Time for new Tires: A048 or Trofeo R?

[Flieger]

Currently running 205/55-16 and 225/50-16 Advan A048s on 16x7&8 Fuchs. Rears are getting a little low on tread. Fronts still have tread (usually get 1.5-2 times the miles out of fronts vs. rears) but if I were going to do a trackday I'd probably want to get new fronts to match the rears.

Question 1: I see that Pirelli are now making P Zero Trofeo R's in "vintage" sizes. Tire Rack sells a 225/50-16. On the spec sheet they seem comparable to the Advans and they are a little cheaper. Anyone have an opinion on these?

Question 2: Tire Rack doesn't advertise a 205/55-16 Advan or Trofeo R. What should I do when I need front tires? As it is, my car is probably too low as the front A-arms can hit the chassis on rare occasions (downhill turn, outside wheel hitting a bump). Also, I get some rub it seems on the rears- I don't think the fronts do anymore. I think I can solve this by shaving the lip off the fiberglass fenders though, and the ride height.

The 225/50-16 are ok on my front wheel but I don't know if they will fit. Also, it is just extra weight up there as I don't think they are the limiting factor in terms of grip since they last so long.

[KTL]

I think you'll find the Trofeo is too new to get many opinions. A few of the reviews i've seen have indicated the tire isn't fully up to track use. Who knows though. Maybe those people don't know how to treat track-capable tires.

225/50 will fit in the front. It's a bit tight but it'll fit. Lots of guys have fit 225/50 on a 16x8 up front. So you can get yours to fit pretty easy. But 225 on a 7 in. rim is a bit bloated & less than optimum fitment.

If you want to stick with the 205 size up front, which is a good fit on the 7 in. rim, look at using the Toyo R888 or the Bridgestone RE-71R? The Bridgestone is a bargain at around $130 each.

[SiberianDVM]

Or Bridgestone RE-11.

[Driven97]

I just think it's cool the Trofeo R is made in those sizes, despite me not caring for the company.

Likely not applicable at all, but if you watched the Chris Harris P1/918/LaFez video, the P1 was an insane animal once the "control tire" Corsas were swapped for the Trofeo R.