Tires for WRX

[Mike]

I have a set of 225/50/16 Nitto NT 450 extream performance tires on the
stock wheels. They were new and on the car when i bought it used. I'm about
to replace them and thinking about going back to the stock size. They handle
well but the ride is harsh, and road noise is a bit to much. Seems like i am
always fighting the steering to keep it in my lane specialy on 85 here in
Atlanta., it seems worse on some roads then others. But i'm wondering if
going back to stock size will improve noise, ride quality, etc. without
sacraficing to much handleing performance. I have never driven one with the
stockers so i dont know if there would be any difference at all.I am going
to replace the steering rack bushings, get an alignment as well which maybe
the cause of some of the issues. I do see the inside edge of the rear tires
are worn bald while the rest still has measurable tread on them. Also
wondering if going with the wider tire messes with the camber or alignment
in anyway vs the stock size tire. Anyone have any suggestions ?

 

[abcd]

Heavy wear on the inside edge is usually due to a toe out condition and
negative camber. Toe out will definitely make the car wander. the wider
tires contribute to the problem also. Get an alignment asap. you may also
want to switch your left tire to the right and the right to the left on the
front (they will need to be dismounted) to keep the tire from wearing
through on the inside edge. I prefer my car with the narrower 205 size. It
is more "tossable".

 

[Mike]

Thanks, i'm to close to buying new ones to go threw rotating and haveing
them dismounted and all of that.I'll have new ones by the end of this week.

 

[nobody >]

I have a set of 225/50/16 Nitto NT 450 extream performance tires on the
stock wheels. They were new and on the car when i bought it used. I'm about
to replace them and thinking about going back to the stock size. They handle
well but the ride is harsh, and road noise is a bit to much. Seems like i am
always fighting the steering to keep it in my lane specialy on 85 here in
Atlanta., it seems worse on some roads then others. But i'm wondering if
going back to stock size will improve noise, ride quality, etc. without
sacraficing to much handleing performance. I have never driven one with the
stockers so i dont know if there would be any difference at all.I am going
to replace the steering rack bushings, get an alignment as well which maybe
the cause of some of the issues. I do see the inside edge of the rear tires
are worn bald while the rest still has measurable tread on them. Also
wondering if going with the wider tire messes with the camber or alignment
in anyway vs the stock size tire. Anyone have any suggestions ?

The inside tread wear and the alignment that's causing it explain just
about all your handling issues. 50 series tires are going to be harsher
riding than a somewhat similar sized 60 series tire. It's possible that
the road noise was your rubber getting scrubbed away ;}

Recommending a replacement is not easy, we don't know what you expect
out of your tires nor how you drive. Some more info would help.

 

[Mike]

Well i need a decent handleing and decent ride comfort. I dont go to the
track or do any mountain runs or anything.I do do some spirited driving, car
is modified slightly. But mostley highway. commuting to work. Wondering to
if the 205 would improve my milage at all ? They are about 3-4lbs lighter a
tire.

 

[Body Roll]

Well i need a decent handleing and decent ride comfort. I dont go to the
track or do any mountain runs or anything.I do do some spirited driving, car
is modified slightly. But mostley highway. commuting to work. Wondering to
if the 205 would improve my milage at all ? They are about 3-4lbs lighter a
tire.

If you plan to get 35-45k miles out of a tire Bridgestone Potenza
RE-960 A/S
might be a good starting point for you in the 205 55 R16.
If 35-45k is not good enough people here swear by TripleTred :-]
If RE960 3 season performance is not good enough Potenza 050A is the
king of
the summer hill now, but C&D for some reason gave the crown to F1 GS
D3.
Both of the latter two are not for driving on snow/ice though.

Whatever you do don't get tires with white sidewalls. Go for the black
ones.

 

[Mike]

Snow and ice isnt a issue here in GA. We may get a dusting or some freezing
rain once or twice in the winter.But sticking with an all season just in
case is a good idea. Standing water and flooded roads is a bigger issue. I
ended up geting some Hankook V4 ES H105 ultra high performance all seasons
in the 205/55. Not a very expensive 40,000 mile rated tire which should
last me a good 2 years or more.

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/product/tire_detail.asp?pid=5

Well i need a decent handleing and decent ride comfort. I dont go to the
track or do any mountain runs or anything.I do do some spirited driving, car
is modified slightly. But mostley highway. commuting to work. Wondering to
if the 205 would improve my milage at all ? They are about 3-4lbs lighter a
tire.

If you plan to get 35-45k miles out of a tire Bridgestone Potenza
RE-960 A/S
might be a good starting point for you in the 205 55 R16.
If 35-45k is not good enough people here swear by TripleTred :-]
If RE960 3 season performance is not good enough Potenza 050A is the
king of
the summer hill now, but C&D for some reason gave the crown to F1 GS
D3.
Both of the latter two are not for driving on snow/ice though.

Whatever you do don't get tires with white sidewalls. Go for the black
ones.