So I have the stock Bridgestones (235-45/18) on my 06 6MT with the sport suspension. Two questions: If I want to go with the same tire size, any suggestions for replacements? What's the next best size if I don't want a significant change in the wheel gap or any rubbing? Assume I'm going to use the stock 18 inch rims.

 

that doesn't matter.. it's due to the big *** side wall it's like 225/60,65 right?

 

245/45/18
-GP-

 

+1 on this size. It will fill the fender gap without rubbing and give a slightly wider contact patch and higher profile ( less roughness on bumps). Mine has this size plus dropped on 350Z springs with no rubbing issues yet.

link to pics
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2322741

 

Just installed my second set of Goodyear Eagle F1-GSD-3's in 235/50/17 size on my '04 6MT sedan yesterday (Tire Rack, $700 plus $45 S & H, delivered in 1 day)

These are fabulous tires - stick great on dry, stick even better in wet, won all the high performance tire tests (Road & Track, etc.). Wear not so good, but to be expected in a high performance, sticky tire (approx. 20,000 miles).

Get them mounted using a Hunter Road Force balancer, and the ride is smooth, too. Gets a little rougher riding with less tread, noticeable with about 5,000 miles left.

Speedo almost correct (radar indicates 39 MPH @ indicated 40), sidewall "bulge" minimal, nice wide tread, handles VERY well - rotate every 5,000 - 7,500 miles and run them at 35 PSI for best compromise in ride, handling, & wear.

There - all the works done for 'ya - just buy, plug n' play !!

DBarnes

 

Any chance you can post up some pictures ?

I would love to see how the tread-sidewall-rim relationship looks, before I go buying a set.

Thanks.

 

^+1 for the pic request.

I too am an '04 Sedan owner and my original Goodyear Eagle RS A's in 215/55/r17 are shot. I've read about a lot of people liking the F1's, but they never would show up at Tirerack.com as a fit for my car - now I know why. Its the slight size difference with people going for the 235/45/r17s or the 225/50/r17s.

 

The 235/50/17's are the direct replacement recommended to keep speedo reading accurate - not 235/45 or 225/50 ! Call Tire Rack and ask their advisors.

Here are a couple pics of my tires (235/50/17 Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3's, taken just now...sorry they are dirty, she gets a bath tonight...

Thanks -

DBarnes

 

Well people, according to the math, dbarnes is correct with the call for 235/50/17s. Using the calculator posted above, this set up is 0.2% off on the fast side and closer than any of the others listed. That's not 2%, but rather 0.2% or 0.002 off, leaving you traveling at 79.84 mph when your speedo says 80 mph. I'm sure there is that much give over time in tread wear!

I know a lot of this has to do with personal preference, but for size matching, this is as close as it gets.