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Best Summer Wheel/Tire Combo....?

8K views 30 replies 10 participants last post by  OculiAquilae 
#1 ·
I recently acquired a 1991 CRX Si, and am trying to decide on the best summer setup for me. Before this I had an 06 Acura TL 6MT with Michelin Pilot Super Sports, with mods planned, but I never got that far. The CRX feels much more planted, much less rolly, and the body roll that is there, feels much more mechanical some how. For now (until I have a place of my own), I plan to add a little power (I/H/E), MAYBE swap to the z6 head, and probably throw rear anti-roll/sway bars on. I know I want damn good tires, ideally something like Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Bridgestone RE-71r, or Dunlop Direzza as a cheap option. I've read 205/50/15 is the "best setup for street" and "best setup that fits without rolling" - Ideally I want 16" wheels, for looks and so I can have a better selection of high-performance tires. What are your thoughts on running 16" wheels vs 15" wheels? What about running wider the 205? I've read through plenty of forums on sites including and aside from CRXcommunity, but now I'm wanting to throw MYself out there and get direct feedback. Thanks in advance.
 
#2 ·
Generally the CRXs hadle better with a tire that has a big enough sidewall, because of their suspension design (small shock travel). 195/50/15" is the most common dimension and works for most crx owners/applications. Gives good hadling, good steering feeling, comfort and you can find cheap tires, too. In my opinion 205/50/16" is an overkill for a n/a D series (or B series) especially for a car that runs mostly on the streets. You will make the car slower and more gas consuming. Even 205/50/15" would be an overkill, furthermore you'ld need wide enough rims for the 205 tire (i'ld say 6.5-7"). Another thing about very wide tires is that you have to combine them with a "sporty" suspension set up or else the car will hadle worse than with the narrower, if your suspension is too soft.

Here is a very helpful wheel calculator that will help you compare different rim/tire combos:

https://www.wheel-size.com/calc/?wheel1 ... 0mm&sr=0mm
 
#3 ·
I've been trying to decide between 195/50/15, 205/50/15, 195/50/16, and 205/50/16. I don't plan on doing many, nor any major mods for a few years, but I was a wheel/tire setup that works well. I've already made the OEM wheels my winter setup, so I was already planning on buying 6.5" or 7" wide wheels. I just need to settle on a wheel diameter and tire size that will best suit me. The stock suspension (it had to have been redone within the past handful of years, 30,000 miles or less) feels very well planted from the brief summer dry road driving I've been able to do in it, and even on the frozen winter roads of MN, the 175 tires I have on the car right now, the suspension still feel planted over small or decent sized bumps and road undulations at speed. However, it's winter, and I have proper winter/snow tires, so they don't like dry roads very much.
Anywho, back to it. you're saying with the short shock travel, don't go too crazy with a low profile tire, keep it middle of the road, sporty yet forgiving (commonly I see 50 profile) so the tires can help take some of the beating?
As far as needing to upgrade the suspension with a 205 tire, I'm not too terribly worried about decreased MPG or acceleration, though obviously I want to avoid extreme changes. But would you say a 195 vs a 205 would be a better option for some aggressive street driving, or take the 205 route, but upgrade the shocks/struts?
Thanks
 
#4 ·
Wider tires gives more grip there's no argue about it, but you have to choose the best tire for your application. That's all i'm saying.
Keep in mind that the same 195/50 tire on a 15x7" rim gives more traction than the same tire on a 15x6" rim. I had both with the same tires (Dunlop Sp Fast Response) and with the 15x7" i had far more better traction. But going from 185/60/14" to this set up my old tired KYBs couldn't hadle the more grip and the body roll became enormous!! So the more gripier the tire you get the more stiffer suspension you want.
I'ld go to 16" wheels only for the look. I really don't think there's no other reason. As i said 195/50/15" is the most popular dimension for a reason. I have 195/50 Michelins PS3 with oem Vti rims 15x6" and i have no complain. On the street feels perfect and i've test them also on track and the car was very very stable and predictable with lots of traction. I have to say though that i have coilovers and full Hardrace bushings all around.
 
#5 ·
Right, bigger contact patch, helps even out the traction/power/weight etc. I'm all good with tire and wheel knowledge, in general, just for this car specifically I can't decide what to do. I know I'm overthinking it, but I have about 5 months til I'll buy a summer setup and I'm going insane with eager anticipation haha.
When I bought the car it had mediocre summer tires (not all-seasons) on it, and the stock suspension handled it very surprisingly well. But you're deadest on if I get the tires I want (something pretty nice and sticky like (Michelin PSS, Bridgestone RE-71r, BFG G-Force Comp2 or Dunlop Direzza) that I'll really need to upgrade the suspension to match the tires? :/ I had considered throwing some coilovers on her, but I was wanting to avoid dropping the car due to driving the car in Minnesota winters, which can be quite nasty.
 
#6 ·
OculiAquilae said:
But you're deadest on if I get the tires I want (something pretty nice and sticky like (Michelin PSS, Bridgestone RE-71r, BFG G-Force Comp2 or Dunlop Direzza) that I'll really need to upgrade the suspension to match the tires? :/ I had considered throwing some coilovers on her, but I was wanting to avoid dropping the car due to driving the car in Minnesota winters, which can be quite nasty.
That's my experience with very gripy tires and bad/soft suspension. Though that does not mean you have to go for a stiff coilover set up, if you choose one of the above tires. Actually i'm really thinking to change my coilovers for koni yellows and Eibach pro kit. They're excellent on the track, but the car sits very low and it's a little stiff on bumby roads. It's not my daily, but i drive it mostly on the street, so i want a comfier ride and better ground clearance.
So a good shock/spring set up and good tires will be the best combination. :)b
Hope what ever you choose to have fun with your rex!! :wink:
 
#9 ·
It's a really subjective question. There is no "best" for everyone.
I think overall diameter, weight and quality are more far more important than agonizing over 10mm of width or how it looks.

Diameter...too big and your speedo will be off and acceleration is compromised, especially on a stock engine.
Weight...will affect handling, acceleration and fuel economy.
Quality...get the best you can afford. Cheap cast chinese wheels look like a great deal. But once one breaks, and they will, you're not coming out ahead.

My preferred street setup has been Civic HX wheels (or miata) w/195-55-14 in a Toyo t1s or the previous version Bridg RE-71. But this tire size has become impossible to find.
 
#10 ·
I would agree that 195/50-15 is about perfect for a crx. If you're looking for a good summer tire I would suggest BF Goodrich G-force sport comp 2 or Yokohama S.Drives for daily duties
 
#11 ·
kracksmith said:
i think this is the best combo

15x7 +35 with 205/50/15 or 195/50/15.

it won't stuck out or rub and sits flush with 205.
Opps. Forgot to check back here for while. This is actually exactly what I ended up going with.

15x7et35 Advanti DST Storm S1 Matte Gray wheels with 205/50r15 Dunlop Direzza DZ102 tires.

Wheels are made by a Chinese conglomerate, but aren't cheap, they're flow-formed, so hopefully that helps. They're extremely lightweight wheels. I haven't heard of anyone having any problems with them yet in any of the reviews I've read. The tires also sounded great. I figured I'd start with a more street DD tire and see how it goes. I can always jump up to the RE-71r, but for half the treadlife (or less) and twice the price, the Direzza are comparable to the Yokohama, but I thought sounded like a better tire.

So hopefully all bodes well for me ha.

And I know there's no perfect setup. I just like hearing others' thoughts and opinions to see where my own fall in line.

The setup should arrive today or tomorrow.
Thanks for the input.
 
#13 ·
Tasos_7R said:
I think you made a very good choise. Those wheels i didn't know they are that light (about 10lbs), i'm impressed. When you put them on your rex please post some pics to see how they look on it.
Thank you! I feel the same, and hopefully that's only further proven true come time when they arrive!
I'll definitely do so! It was 60-70 here in MN all last weekend, but now it's supposed to stay in the 30s and 40s :( I'll definitely still be test fitting them, but my lil rex is still completely stock other than these wheels & tires (minus my winter tires ha), so she won't look as cool as in Spring when I start modding.
 
#18 ·
OculiAquilae said:
Nah, it depends on preference. Handling vs acceleration (unless you make a lot of power) and MPG
It's a very minor amount, and even going through different manufacturers, one company's 205 would be another's 195 (Azenis, for example, are narrow 205s). I don't think it's a decision to keep anyone up late at night.
 
#19 ·
tommy said:
OculiAquilae said:
Nah, it depends on preference. Handling vs acceleration (unless you make a lot of power) and MPG
It's a very minor amount, and even going through different manufacturers, one company's 205 would be another's 195 (Azenis, for example, are narrow 205s). I don't think it's a decision to keep anyone up late at night.
I know. I've known quite a few people who'd make a big deal about it haha. And yeah, that's another fact. I hadn't actually thought of that, manufacturer tires being different widths. Always have to look at the actual section width.
 
#20 ·
650_rex said:
I'm lowered on neuspeed sport springs with a 15x7 +35 or 40 on 195/50r15 bfg sort comp 2's and I like the ride. Doesn't sit as flush as I'd want to so I might get extended lugs and some spacers to achieve that.
I'm surprised it doesn't sit as flush as you'd want. I'll post pictures of my setup in a few minutes. I just threw it on this weekend. She still needs to be lowered, but they actually poke a little and I'm 205/50r15 Dunlop Direzza DZ102 on 15x7et35 Advanti DST Storm S1 Wheels.... How lowered are you? Is it that the tops are pulled in too much or....?

And just personal preference, but I'd avoid spacers like the plague. I just don't like sacrificing anything that affects handling or geometry of handling like that.

How do you like the Comp 2's? A/S of summers? I was debating going 195 just to get those tires.
 
#21 ·
Tasos_7R said:
I think you made a very good choise. :)b Those wheels i didn't know they are that light (about 10lbs), i'm impressed. When you put them on your rex please post some pics to see how they look on it.
As requested:



















Only driven 50 miles on the setup so far, but I love it. My plans to drive 500 miles this weekend to break the tires in didn't work out, which I'm bummed about, but whatever.
 
#23 ·
OculiAquilae said:
650_rex said:
I'm lowered on neuspeed sport springs with a 15x7 +35 or 40 on 195/50r15 bfg sort comp 2's and I like the ride. Doesn't sit as flush as I'd want to so I might get extended lugs and some spacers to achieve that.
I'm surprised it doesn't sit as flush as you'd want. I'll post pictures of my setup in a few minutes. I just threw it on this weekend. She still needs to be lowered, but they actually poke a little and I'm 205/50r15 Dunlop Direzza DZ102 on 15x7et35 Advanti DST Storm S1 Wheels.... How lowered are you? Is it that the tops are pulled in too much or....?

And just personal preference, but I'd avoid spacers like the plague. I just don't like sacrificing anything that affects handling or geometry of handling like that.

How do you like the Comp 2's? A/S of summers? I was debating going 195 just to get those tires.
I have the comp 2's (not a/s). I really like the grip and for the price (74.99 or 79.99 I believe I paid per tire) I can't complain. I work for Costco so we can get Michelin, bfg and bridgestones for pretty good deal ( no discount for me tho, but I install my own tires and balance them.) if I would of had the money I would have gone with the Bridgestone potneza re-71r 205/50, those tires look so good and are a 180 treadwear rating I believe. Maybe I'll get those if I ever get new rims. As for my car sitting flush, might be from being on springs and not on coilovers. And yeah seems like the top of the tires and inside the fenders a lil more than I'd like. I'll try and upload some pictures tomorrow to show the fitment.
 
#24 ·
Tasos_7R said:
Looks very nice!! 8) You only need to lower the car a little and the will look even better!! :)b
Thanks man, I agree! I'll be ordering ground controls by end of the month. Already got my catback. Need to get my header too. And rear sway. Brake pads and rotors for sure. Front strut brace. Then I think I'm set for the year. Should be installing all of that come May. I plan on dropping about 1.5" wanna kill the gap, but not be totally murdered on my drop. Oh and tint needs to happen soon too. 35 all around maybe 50 windshield (for my eyes more than looks ha). I'm hoping the drop pulls the tops of the tires in a bit more
 
#25 ·
650_rex said:
OculiAquilae said:
650_rex said:
I'm lowered on neuspeed sport springs with a 15x7 +35 or 40 on 195/50r15 bfg sort comp 2's and I like the ride. Doesn't sit as flush as I'd want to so I might get extended lugs and some spacers to achieve that.
I'm surprised it doesn't sit as flush as you'd want. I'll post pictures of my setup in a few minutes. I just threw it on this weekend. She still needs to be lowered, but they actually poke a little and I'm 205/50r15 Dunlop Direzza DZ102 on 15x7et35 Advanti DST Storm S1 Wheels.... How lowered are you? Is it that the tops are pulled in too much or....?

And just personal preference, but I'd avoid spacers like the plague. I just don't like sacrificing anything that affects handling or geometry of handling like that.

How do you like the Comp 2's? A/S of summers? I was debating going 195 just to get those tires.
I have the comp 2's (not a/s). I really like the grip and for the price (74.99 or 79.99 I believe I paid per tire) I can't complain. I work for Costco so we can get Michelin, bfg and bridgestones for pretty good deal ( no discount for me tho, but I install my own tires and balance them.) if I would of had the money I would have gone with the Bridgestone potneza re-71r 205/50, those tires look so good and are a 180 treadwear rating I believe. Maybe I'll get those if I ever get new rims. As for my car sitting flush, might be from being on springs and not on coilovers. And yeah seems like the top of the tires and inside the fenders a lil more than I'd like. I'll try and upload some pictures tomorrow to show the fitment.
Yeah, I know the comp is a solid tire! I wanted 205 so I opted for the Direzza DZ102 cuz they don't make comp2 at 205/50r15. I'll have to wait until may when I throw them back on before I can really comment on how they perform, but I'm come from Pilot Super Sports, so I know I'll be picky, but I'm very confident I'll like them. I debated going with the re71r also like you, but decided in didn't want 180 Treadwear on my first set of tires on this car ha. Next set for sure I'll get something more aggressive yet.

Does it look like your drop pulled the tops of the tires in and maybe that's why it's not poking like you want? My setup pokes a little more than I want, so I'm hoping the drop pulls the tops in a little ha
 
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