Recommend me a 17" tire...

[MINIcharged]

Hi all, I know there are a heap of similar threads on this topic (I'm pretty sure I've read them all!) but...

I'm about to change the current runflats (Michelin Primacy HP 205/45/17) for a set of non runflats to hopefully improve the ride quality, not to mention grip, especially in the wet!

I have checked with my insurers (to be on the safe side) and there is no issue changing tires to non runflats. I'm currently running s-spokes. I did think about changing to lighter 16" wheels but time is running out and I'm going to need tyres shortly so will be sticking with the 17" s-spokes.

So my questions:

• Which size? 205/40/17 or 215/40/17 or 215/45/17?
-All these will fit and are more common sizes than the original 205/45/17 so are significantly cheaper. The dimension change is within tolerance, but which is better suited to the car?

• Will the 215's be too wide and introduce tramlining?

• Toyo Proxes T1-R or Goodyear Eagle f1 or curveball choice Pirelli Nero's?

I'm keen on getting feedback from anyone running Proxes or Eagles as these are my first choices as well as any comments (good or bad) from anyone who has done a similar change.

Thanks in advance, long post for a quick question I know!

Unmodified R53 2005 Cooper S btw.


Some links for people who may stumble across this thread through the search...
blackcircles.com (useful for checking prices)
Tire size speedometer reading change calculator
Alternative tire size change calculator
FAQ wheel and Tire info of course

[MINIAC]

If you're going with 40-series go with 215 width for more protection against pot-holes.

You can also run 215/45-17.

Which model of Goodyear F1 are you considering?

[MINIcharged]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

If you're going with 40-series go with 215 width for more protection against pot-holes.

You can also run 215/45-17.

Which model of Goodyear F1 are you considering?

Thanks, that's a good idea I'm still a little cautious of the 215 though due to possible tramlining.

I'd initially discounted the 215/45/17 due to the increase in diameter, I'd rather have a slightly under-reading speedo than an over-reading one. Although having just checked it looks so negligible it would be ok (satnav tells me I'm currently over-reading 2mph @ 70mph indicated).

I was looking at the F1 GSD3's I ran them on an mx-5 and loved them. They are slightly more expensive than the Toyos, but not as much as the Asymetric F1s.

[MINIAC]

I thought GS-D3's were being discontinued

[Eds]

The Hankook Ventus V12 Evo has very high rating/review. It is Ultra High Perf. Summer though. I have it in 205x45x17 but have not tested it yet due to my car in winter storage. Are you looking for all-season?

[MINIcharged]

I wasn't aware the GSD3's are being discontinued as I can still get hold of some, although that might explain the limited sizes available...

The car is used all year round so a pure summer/trackday tire won't really be suitable, touch wood winters aren't especially bad in this area of the uk (Berkshire) so a perormance tire should be ok. I had the Eagles on my mx-5 last year and they where bearable unless used on snowy unsalted roads at which point they where useless. (as expected). Wet weather performance is more important to me as I've found the current tyres prone to aquaplaning.

[leddy]

Ive just replaced my pirelli runflats on my s spokes.
I went for a full set of 215/40/17 falken FK452's

After reading reviews on them i thought id give them a go over the GSD3s that i was looking at.

I must say i am massively impressed. Turn in grip has improved dramatically as has ride comfort and i get very little tramlining that i had before in bucketloads.

Overall i would definately recommend. the 215/40s look sweet on the rims aswell!!

[MINIcharged]

I'll look into those, I hadn't considered Falkens before.

Any more thoughts from anyone running any of these sizes?

It'd be nice to have a collection of 17" specific mini reviews for when people find this thread in the future... it is a very common size rim...

[Themajickman]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIcharged (original)

I'm about to change the current runflats (Michelin Primacy HP 205/45/17) for a set of non runflats to hopefully improve the ride quality, not to mention grip, especially in the wet!

You might want to check the Falken Ziex ZE912's they have been rated very highly and have a 40,000 mile tread wear warranty.

[MINIcharged]

Having done some more reading around these seem to be the popular options and opinions…

Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 - Excelent dry & wet weather grip, not particularly long lasting, quite expensive, rubbish in snow.
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric - As GSD3's but more expensive and better all round, the class leader?
Toyo Proxes T1-R - Finding it difficult to find any bad comments about them, seems they are like the Eagle GSD3s but cheaper.
Pirelli Nero - Similar to Toyo/Goodyear but more expensive, some say not as good.
Falken FK 452 - Comparable to the Goodyear Eagle F1/Toyo proxies and cheaper, excellent value for money.
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110 - Seems similar to Falken FK 452, in terms of price and performance.
Yokohama Parada Spec 2 - Look amazing, great grip in the dry, not so good in the wet, prone to aquaplaning.
Falken Ziex ZE912 - Comfortable, hard wearing but not as handling focused as Falken 452.



At the moment I'm leaning towards the Toyo Proxes T1-R, they seem to be popular and are the same price as the Falken FK 452 and cheaper than the goodyear. (Currently approx £80 each)

I think I'm sold on 215/40/17 as a size now. Anyone running this size care to comment?

I would love to get some feedback and/or comparisons from anyone with experience of any of the above…
How are you finding them in regards to dry grip, wet grip, aquaplaning, comfort, longevity, cost etc.

Thanks again!

[mab01uk]

I,m running 215/40 x 17 Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 and would agree with the comments.....not noticed they are rubbish in snow but don't get that much to worry about here. Had no trouble getting them recently even though there was rumours of them being discontinued over a year ago.
Also a much smoother ride and no tramlining to speak of when compared with my old Pirelli runflats.

[adam_Randell]

I like the Bridgestone Potenza - good grippy tyre, runflat and has a rim protector!

[MINIcharged]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

I,m running 215/40 x 17 Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 and would agree with the comments.....not noticed they are rubbish in snow but don't get that much to worry about here. Had no trouble getting them recently even though there was rumours of them being discontinued over a year ago.
Also a much smoother ride and no tramlining to speak of when compared with my old Pirelli runflats.

That's good to hear, I've had past experience with the GSD3s on another car and found them very good. I wonder how the Proxes compare though as they seem to be cheaper but have a very similar tread pattern.

I'm still a little concerned that the increase in tyre width with the 215s might introduce some tramlining so it's good to hear that it's fine.

Any more comments? I'm suprised there haven't been more to be honest. Everyone has tires after all!

[Scrounger]

Quote: Originally Posted by adam_Randell (original)

I like the Bridgestone Potenza - good grippy tyre, runflat and has a rim protector!

how much did you pay and where from

Ive currently got Conti 205/45/17 on at the min and will need the fronts replacing in a couple of thousand miles.

Would like to stick to the runflats though

[M.O.S]

Avon ZZ3, Bridgestone Potenza re50 non runflat (they're better grip wise than run flats, but if you value runflats then get the re50 runflats )