Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Tire and Rim Combo

I have an uncle who is a mechanic and he buys a large number of rims and tires a month. Because of this, he can get me a very nice discount at tirerack. I'm going to wait until the spring to buy rims, but would like to look around now.

I am running on stock 16" EO rims right now. The car has been lowered a bit and in addition to the mods below, I will have a new open element intake and MSDS headers by the end of the week.

I'd like to move into something bigger, but not be penalized with weight. Although I'd prefer a nice 5-spoke design like to REV Type X or Rota Attacks, tirerack doesnt have anything that thrills me right now in that look. They don't even carry the CEG standard Enkei RS-5 anymore. The next best thing for me then is are the OZ Superleggeras. While not my favorite look, they are still damn fine looking, and are light also. So I may get these.

Should I couple them with Continental ContiExtremeContact 225/40/17s or 215/45/17s? Will the extra width and weight be justified in handling and launching?

i just got the contiextremes from tirerack and they rock. I've driven in all conditions, and just like the tirerack rating states, they handle extremely well. A lot better than my bridgestone re950 potenza's. Just my 2cents.

i think the contiextreme is slowly becoming the new all season tire of choice here at CEG. i have them and i love 'em. dry handling could be better, but what the hell, this is a all season tire, and its CHEAP! rain traction is awesome, and snow traction isnt shabby either.

bottom line, great tire for the money.

Would it be better to stick to the 215s or for the 225s on 17x7 rims? I know I can probably go that wide, but am wondering if there is any reason aside from aesthetics that would warrant it.

the 225's will give you a bit better traction, but not a noticeable amount IMO. I'd do it for the aesthetics alone even!

Email Luke at Tirerack when you're ready to order and he'll give you the latest low-down on what light weight wheels are available.

I'd say go with Toyo T1S's and use the 16" wheels for snow rubber.

Thanks a lot guys. I guess I'll wait till April before making up my mind. The OZ's aren't the first choice I'd have in terms of style (not that they aren't nice, but I like a nice 5-spoke better), but they are very light for their size.

Who knows what can happen in another 2.5 months.

Luke is a member here, right? Guess I can find him in the directory when it's time.

If you like the 5 spoke design, why not get the O.Z. Cronos. They're light weight and look damn good, you really need to see them in person to see how nice they really are. Ask BigMoneyRacing about them, he'll tell you

The OZ Cronos are nice. I don't know why I didn't notice them before. They are light too and are probably stronger than most because of the thickness of the spokes. The added bonus is that with the thicker spokes, I won't have to rush to powder coat my brake calipers. Cheaper than the Superleggeras too. But then again, the Superleggeras are about 10% lighter per corner.