Hey guys, I just got my '03 6MT coupe and I need to get a set of winters.

I don't have much experience buying winter tires, so I have a few questions.

First off, do I need to maintain the front and rear's different sizes (225F/245R)? Are 17's better for the winter than 18's? Or is it just personal preference?

I went onto Tire Rack's site and picked out this combination (assuming 18's):
(I wanted some Dunlop M3's but they are out of stock for the season)
2x 225/45VR18 Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport
2x 245/45VR18 Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport

(Matched to some 18" wheels yet to be picked)

Link to tires (tirerack)

Are these the right sizes? If I descide to go with 17's, what size tires should I be looking for?

Thanks for all the help,
Chris

 

Narrower tires are better for cutting through snowy conditions, and 17's are going to be cheaper and will work just as well as 18's, if not better, due to the increased sidewall's ability to absorb bigger bumps (winter potholes, snow buildup, etc.)

My winter setup is:

Front: 17x7.5 ASA JH3 wheel + Dunlop Winter Sport M3 225/50-17
Rear: 17x7.5 ASA JH3 wheel + Dunlop Winter Sport M3 225/55-17

These sizes maintain the same overall diameter as the stock 18" wheels and tires, which is the most important element, and they fit over the Brembos just fine. Hving 225's in the rear helps with snow traction becase you get less of a hydro(snow)planing effect with a narrower tread.

 

Thanks for the info sherwooa...

I guess I will stick with the 17's, and go with the 225/55's in the rear as you suggest.
Unfortunatly, I'm a little behind the game here, and all the Dunlop M3's (my first choice) are sold out.
Can you post some pics of the ASA JH3's?

Also, what do you guys think of the Pirelli Winter 210 SnowSport's?
Thanks!