tire replacement > questions

[garm]

My '77 slant conversion came with 225/50R16 front and 245/50R16 rear.
They are two different brands and aged. I'd like to get a new set, with four of the same thing.

I'm thinking of some RA-1's but the rear size they have is 245/45R16. Thoughts? What are other people running with similar configurations? The car is lowered a bit if that helps. This is for street driving, spirited fun runs and the occasional track day.

[jons911]

What width wheels are you running? 16x8 and 9?

[jons911]

Well, whatever wheel size you are running, 245/50 to 245/45 is a small change in the sidewall thickness and you should have no problem. I'm running 225/45 on my rear wheels and they've been great. I read somewhere else that someone ran 275/40 on 11" rears on their RSR conversion.

[garm]

I think it's 16x8 and 16x9, but I haven't checked the backs yet.
(just got the car a few weeks ago).

245/45/16 would be the same diameter as the fronts, which I think sounds more correct.
Just wasn't sure what other people have done.

As it is now, 225/50/16 is 24", and 245/50/16 is a little over 25".

[1979-930]

I had a difficult time finding a matched set of 16's. I was limited to Bridgestone (can't remember the model) and Toyo Proxies T1R. I went with the Toyo 225/50/16 Ft and 245/45/16 Rear. This kept the sidewall height similar. The overall diameter was 0.10 difference according to the specs.

I had to order them from Tire Rack. Local dealer said they were discontinued. Tire Rack had them in stock.

[trond]

I tried several brands and found Bridgestone S-02 (N rated, special order). Best tires on my car ever. Sharp steering response and sticks well. Also the fronts are narrower so no rubbing issues. Will buy the same next time
Aaah see you run different rims. Sloppy reading from me there. I have the 7" & 8"

Also liked the Michelin Sport A/S but the fronts measured about 1" wider and I had clearance issues. Possibly better in the cold&wet than the S-02s

[cashman]

245/45 would be the more correct option. Check out Bridgestone RE 11. Excellent tire. The RA1 and R888 are more of a track oriented tire. The RE11 is almost as good and will last much longer.

[garm]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot.

I know the RA-1's and R888's are a street legal R comp; I usually get less than 8000 out of them.

I'll check out the RE11's.