Need help before I pull the trigger

[Deli_B]

Finally got the green light to move forward and get a more aggressive setup for this upcoming spring/summer season. Going with 18x9.5 wheels. Consulting fellow enthusiasts they advised I should go with a 245/45/18 tire. When I called Wheeldude, the dude was like "no way, you got to go with 245/35/18." His concern was rubbing because the 45's will be to tall.

I am not seasoned with tires so your guys help would be great. I know there are better tires out there, but I do like how when you get your setup from Wheeldude they will mount and balance the tires for you. So sadly I am limited on my choices of what tire to go with, otherwise my thought was going with Yokahoma's S-Drives.

Your input would be appreciated, thanks guys.

[wexneffex]

I really liked my S-drives that I had, good wet and dry performance for the money. I agree with wheeldude, 245/35...

[shaneinhisroom]

Wheeldude knows what they're talking about. You'd look like a 4x4 with 45 sidewall.

[motozachl]

Or you could go with 17s and the 45....

[TSi+WRX]

Car & Driver did a "budget summer tire" shoot-out a couple of years ago (the Dunlop StarSpecs took first-place, IIRC), with the then-current version of the Michelin PS2 as the benchmark. It should still be in their online archives. I am not sure if there's anything more current....

The Michelin Pilot Super Sports are really, really nice, too, but I don't believe that any were homologated for the STi.

[TSi+WRX]

The Michelin Pilot Super Sports are really, really nice, too, but I don't believe that any were homologated for the STi.

^ Well, speak of the devil....

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...rst_drive/#top

Look at what's on the S206.

[Kyle_05_STi]

I have S-Drives on my summer wheels and don't like them at all. IMO they're the second worst set of tires I've ever had the misfortune of owning, only topped by some Dunlop SP Sport 8000's years ago. Very noisy and the tread is cupping badly even though I've had my alignment checked and it's good. Maybe I just got a bad set because it seems like most people like them.

[Wiggy]

45's would be mondo tall. You have to understand how tire sizes work. The 2nd number is a percentage of the width and is NOT static like the with or wheel diameter. A 45 series tire is gonna be a lot taller on a 245 width versus a 215 or 225.

Hawkins can mount whatever you throw at him (plus there's a place in Mentor that does a great job and is super careful with aftermarket wheels if Hawk is too far from ya), so don't limit yourself to what wheeldude offers.

[Deli_B]

Fair enough. I am definitely not going with the 45's, will be going with 35's. Now we just have to get through winter! I can't wait.

[Deli_B]

Well as my normal impatient self I went ahead and just got done ordering my new setup. Should be here soon. 18x9.5 Grids with a 255/35/18 tire.

With that said if anyone wants to have another wheel tire setup I will be putting up for sale my 17x7.5 Gunmetal Rota Torques which have Falken Ziek 912s.

As always, thanks for the thoughts and advice.