205/45/17 or 215/40/17

[15performanceblue]

I know there are a million threads on this. I have read almost all of them. Please help.....I am debating which size to go with. I am keeping the stock rims. I NEED more grip..Being stage 3 protuned on E30 I cannot get traction at all in 1st or 2nd. In the cold 3rd spins a little even now. If I went with 205/45/17 I know that would improve the rid tremendously, Which in MI is a need...But will I get more grip out of stickier tires? Or should I just go with the 215/40/17 with sticky tires for the summer? any input would be great!

Thanks!

 

[slowpokemd]

I recently swapped to 205/45 BFGoodrich comp-2 and am happy with the change in the ride. There is a small effect on steering feel but its not bad at all. There are some good tire options in both sizes, but you'll find a better selection and pricing for 205/45s. In my opinion with your set up, even grippy 215s will struggle for grip. Maybe look towards picking up a set of 17x8s to open up some wider tire options?

 

[15performanceblue]

I recently swapped to 205/45 BFGoodrich comp-2 and am happy with the change in the ride. There is a small effect on steering feel but its not bad at all. There are some good tire options in both sizes, but you'll find a better selection and pricing for 205/45s. In my opinion with your set up, even grippy 215s will struggle for grip. Maybe look towards picking up a set of 17x8s to open up some wider tire options?

I would be going to the same tires, just cant figure out which size I want. I want to go wider rims to go 225 wide honestly, but getting the girlfriends ring and a house next year really cuts in the car budget...ha. So that is why i was looking for opinions on those two sizes for the stock tires.

I appreciate the feedback though!

 

[C. love]

Buy non shitty tires. I dont know what you do with the car-daily, autox, drag? Nitto NT-05's are great for autox and street and aren't spendy. NT-01's are super rad but not a real good street tire. NT-05 drags radials. Falken Azenis is another. Buy a good tire problem solved

 

[bodytech]

Can we fit a 215/45/17 ?

 

[AMontgomery]

Look at either Dunlop Direzzas or Advan Neovas in 215/40. They will grip more and last longer than the stock tires even in stock sizing, in the wider sizing they are even more grippy and fit without rubbing all through suspension travel and turn angles.

Only issue, if you live somewhere where it gets below 10-20 degrees on a regular basis you might want some winter tires to alternate into.

Here in Mississippi that's not an issue so I run them year round.

 

[DHM1]

the 45 helps alot. Thats my pref. If you are going to buy a $$$ sticky tire the 215 all day.

Russ

 

[Atomic17]

I just put on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's in 205/45-17 and the ride is SIGNIFICANTLY better...however I do think the stock Potenza's grip much better - but I don't have the room to store a second set of rims/tires, so all-seasons it has to be for me.

And having lived in MI for 4 years myself, you need something that'll get you around in winter out there, that'll also handle the crater-sized potholes you guys get (although PA isn't much better).

Good luck!