Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Snow Tires/Wheels for 2000 SVT Contour

Hi.

Well, I just bought a new 2000 SVT Contour (see "Should I Ditch the 2000 Explorer for a 2000 SVT Contour?" in the General Section), and am now looking ahead to Winter.

The original tires are 215/50ZR-16 on the 16x6.5 in. SVT wheels.

I would prefer to use Blizzak MZ-01s, and will be buying a set of four wheels. I went to www.tirerack.com, and searched their winter tire/wheel packages for my car, and it turned up 16x7 in. wheels with 205/55QR16 MZ-01s, mounted, balanced, and shipped for $849.00.

Will I have speedometer calibration problems with the slightly different dimension tires and wheel well clearance problems with the 1/2 in. wider wheels? I am assuming the wheels will provide adequate clearance for the front brake rotors.

By the way, it seems TireRack has NO winter tires in 215/50-16 in.

Thanks,

Rob


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1999 SVT Cobra Mustang
2000 SVT Contour

Congrats on choosing the SVT!

I use 7.5" wheels and 205 tires in the summer, and I get slight rubbing problems in the fender lips. If the 7" wheels you have will just push the tire out 1/2", you'll fit fine (mine rub a lot less than 1/2" on the outside).

That's my expeience at least.

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I don't have a personality. I have an attitude

Ross 1998 E0 SVT T-Red

I can help you with your tire & wheel selection.

Thanks, Luke

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Luke Pavlick
Performance Specialist
ASE Certified Master Tech
for more info or to place orders please call 800-428-8355 ext. 362

You'll have a ~1.65% underspeed on your speedo and odo--probably not worth worrying about. This is based on 205/55R16=838revs/mi and 215/50R16=852revs/mi (using Ford formula).

Check out the Nokian Hakkapellita Q's.Better driving and handling when old and as good when new over the Blizzaks. See the independent test results on their web site.(www.nokiantires.com). They have 205/50 16's to 225/55 16's.

michelin artic alpin's were rated the best by consumer report magazine in the size 205/60r15 on a 1998 mercury mystique ls test car in the november 1999 issue.

dellowm
Who sells those? I've got both Blizzaks & Yokohama 600 not at all impressed. But then I used one set of Semperit Top Grip (Studs) for ten winters. Never got so much bang for the buck!!!!
I don't believe there even manufactured anymore?
Thanks Paul

[This message has been edited by F111D F (edited October 11, 2000).]

This argument is kind of old but I'll add my two cents.I called tirerack,they recommended using size 215/55-16 snow tyres on the SVT.They also recommended using snows all round.This might not help,but it doesn't hurt.

For what its worth for my '99 SVT I went to 205/60/15 Arctic Alpines with 5 spoke alum rims (Australian import for Mondeo, looks a lot like the orig rims) for about the same price Canadian as Tirerack is quoting you. Went with the Mich since don't like the idea of paying for a snow tire that isn't effective when you wear down to 50% tread like the Bridgestones. Have gone 2 winters and they offer a safe fun ride in snow and especially ice with good dry weather handling as well. Have always felt safe with these tires. From Ontario Canada so we have our share of nasty winter weather.

CaseyK '99 SVT Tropic Green #401