no power steering). I could not be happier. Thanks for testing this out guys. This size tire is perfect.

The only downfall I noticed was acceleration was slowed down a little. But what I realized after that, I was ready for a bigger turbo.

I will never, ever, ever. Buy a 205/40 ever again. Go with a bigger tire, at least 215/45/R17. You will not be dissatisfied. They will fit. Even though I was assured they would fit, I still couldn't believe it. No matter what anyone says, how big the tires look. It WILL fit.

Thanks again to the guys who tested these tires first.

they don't rub if you were to turn the wheel all the way? also, is your U-turning radius decreased?

one last question, do you need to have a 7.5 inch wide rim to fit this tire size?

This post has been edited by 6strngs: May 29, 2007 - 12:03 AM

i like my 225/45/17 tires too...got maybe another year of thread left...on tirerack the bf's got a 3.5 out of 5

This post has been edited by LewFX: May 29, 2007 - 12:33 AM

ive been trying to turn everyone onto that tire size. it makes a night and day difference in ride quality and grip. not to mention that your car looks a hell of a lot better with them on. now you have to get back to the track and see what they will do.

for my next set... im tempted to try 235-45-17s.

BEASTLY

i just bought a new set of 205/40's
oh well, wish i had seen these tire threads

* i cant believe they dont rub! anyway, your car looks a heck of a lot better now

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You'll have to roll/trim your rear fenders.

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I did not notice any rubbing yet. I really wasn't to concerned with full click turning. I have gone over dips and bumps, nothing. I have them mounted on a 7 inch rim. 40 MM offset.

I'm eventually switching to a 8 inch wide rim. I'll most likely need to roll the fenders at that point.


I also read that these tires make a noticeable amount of noise. I could NOT hear these tires at all. For me, I would rate these tires a 5 out of 5. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them.

jeff....andre had that tire size on his 17x8s and didnt have to roll the fenders. there is still plenty of room left in there.

Of course it fits Stil find it hard to believe you cant break traction with them. You probably have a trained right foot after driving this long with the 205 tyres!

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I think you are right!


Art, we need to find out his offset then. Fitting that rim and tire combo is going to be close.

im pretty sure he has 17x8 35offset. i asked him about this before. he said 225-45 was the biggest he was able to go without rubbing.

My previous wheels were 17x8J ET35. And I had 215/45/17 tyres around them. The previous owner of the car also drove with 225/45/17 on the same wheels with no problem at all with Apex 35mm lowered springs.

I'm gonna fit a 225/40/18 tyre on a 18x7.5J ET (33 and 28 in the back, spacers!) and it will fit with no issues at all.

looks awesome... i always liked that tread design on those too... theres no way i could go 205/40 so im glad u moved up... u should have made a burnout vid roasting ur old tires before u got those on

LOL I know I was thinking about it.
I'm working on getting a burn out front pair (probably my stockers). Just for those special moments.

How much did they run you? They look awfully mean.

I don't plan on going 45 but def. 225/40. I dislike my current 215/35s with a passion.

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I have the same issue with my 225/35. Its not bad but I know the ride and handling will be better with 225/40.

They were under 600 shipped Erik. Go with a bigger tire, you wont regret it.

Jeff your car looks amazing. seriously. nice tires! those look very aggressive.

Thanks John. I couldn't have done it with out the brave few souls that tested these tire sizes for us.

They deserve all the credit.

i just let my tire guy do the work, i think it diffinately fills the gap and handling is way smoother

"ACTUAL CONVERSIATION BETWEEN JEFF AND I"

J: DUUUUUDEEEE!!, i got the tires on the wheels...NO WAY they will fit.
M: HEHEHEHE awesome..yes they will man..trust me. the sears guy said the exact same thing to me when i went to have mine mounted.
J: i'll call you back in a few, im going to mount them now.
M; K.

...15 min later

J: DDDDUUUUDDDEEEE!!!! THESE TIRES ARE AMAZING!!!!
M: HEHEHEHE told ya!



good stuff jeff.
like i been saying since art bought his....the car looks SO much meaner...more "track ready"
tread pattern looks sweet too.

Any resolution to the steering shimmy?

I ride on 215/45/17's and I think they are great. No rubbing with 17x7 rims at +40 offset.

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I'm replacing the front hubs this weekend, I'm hoping a bad wheel bearing is whats causing the issue. The rims are not bent, I have new tires, so I think that would solve the problem. I hope. We'll see.

I love my 225/45/17's. Looks great on your car. Fills up the fender gap and handles alot better than lower profile tires I think. Enjoy

I also have those tires def and they are amazing! I love them so much and have never lost traction or anything, even in the rain! plus like everyone said, the tread pattern looks just amazing! they look great on ure car!

Thanks guys !

I have read that people say they are loud while cruising. I wish I could confirm. I can't hear the tires over my exhaust. So to me they are quiet. lol

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I notice a little bit of noise but i dont think their really loud. Im just used to it with riding around on rims and stuff. It doesnt bother me one bit.

whats the tread life like on those?

I'm going to be buying new tires probably this fall/winter and I need a sportier tire with high treadwear, because I drive 60-100 miles a day.