Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires 225/50/16 from 215/50/16 Ok For '00 SVT?

Very good choice Craig. I love the KDW's despite the fact that they are noisy. How many miles did you put on the originals ?

Please post your comments if rubbing do occur. I am thinking of replacing my KDW 215/50/16 for the 225's but I am not sure because of the possible rubbing so often reported. I don't have any suspension mods on my car. Do you?

Any difference in the noise and comfort level compared to the originals?

Thanks.

Sorry But I would take a set of Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP's over any KDW. Better grip, better mileage, much less noise! The extra cost is well worth not going nuts because of the moan from the KDW's!

-Andy

Hey Bart-

I had about 25,000 kilometres (15K miles)on the original KDWs, and they were still around 5/32", about half-done. I don't push them too hard; only once in awhile.

I don't have any suspension mods either; all original.

I replaced them because, immediately after an alignment at the dealer, the left front went almost bald in one weekend trip of about 1,000 km (600 or so miles). Since BFG could not find a 215 anywhere in North America, I had to replace all four with the 225s.

(The alignment at the dealer is another story)

Observation #1: I find the original KDWs, and these new ones, stick like glue.

Observation #2: I had three people (I weigh about 190, the other two about 200 each), plus three sets of golf clubs in the car this afternoon, and still no rubbing whatsoever.

Observation #3: I don't find the noise from these tires objectionable at all.

Comment #1: While shopping for replacements, I looked at the KDWS, and the Pirelli P7000 SuperSport. The tire shop here suggested I not bother with any "all-season" ultra high performance tire if I really planned to use them in the Canadian winter. He said anything with that kind of speed rating is pretty much useless below 3 celsius.

Hope that helps.

Thanks Craig.

I agree. For the winter I use Michelin Pilot Alpin and I am very satisfied.

I have about 22000 km on my original KDW (for a total of 37000 km) and the dealer said the wear is about 30%. I personnally don't push the car hard. I'll probably wait until next summer to replace the tires. Meanwhile, I'll make my mind as to wether I'll upgrade to another car.

Thanks again for your input.

Craig: in Ontario here and have about 60k km on my orig KDW set so shopping for replacement. (Don't know why anyone would think you could drive snow in a Z rated tire but there are some who do) Guess I'll stay away from the KDWS but curious how much further the 225 stick out and does it make your car dirtier? Glad to hear no rubbing--I'm totally stock. Did you look at 17"? Thanks

I got my 225's installed yesterday and boy you can tell a differnece. They seem to be more profound than the others and look a hell of a lot better. So far so good, no rubbing.

Thanks everyone for your posts!

Hey CaseyK-

The 225's are a bit wider, but I don't really notice that they "stick out" any farther...certainly no indication they make the car any dirtier, but I just washed it, and haven't been through any puddles recently. I'll keep an eye on that.

I do like the tread pattern on the 225 KDW...much more aggressive-looking than the pattern on the stock 215's.

I'd thought about 17's, but didn't want to spend for wheels and tires at the moment. If I did go 17", I think I'd probably pick up a set of the SVT Focus wheels...I have yet to see a set of wheels on an SVT Contour that I like better than the OE.

On the all-season ultra-performance idea, the tire shop guy said he would not suggest the Pirelli P7000 SuperSport for all-season use, but as a summer tire. He says the performance is very close to the regular P7000, but they're a bit less expensive than the summer-only version, and about $30 cheaper than the KDW.