I'm debating either spending some money to upgrade my current stock 16x8 IROC rims to 17x9.5" C6 replicas and mounting 'so-so to ok' rubber or keeping the stock rims, but putting on "good" tires. Currently running on mismatched no-name store brand tires on the factory rims. Car is not a daily driver, and might see some track time this summer. The rest of the suspension is pretty well covered (koni struts/shocks, UMI camber/caster plates, SFC's, control arms etc etc). I always hear that your tires are the most important part of how well the car will handle, just wondering if there will be a big difference between good 16" rubber opposed to 17" tires on the lower end of the price scale. If I go with the 17" tires I could budget around $500 for a set.

Thanks

Kevin

Kevin,

There are no real options available in the 245-50-16 size these days, Tire Rack only has maybe 6 choices in that size, but over 20 choices in the 275-40-17 size. The increase in tire width makes a tremendous difference in how your car will handle - 120mm more rubber under the car (almost 5").

I just bought a set of Falken Ziex 512 tires in 245-50-16. They handle like no other, paid $368 shipped for them from discounttiredirect.com. But like Paul said, there's not a lot of options for 16s anymore. 17s or 18s are where it's at now.

bfg g-force is a good tire for 16s i have 245s up front and 255s in back i do short circuit racing with them i like them alot

All - check out this GMHTP article I posted today on the Thirgenfbody blog...

http://thirdgenfbody.wordpress.com/2...eptember-2003/

Quality of tires are extremely important! It's like the icing on the cake if you will. Don't short change yourself if you can help it.. I spent close to 700 on my continental dws extreme contact all seasons.245-45-17 and 275-40-17 and they are the best tires I've run on my car to date well worth the extra bucks!!!