[GregB]

So I just picked up a set of lightly used 2009 WRX tires; Dunlop SP Sport 01 225/45/R17 Summer tires.

I am currently running 2008 WRX tires; Bridgestone Potenza RE92a 205/50R17 All seasons. They have about 1/8th" of tread in the middle (or 1/16th above the treadwear indicator bars), and barely 1/16th of an inch on the edges.

I'm really itching to put these on, they'll be my year - round tires here in Cali, and they're 20mm fatter than what I have now. Would it be wiser to wait and wear away another 1/16th of an inch and make these tires really bald, or just go for it and enjoy it?

Also, Do I over - inflat my tires or just really enjoy throwing the car into turns?

 

[Tuned200]

They will look small on there. I am using 215/45/17's now and they look tiny. My ground clearance is down an inch easy. I drag on everything.

 

[GregB]

I'm running swifts so I'm down an inch to start, 2" overall,not as bad. These '09 tires aren't going to change my current ride height at all.

 

[Tuned200]

Im on wrx suspension and a lot lower than you and they still look small.

Stock fxt tires are 215/55/17 or 26.31" tall.

New tires are 225/45/17 or 24.97" tall.

Either way, since you got em, go ahead and put them on.

 

[GregB]

Yeah, I've had the 08 wrx tires on for 25K miles, so the gap isn't anything new to me..

I'm slightly concerned I may need 3mm spacer in the back, these rims ar 55mm offest, not much room in the back.

 

[GregB]

Eh, I put em on. Less gap in the rear, but not nearly as bad as I thought.

 

[Rob]

So how are they?

 

[Tuned200]

Nice Greg. Side photos please. Also, how do they handle?

 

[GregB]

Well compared to those all-seasons, these are a summer tire, and an extra 20mm wider. I notice they're quieter and hard corning is through the roof. It kinda exemplifies the fact that my struts are almost 100K mi old. Pics to follow.

 

[Duderotomy]

Sounds like you're good to go then... I don't think there is much of a snow issue in San Fran.


... wait a minute :icon_confused: when did you move to the west coast Greg? I guess you won't be coming out to WBM in 2010 then eh?

 

[stan_t]

Also, Do I over - inflat my tires or just really enjoy throwing the car into turns?

Mine wear like that too, if anything I may under-inflate them a bit. What was your air pressure cold?

I know everyone always says there is no snow in San Francisco, which is true. But, there is actually alot of snow in California. I save my stockers with Geolanders for the snow.

Stan

 

[GregB]

Haha yeah drove out in August, My [now] fionce is going to med school a bit north of SF. Stopped by the Salt Flats too! And even if there isn't much snow, Lake Tahoe is only 3hrs from me, and I wish I had my snow tires!

Cold pressure is 40 PSI.

 

[pleiad7]

You should come out to one of our next Bay Area gatherings. We'll show you the roads less traveled... :wink:

 

[illmannered]

:lildevil:

You should come out to one of our next Bay Area gatherings. We'll show you the roads less traveled... :wink:

 

[desmobob]

Also, Do I over - inflat my tires or just really enjoy throwing the car into turns?

Overinflating makes the middle of the tread wear faster. It's underinflating that creates more wear on the outside edges.

Enjoy your new tires,
Bob