This is my first set of tires so bear with me here since this is a learning experience. I recently blew a tire at 45MPH (thank GOD it wasn't 5 minutes earlier @ 80MPH) and decided the man upstairs was trying to tell me something.

So far I've been looking at these:

- Falken AZENIS RT-615 225/50R16 92W (from Vulcan Tires)
- Kumho ECSTA MX 225/50WR16 92W (from Tire Rack)
- BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD 225/50YR16 92Y (From Tire Rack)
- Yokohama ADVAN A048 225/50WR16 92W Medium Compound (From Tire Rack)

My car is generating 470HP (obviously bit less to the wheels) and I'm too far from a track so I've never tracked it however would like to have grip enough to handle the power, especially on the curves. Basically if I get the chance to take this on the track I want to tires to hold up for me (capable of handling 170MPH+), and I don't want any blow outs like the one I just suffered. Would also like to have them look decent as the car does go to the occasional car show. Vehicle sees 1500 miles yearly so wear isn't an issue. I don't really want to spend much, $200/tire is ceiling, although if I can go cheaper I will be a happy camper. Wheels are stock FD wheels for a '94 R2.

What are your opinions?

EDIT: Noticed TurboJeff said 245/45/16's will fit the stock wheel "perfectly." Any input as to why I would desire that and how it would change the look of the car?

 

I have the BFG Comp TA KD's on mine. I've been very happy with their performance both on the street and the track. You will not be dissapointed if you buy those tires.
-Nic

 

More meat on the ground means more traction (considering the same tire type). Granted, a cheap 245 verses a sticky 225 is not going to be an upgrade.

It really won't change the look all that much;
https://www.rx7club.com/suspension-wheels-tires-brakes-20/fd-guys-running-245-45-16s-stock-rims-470420/

 

Thanks Mahjik, the picture was especially helpful.

Apparently the 245/45/16 size has a low selection of tires. Anyone have a particular tire they recommend (as per my needs above) at that size or a place where I get a better selection of sizes for the brands I quoted above?

 

You need to read up on tire speed ratings. Of the tires you listed, only the KD is rated for over 168 mph. You need to be looking at Z or Y speed rated tires. I would avoid R-compound tires given your use, unless you are willing to warm them up before expecting good traction (the A048 are "streetable" R-compounds).

I would go with 245/45 16s if you can. Although expecting 245-width tires to handle that much power is optimistic, at best.

 

Hmmm, not really willing to heat the tires up for the R compounds, seems like it might be a waste to go that high if I can still maintain some decent traction with other tires.

You don't think it would be wise to go 245/45 with my power output? How much of a difference is it really going to make by going 245/45 over 225/50 (i.e. is it 100% worth it driving on the street with the rare track appearance)?

EDIT: Just checked my current tires (blown) and they are 225/50. I think I'll stick with that unless someone can pursuade me that 245/45's will rock my world.

 

You misunderstood me, I would most definitely go with 245/45s over 225/50s. My point was that 245 is not really wide enough for that much power. A nice commonly available size is 275/40 17, obviously this would require aftermarket wheels.

I am making 350-ish rwhp and don't have traction at WOT until 3rd gear with 265 T1-S tires.

 

My bad. I thought you meant that the 245's wouldn't grab often. I checked out the Toyo T1-S tires and those look to fit everything about my car and driving style. I've been looking for them in 245/45/16 sizes but am having a lot of trouble finding them online. Do you know of any online distributors carrying them?

I'll look into aftermarket wheels after this new set is finished off. I don't have the money at the moment + am looking to join the USAF so I won't have time to play with it for awhile.

EDIT: Noticed the T1-S is discontinued in favor of the T1-R. Not sure I like the tread design as much but that's being picky. They also aren't Z rated anymore

 

I would skip the Toyo T1-R after seeing how it did in the latest comparison tests...the BFG KD, the Michelin PS2, the Yoko Advans, are all excellent tires. If you want good grip, you can't go too far wrong by looking at the Max Performance category at www.tirerack.com. You will need a Y or Z rated tire for your high-speed application.

 

How do you know you are making 470 motor hp? what is your setup?

245s at a minimum. The BFG KDs grip like a ****, highly recommended.

 

Just out of curiosity how do you feel about Hanook (particularly the RS-2 Z212) tires? They are about all I can find online that look decent from searches on this board in 245/45/16 sizes. I'm really going to have to look at getting new wheels next year if pickings are this slim..

 

Search somewhere on this board for my specs, previous owner was KZ1. Can you get the BFG KDs in 245/45/16?? I can't find them anywhere online in that size and being in a very small town doesn't help for local dealers.

 

Did you look at Tire Rack? There are many good tires in that size.

 

I could only come up with three tires that are Z rated. A lot more showed up for 225/50/16 size, I might just have to stick with that until I can afford larger rims next year.

 

Hmm...looks like a lot of manfs have stopped making high-end tires in that size.

To be honest with you, how much time to you actually plan on being above 170mph? Seriously. A W-rated tire is rated for up to 168 mph (at it's weight limit, which will not be hit by an FD). Going with a W-rated tire should be perfectly safe and gives you more options.

 

The RT-615's are exceptional tires for the street. I use them on my Evo and they're just as good (on the street) as the stock Advans which is saying something. I plan on sliding a pair on the 7 here shortly.

 

I went with Hankook 245/45/16's (the Z212's). They already arrived and will be going on the car Monday, hopefully will fit with the car lowered a bit as it is. Next set will definitately be BFG KD's when these wear out...thanks for the info one and all especially rynberg, much appreciated!