Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Contour SVT Tire Question

Hello!

I have a '99 Contour SVT and need to replace the the OEM KDW Tires. It was suggested that the KDWS be used, but they are backordered, and may not be available for another 6 to 8 weeks. I have the option of going with KDW 215/50R16 ($140) which are the originals or KDW 225/50R16 ($125). KDW's are pretty noisy. Any suggestions, or recommendations?

Thanks,

Emil Henry

You will never get a clear answer. I already went through this (use the search key for the word «tires»).

Rubbing is the main issue if you decide to go to wider tires. Apparently, no two CSVTs are built the same (!!??). On one car you would experience rubbing with the 225 tires, on another you don't (??!!).

I think the honest answer to your question is: stick with the g-Force KDW 215/50ZR16. These tires have been designed for your car and they are among the best high performance tires on the market. The noise issue is very subjective. If you read the posts on this matter, you will notice that tires that seem to be quiet for some are noisy for others. It is true though that the KDW become noisier with mileage (as all the other tires do). But hey the CSVT is a sport sedan ! It is not a Camry !

In my case, after 16K on these tires, they are still very good. I would not consider anything else.

Hope that helps...

225/50R16 would be my choice. A little taller, but a lot more options. Possible rubbing of the wheel well plastic, but easy to fix.

In CA, you don't need all-seasons, so skip the KDWS. If you haven't seen it, look at Luke\'s List for how they compare.

Not to mention that the KDW in 225/50/16 size is alot cheaper than the 215/50/16 because the 215/50/16 size is rare. 112 bucks at the tirerack vs. 139.

I'd also look at 205-55-16s. They'll fit nicely and there are a ton of choices.

Check the specs on tirerack.com. Many 205-55s are as wide as 215s. Depends on the brand.

Look at Sumitomo and Bridgestones.

205-55-16 was the original equipment size on early SVTs.

I'd also look at 205-55-16s. They'll fit nicely and there are a ton of choices.

Check the specs on tirerack.com. Many 205-55s are as wide as 215s. Depends on the brand.

Look at Sumitomo and Bridgestones.

205-55-16 was the original equipment size on early SVTs.

Might wanna look into the newer BFG KDW's dubbed the KDW-2 series by Tirerack. Much cooler tread patterns, sidewall inserts to help with sidewall deflection, rounded sidewall shoulders, and a lip to protect the rims when contacting curbs. Not sure of pricing, they don't seem to come up in the tirerack online pricing yet, worth a call to Luke at least!

You can get Potenza S-03's for right around that price from the Tire Rack. They are way better IMO than the KDW's. They have more grip, and better wet traction than the KDW's. Tire wear seems to be about the same. You might get a little more road noise though. My .02.

Here was my first Impressions of my new KDWS

www.contour.org/cgi-ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=31&t=001715&p=

Shopping for new tires to replace the KDW's and thinking I may stick with them but looking for quieter ride without sacrificing the grip--have done some hard driving over twisties and they are the grippiest and safest feeling I've driven. Not sure I agree with the 'wet' rating by Tire rack tho. Other than driving through standing water which can be freaky with any tire, I've always experienced good grip on wet roads both braking and turning with the KDWs. Even with over 30K last May driving in numberous Texas downpours, always felt grip in more rain I've seen in my life. What a conundrum!