Originally posted by APT CSVT:
Pancho, quit with the recomendations on sizes that will throw everyone's speedometer and odo off. For some people, 215/55R16 would lose way too much steering response. Finding the right tire is a wiser decision than changing the size to compensate for a harsh ride.
225/50R16 is my recomendation. 205/55 and 225/50 have almost the exact same diameter. Most people that rub using 225/50 on E1 rims rub on the inner plastic fender lining, not the strut. 205/55 would do the same then. I have seen, ridden, driven in 225/50R16 Kumho 712 on a 2000 SVT. Under moderate cornering, the left rear tire would rub the fender. So, he just mananged to pull it back a little with some zip ties. 225/50 should provide batter handling and performance vs. 205/55.
Take a 215/55/16 and put it next to a 225/50/16.
THEY ARE THE SAME HEIGHT. I HAVE PLENTY OF THOSE AT WORK AND I PLAY AROUND WITH SIZES ALL DAY LONG. If my recommendation of 215/55/16 over 225/50/16 has some thought put into, so don't slam me cuz I know my sizes. And, if you think that wider is always better, then YOU ARE THE ONE WHO NEEDS TO QUIT GIVING OUT ADVICE ON TIRE SIZES. ANd no, 225/50's won't proved better handling over 205/55's being that the vehicle is so light. Don't try to apply ideas that work for a Mustang or a Camaro because we are talking about a Contour.
And lastly, if the guy is asking for advice then LET ME GIVE SOME ADVICE. I have facts to back up what I say, and I see set's of tires installed and removed because of improper fit/application every single day, I WORK IN A TIRE SHOP, so please do not lecture me.
I respect everybody in this board and I really dislike when people who oviously know less than me try to talk down on me. So please don't do it.
