Have a 2002 Outback Sport and looking to improve the handling with the stock 16" rims. Currently running 205/55/16s but would like to go a little wider but keep the same rolling circumference (avoid recalibrating the speedo).

Tire shop suggested going 225/50/16. Any thoughts/comments or other alternatives out there in Sube land?

 

225/50/16 is the way to go without affecting your overall outer diameter. there are a lot of tires out there that will perform better tahn stock. what kind of tire are you looking at getting? aka, what driving conditions? lots of snow, no snow lots of rain, little rain, etc?

 

Strictly summer driving........backroads and occassional highway driving. Should have good wet performance but no snow (separate tires and rims for those conditions). Currently running Bridgestone Turanzas (All Seasons). Considering Kumho 711, BF Goodrich (T/A something), Dunlops maybe. Price may also be a consideration. Thanks for the feedback.

 

stay away from any kuhmo except for the mx or their r compund tires. they 711s, 712s, etc all suck in the way of performance, they are just cheap tires. there are a lot of tires and for the most part you get what you pay for (although there are some good tires that won't break the bank). i am a huge fan of bridgestone s-03s. but those go for $165 a piece from tirerack in that size.

i would suggest looking around on www.tirerack.com and looking through the reviews and pricing and stuff, try and narrow it down to a few choices and then let us know what you are considering and people that have experience with those tires can give their advice.

 

take a look at the Eagle F1 GS-D3

 

Will do a little 'research' and get back. Thanks for the comments/suggestions.

 

225/50/16 is a good way to put more tread on the road while on a budget. For good summer performance tires that are fairly inexpensive, consider the Falken Azenis ST115 and the Falken FK451. The Yokohama Advan series aren't bad as well.

 

Any thoughts on Toyo tires??

 

I hear the Toyo Proxes 4 are actually pretty nice. In general, Toyo has a pretty good name.

 

I had a little fun one day and tried out my 16" Rota Slipstreams with 225/50/16 Khumo MX's on a 2000 Legacy GT limited sedan. Plenty of clearance in the fenders (minus one screw in the rear fenders that sticks out kind of odd). I dont know how those tires in that size would fit with the stock wheel offset though. MX's are more of a semi-track/auto-x tire, but even with the outback it will be tough to find a corner you cant recover from going to fast into on any back road

Other tire suggestions: S03, BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW, Michelin Pilot Sport, Dunlop SP5000, Bridgestone RE950... There are alot that can range in that area between maximum dry grip and general purpose use...

 

Pirelli XR rally tires. Nice 'n' loud.

 

Anyone have any suggestions for a 225/45 17 all season performance tire with great overall handling charactistics and a quiet ride?

 

Max Summer:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ay.jsp?type=MP

Ultra High All Season:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...jsp?type=UHPAS

Personally, I'm getting the Michelin PS A/S next, but that is just me.

I've had the Bridgestone re950's and re 750's and would buy them again.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

How did you like the re 750's? I have been looking at those and they look fairly stout. I'm mostly worried about getting into a position where I have to buy a new set after 20K, so I'm looking for something with fairly good tread wear plus good handling.

 

Wiggin: Dunlop SP5000 or the Bridgestone RE950's would definatly work. Both are very quiet, quieter than the stock RE950's, and last a LONG time, along with having good dry and rain traction.