Tire/Wheel suggestions for aggressive daily driver?

[fogus]

I'm getting a base 2016 GT, and I'd like to get a set of wheels/tires next spring (I'll be running the stock wheels through the winter with winter tires).

For the summer tires, I'm thinking of 19s (9" or 9.5"), but since in new to tires and wheels, I thought I'd just make a thread asking for suggestions.

I drive aggressively, but I don't race or track. I love making tight turns and powering out of them. I think I'll enjoy launch control with the MT.

What should I get for some spirited daily driving joy given that I'll be lowering by 1" and applying the Ford Racing handling pack?

I think I would like to stay under $2k for both summer tires and wheels. Is that reasonable?

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[Todd15Fastback]

Depends on your budget and how often you want to replace tires.

Michelin Pilot Supersports are about the best out there. They cost $$$$$. I am running the Hankook Ventus RS3's in a wide setup. They run $1500 to replace for a set of 4 just a hair behind the MPSS for 285/305 setup.

 

[fogus]

I edited my OP. I think I would like to stay under $2k for both tires and wheels. Is that reasonable? Could I save more? Do I need to spend more to improve cornering over the stock 18s?

 

[Cloak]

I edited my OP. I think I would like to stay under $2k for both tires and wheels. Is that reasonable? Could I save more? Do I need to spend more to improve cornering over the stock 18s?

I'm running Nitto Invos, and they handle great! Get a squared setup in 19x9.5 or 19x10 and run 275 invos all around. They will be under $1k for a set, and then you can get some lightweight wheels (under 26lbs each) for the other $1k

 

[GTP]

I am planning the same thing as OP. Making a list of styles I like. Only considering 18" and 19". (More choices are available in 19".) I hope to see more rotary-forged offerings by next spring or summer.

Next I go to www.wheel-size.com to try various combos of wheel and tires sizes. I try to keep the diameter close to OEM of 687mm. Right now I keep settling on 2-3 combos, e.g. 275/40-R18 x9.5", 285/35-R19 x10", etc.

Next I go shopping for tires for the wheels. I try to keep the number of candidates high. If the # is low, it is an indicator of an uncommon wheel size. What is tripping me up lately are intangibles such as road noise vs compound, tire wear vs traction, comfort vs handling, etc. Trade-offs (and opinions) everywhere.

To get something that looks nice, low weight, and a decent tire is running at least $2400.

 

[Waldorf]

I'm running Nitto Invos, and they handle great! Get a squared setup in 19x9.5 or 19x10 and run 275 invos all around. They will be under $1k for a set, and then you can get some lightweight wheels (under 26lbs each) for the other $1k

Yep. 19x10 square with around a +40 offset. 275's all 'round. A 10" rim will help square up the sidewalls over a 9.5". Not a deal breaker though if the wheels you want only come in 9.5" wide. With a square setup, you can rotate AND the car won't push as much in turns. BFG, Falken, Handkook and Nitto all have summer performance tires in that size at around $1k (or under) for a set of 4. I've got wheels lined up, still debating tires. And roger on the "lightweight" wheels - the lighter, the better - reduces unsprung weight.

Corner on!
That is all...

 

[Cloak]

Yep. 19x10 square with around a +40 offset. 275's all 'round. A 10" rim will help square up the sidewalls over a 9.5". Not a deal breaker though if the wheels you want only come in 9.5" wide. With a square setup, you can rotate AND the car won't push as much in turns. BFG, Falken, Handkook and Nitto all have summer performance tires in that size at around $1k (or under) for a set of 4. I've got wheels lined up, still debating tires. And roger on the "lightweight" wheels - the lighter, the better - reduces unsprung weight.

Corner on!
That is all...

You can also run 285 on on 10"

What wheels are you going with?

 

[Lowrider]

Are the Nittos good in rain?

 

[Cloak]

Are the Nittos good in rain?

They're awesome in rain

 

[fogus]

Are the Nittos good at avoiding wheel damage in potholes? Are any 19" options going to be better than others at avoiding wheel damage?

The 10" wheels look amazing. What are the downsides compared to the 9.5"s or 9"s? Price? Performance?

 

[fogus]

Oh, and a +40 offset makes them stick... further out from the car right?

 

[Cloak]

Are the Nittos good at avoiding wheel damage in potholes? Are any 19" options going to be better than others at avoiding wheel damage?

The 10" wheels look amazing. What are the downsides compared to the 9.5"s or 9"s? Price? Performance?

Wheel damage would depend on tire width and sidewall height. Running rubberband thin-sidewall tires would give you a rougher ride, and may cause damage to your wheels. I think 35-40 should be fine on a 275+ width.

10" wheel downside could be slightly heavier. a 10" Wheel would support the 275 sidewalls better than 9.5". 275 is fine on 9.5", but it may bulge a little.

Oh, and a +40 offset makes them stick... further out from the car right?

The lower the number, the further out towards the fender they would be. This is all depending on Wheel width though! a 19x9.5" +30 would be very similar in wheel to fender positioning as a 19x10 +40.

Hit up Paul from [MENTION=11685]Need4SpeedMotors[/MENTION], he knows a whole lot more about wheels/tires than me, and he can hook you up with a total package

 

[Waldorf]

To get something that looks nice, low weight, and a decent tire is running at least $2400.

That's about right for a set of rotary forged wheels and lesser than the Michelin Super Sports. But money is something you won't need in the hereafter. Spend it now!

That is all...

 

[Need4SpeedMotors]

im down to help out and hook it up !

Also [MENTION=17981]fogus[/MENTION] what part of CT are you from im a New Britain Native = ) !!!

 

[fogus]

Sweet, thanks!

I'm near the Norwalk area!

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