Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires 225/50R16 or 215/45R17

I do not want to bother with 18s and their expensive tires.

I'm think the 17s are going to accelerate better...but maybe the 225 of the 16 will make a difference?

Your thoughts please, thanks.

17" rims in any given design will have more unsprung weight and more inertia to overcome which hurts acceleration. The 16" SVT wheel weighs about 18-19lbs. Any 17" rim that weighs significantly less than that which might help acceleration is going to cost you a lot of money. Unless you watn the look, stick to a good 16" tire.

Sorry I wasn't really talking about the unsprung weight, just the diameter. If I went to 17s from my current 15 setup, the overall diameter would be slightly less. And if I went to 16s, it would be slightly more.

Unsprung weight is prolly the bigger factor...oh well. I'll prolly get 16s just for cost anyways 'cause I'm like that.

Think 225's would go better on a 7" or 7.5"?

Like the OZ Superleggera's I have 15.5# for the 17" wheel, but cost about $24.50/pound

TB

If you are looking for smaller diameter to aid acceleration, then you can get lower profile tires for the 15" rims. SVTCole did something similar for his SVT, 215/40 on stock rims, IIRC.

I like the way most 225/45R17 tires look on a 7in rim. I have 215/45 on a 7" rim and I don't think the rims are very well protected, IMO, at least with the tires I have.

For great acceleration and cheap prices, www.wheelmax.com has sets with 205/40R17. I think they are seriously wrong for Contours, but they might fit your purpose.

Two key things: smaller overall diameter of the tire will increase acceleration and a better tire will increase handling more than a lower profile crappy one.