Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires 215/55-16 in a Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position

I was looking at tirerack.com for tires.
I have 5/32 in the middle and 6/32 on the outer edge.
I have used the stockers, Yokohamas AVS and Bridgestone RE730.

By beef with the RE730s is that they chunk at the autoX.

So what are the best performance tires(plural) in a non-225 that would fit E0 rims.

The S-03 would be tops in a 215/55-16, at $134, thats reasonable. 220 AA A, 1433 lbs, and 7.9" tread width.

But what other tire am I missing out on? Cannot be a 225, because I worry about rubbing.

Luke, anyone?

Why do you want the taller sidewall 55 series tires?
More roll over and less handling, turn-in, and steering response.

I would go with the slightly smaller diameter (but wider) 215/50 tire then. Since you ruled out my first choice. (225/50)

DemonSVT,
What is you take on 225/50-16 on E0 rims?
How much rubbing on a 98?

Only thing decent in a 215/50-16 is the BFG KDW.
It is a $139 and Back Ordered.
The 225/50YR16 is $111 and not available until 08/16/02.

Kumho Ecsta MX 225/50YR16 is $112 Back Ordered
other size is 205/55YR16 $95 Back Ordered

Yoko Avs again for $60 each, 20k miles max.

Yok AVS what, Intermediate?

I have used the Intermediates and like them a lot. They are soft, but you won't get twice the miles on an S-03 if you are concerned about longevity vs. cost. My next set of tires will be S-03's, but I don't plan to autocross that car.

About the size, I ran 225/50R16 P7000 Supersports on a 6" rim in the car I had before my SVT. They held up to many autocrosses so I wouldn't worry much about it not performing on the smallish rim. Most clearance issues seems to be rather easily solved on the SVT. But, every car is different it seems. Some rub the strut, some the fender, some the plastic wheel well. Most have no issues.

$60 for the AVS-i in 225/50R16 I think would be a great tire. Anything significantly longer lasting will cost double.

You're saying the S-03 will take less mileage than the AVS Intermediate? I don't know... The AVS Intermediate's I have right now are almost gone, and I might have 1-2000 more miles on them. That'll make it a total of less than 8000 miles.

I'm saying the S-03 will have longer treadlife than the AVS-i, but not twice as long driven under the same condiitions, which is what the cost - twice as much.

I got 20k out of AVS-i in my prior FWD car. That includes a couple autocrosses. I could have been nicer and gotten more miles, but I'd have to beat them up pretty hard to only get 8-9k out of them on the street. Where are your current set of tires wearing? I assume this is your front set only and the back ones look brand new?

I drive fairly quickly, spin the tires here and there (altough not much in the SVT because of diff), chirp 2nd gear, throttle on oversteer. I currently have lower treadwear tires now than Intermediates and I still have half my tread left at 13k miles. I don't mean to offend you, but it seems there are ways to drive quickly, have fun doing it, and conserve the tires a little longer. Have you autocrossed much?

"In Sterling Heights, you have no rights"

Saw that on a billboard once while lost in Detroit coupled with a picture of the cops beating the sh*t out of somebody... thought it was funny, thought I'd share with you, APT

Hoosier. I don't know if they rub on a 98. I'm sure they probably would though since they have the smaller inner fender liners too.

You should ask some E0 owners... (new topic with that heading maybe???)

Right now I am torn between buying another set (225/50) of KDW's or getting the S-03's.

I am leaning towards the "Bridgestone" (shudder )

My stock KDW's have 24k on them and are well worn out! (past due )
They list a 300 tread wear, but that is utter BS...
Even if I had babied the tires I doubt they would have made 30k even...
They do handle and grip outstanding! I have nothing but good reviews for them.

I just noticed Big Jim has 225/50R16 on his E0 and has lots of miles.

I will start a new post with E0 in the title.

What I have learned from other boards is that not all 225s are the same width, even tirerack gives and indication of this with tire width.

I would love to do 225/50-16 S03s.

FWIW, today we pickup a brand new 2002 Ford Windstar, so the car is now truly mine.

I got a great deal of the minivan.
$31450 MSRP, $28651 Invoice, I am paying $28527 - $400 alumni bonus, so $28127, financed at 0% for 60 months.