17x8 wheel dilemma

[samperes]

Hey all, I had a few questions regarding my current situation with my wheel and tire setup.

I am running 17x8 Konigs with 205/45 17 wheels and I am on Bilstien B8 and H&R super sports, so there is no real option of raising the car. But I think the 45s are too tall when running 17s and I rub horribly. Any speed into a turn a minor bump is real bad. Ive been dealing with it for a little while hoping it would magically get better, but it didn’t lol.

I have a few options, I was gonna ask if anyone here has ever removed their fender liner, and if they have had any issues without it. That would be my cheapest option, but i dont know if its protecting things important or not.

My other option is to get new tires, but the problem with that is when I have 205/45 on these 17x8 there is some stretch. I was wondering if this stretch is bad for driving harshly because I do drive the car I frequent trips to The Tail of the Dragon and other mountain driving.

I also thought about 215/40 tires, but they dont have many 215 good all season tires but mainly I need something that wont get burnt through.

My last option is it basically ditch the setup, and switch to 16x8 with a 205/45 or maybeba 215/45 not so sure yet. Id run Konig or Motegi and this would solve all my issues, and I could maybe leave my 17x8 and switch those tires to summer and have a nice spare setup for harsh driving, or just sell that setup.

I am hard considering getting 215s on my current setup and dealing with having to frequently buy tires rated at 200 AA. Or running the little stretch at 205/40 which is probably the better option.

Any advice is appreciated, what do you think my best options are?

 

[M-Sport fan]

These are the Konig Hexagrams on the car currently, correct?

There are a (very) few 'pedestrian' type summer >300 tread wear tires in that 215/40-17 size (Yokohama Fleva V701, Kumho PS31, etc.), but yes, almost no true UHP all seasons available.

One of the best (and under-rated due to it's 'long-in-the-tooth' time on the market) 'compromise' tires in that size is the Nitto Neo Gen.

It is marked as an M&S all season due to the tread void, but as far as the compound and 'stick' goes, it acts much more like a max performance summer tire (280 tread wear rating, IF that means anything at all anymore?).

It also boasts very stiff side walls, and responsive turn-in, due to it's XL load rating construction, and some have actually used it on open track sessions, albeit FAR from ideal for that use.

IF you are looking at going to a 16x8 Dekagram, or RPF1, and using a 215/45-16, you will run into that very same problem (actually, even worse yet, as there are NO readily available, UHP all seasons in that size!) as far as all season/UHP >300 tread wear summer tire availability goes, and you will be basically forced onto a 200 tread wear gummy in that size.

 

[samperes]

These are the Konig Hexagrams on the car currently, correct?

There are a (very) few 'pedestrian' type summer >300 tread wear tires in that 215/40-17 size (Yokohama Fleva, Kumho PS31, etc.), but yes, almost no true UHP all seasons available.

One of the best (and under-rated due to it's 'long-in-the-tooth' time on the market) 'compromise' tires in that size is the Nitto Neo Gen.

It is marked as an M&S all season due to the tread void, but as far as the compound and 'stick' goes, it acts much more like a max performance summer tire (280 tread wear rating, IF that means anything at all anymore?).

It also boasts very stiff side walls, and responsive turn-in, due to it's XL load rating construction, and some have actually used it on open track sessions, albeit FAR from ideal for that use.

IF you are looking at going to a 16x8 Dekagram, or RPF1, and using a 215/45-16, you will run into that very same problem (actually, even worse yet, as there are NO readily available, UHP all seasons in that size!) as far as all season/UHP >300 tread wear summer tire availability goes, and you will be basically forced onto a 200 tread wear gummy in that size.

They are Hypergrams 17x8. And yea that seems to be the case for 215s.. How long do you think I can get out of summer tires like the ones you listed <300 tread..

But also are you familiar with the stretch a 205/40 is on a 17x8? Will it be a bad idea to run that with harsh driving?

 

[M-Sport fan]

Most on here tout that (a 205/40 on an 8" wide wheel) stretch as the end-all/be-all of performance tire/wheel setup, and for perfectly smooth, flawless roads, they may be correct.

I personally think it is a bit too much 'rubber band' too short side wall effect (especially with one of the very stiff side wall by design, 200 tread wear tires) stretch for bad roads, and would opt for the 215/40-17 option myself.

It is also starting to edge into the 'stancer' territory of stretch, which I personally cannot stand.

 

[samperes]

Most on here tout that (a 205/40 on an 8" wide wheel) stretch as the end-all/be-all of performance tire/wheel setup, and for perfectly smooth, flawless roads, they may be correct.

I personally think it is a bit too much (especially with one of the very stiff side wall by design, 200 tread wear tires) stretch for bad roads, and would opt for the 215/40-17 option myself.
It is also starting to edge into the 'stancer' territory of stretch, which I personally cannot stand.

I definitely wouldn't mind running the 215 its just Id hate to be buying tires super frequently. Realistically how many sets would I be buying a year? haha

I don’t HATE the stretch with 205, odds are I run ExtremeContacts or Pilot Sports with the 205/40. Would that be too hard or is that a good setup?

For context, the roads I drive are no means perfect but they aren’t bad. I like peeling down back roads when I have the chance and I do mountain driving a few times a year.

Also, I appreciate your feedback. You've been more helpful than anyone on Facebook groups LOL

 

[M-Sport fan]

There are no Contis offered in our 205/40-17 OEM size (or the 215/40-17 size either), and the Michelin SUMMER only, Pilot Sport 5 has long been rumored to be made in that size, but is currently vaporware in this land, at least.

The Pilot Sport All Season 4 is available in that size (albeit $$$$!), if that is what you were referring to.
(You must specify between summer and all season when mentioning a tire model. )

I personally would be looking at the General G-MAX AS-07 if I were in the market for a UHP all season in our OEM size, as they are HALF the price of the Pilot Sport All Season 4s! (Or again, the Nitto Neo Gen for even less coin than those in that size.)

 

[samperes]

There are no Contis offered in our 205/40-17 OEM size (or the 215/40-17 size either), and the Michelin SUMMER only, Pilot Sport 5 has long been rumored to be made in that size, but is currently vaporware in this land, at least.

The Pilot Sport All Season 4 is available in that size (albeit $$$$!), if that is what you were referring to.
(You must specify between summer and all season when mentioning a tire model. )

I personally would be looking at the General G-MAX AS-07 if I were in the market for a UHP all season in our OEM size, as they are HALF the price of the Pilot Sport All Season 4s! (Or again, the Nitto Neo Gen for even less coin than those in that size.)

Well actually I have been eyeing these Yokohama Fleva v701s for the 215 setup. Have you got any input on those, its looking like the route I want to take. Or even the Falken 615k+

And yes, the Pilot Sport 4 AS is what I would probably run if I ended up going 205, because I have had great experiences with PS4 and I am not to sure about the General brand to be honest.

 

[M-Sport fan]

Many on here have, and LOVE those Flevas (maybe they will chime in), but I personally have no experience whatsoever with them.

I did fear that they would be a disappointment, turn-in and overall performance-wise, for my pure warm temp summer, on the car for only 3-4 months of the year, 17x8 setup, so I went with their 200 tread wear (but 'streetable endurance', not one lap gumball type) AD09s instead.

 

[samperes]

Many on here have, and LOVE those Flevas (maybe they will chime in), but I personally have no experience whatsoever with them.

I did fear that they would be a disappointment, turn-in and overall performance-wise, for my pure warm temp summer, on the car for only 3-4 months of the year, 17x8 setup, so I went with their 200 tread wear (but 'streetable endurance', not one lap gumball type) AD09s instead.

Any input on Kumho PS31?

 

[M-Sport fan]

Any input on Kumho PS31?

No, never used those either, although some on here have.

I suspect/would expect that they would have slightly less turn-in response and ultimate grip than even the Flevas, albeit with slightly better longevity.

 

[samperes]

No, never used those either, although some on here have.

I suspect/would expect that they would have slightly less turn-in response and ultimate grip than even the Flevas, albeit with slightly better longevity.

Appreciate you. It's looking like I will be going the Yokohama Fleva route.

 

[Capri to ST]

Any input on Kumho PS31?

I haven't used them, but Tire Rack's comments on them made them a definite no-go for me. Here are a few quotes-
"the Ecsta PS31, whose delayed reactions to steering input made for a rubbery steering feel unbefitting an Ultra High Performance Summer tire"
"The Kumho Ecsta PS31 was not at home on the track, and in addition to receiving multiple negative comments concerning its mushy feel and general lack of responsiveness, it also posted the lowest objective numbers in every category."

 

[samperes]

I haven't used them, but Tire Rack's comments on them made them a definite no-go for me. Here are a few quotes-
"the Ecsta PS31, whose delayed reactions to steering input made for a rubbery steering feel unbefitting an Ultra High Performance Summer tire"
"The Kumho Ecsta PS31 was not at home on the track, and in addition to receiving multiple negative comments concerning its mushy feel and general lack of responsiveness, it also posted the lowest objective numbers in every category."

Yea I also had asked a friend about them and he got them for his GTI at one point and said they were garbage.. haha

I just ordered the Yoko Fleva's and I will get them installed hopefully sometime next week. Excited not to rub at any minor inconvenience, and hopefully some nice grip. I have PS4 AS on right now so well see.

 

[Capri to ST]

Appreciate you. It's looking like I will be going the Yokohama Fleva route.

I currently have the Yokohama Advan Fleva V701, and I like them a lot. My goal for this car is to preserve the responsive steering and quick turn in which to me are its primary assets, and these tires do that well. I was told that by some knowledgeable members on here, and my experience has shown that to be a good recommendation. I think the turn-in is almost as good as the OEM Potenzas, which I call the king of turn-in, and are sadly long discontinued.
I don't drive in the rain much, but the few times I did they were fine, they do find and fairly cold weather, and the ride is decent for a summer performance tire. All in all, a good choice out of a limited range of them.

 

[samperes]

I currently have the Yokohama Advan Fleva V701, and I like them a lot. My goal for this car is to preserve the responsive steering and quick turn in which to me are its primary assets, and these tires do that well. I was told that by some knowledgeable members on here, and my experience has shown that to be a good recommendation. I think the turn-in is almost as good as the OEM Potenzas, which I call the king of turn-in, and are sadly long discontinued.
I don't drive in the rain much, but the few times I did they were fine, they do find and fairly cold weather, and the ride is decent for a summer performance tire. All in all, a good choice out of a limited range of them.

I never got to try the OEM tire on this car, they had Milestars when i got it... It rains randomly here in GA but I heard rain isn't a huge issue. I am excited to take them to the Dragon, since I'll have a setup I can push and not tear off my fender

 

[M-Sport fan]

I would actually expect the Flevas to be much better than average in the rain, even in deep(er) standing water.

 

[M-Sport fan]

Yea I also had asked a friend about them and he got them for his GTI at one point and said they were garbage.. haha

I just ordered the Yoko Fleva's and I will get them installed hopefully sometime next week. Excited not to rub at any minor inconvenience, and hopefully some nice grip. I have PS4 AS on right now so well see.

Did you order the 205s or the 215s??

 

[samperes]

Did you order the 205s or the 215s??

215/40s is what I got. Should sit really nicely and rub much less if at all with my setup. 45s are just not it on this car unless on 16's

 

[SVTBob]

samperes, how are the 215 Fleva’s working out ?

 

[samperes]

samperes, how are the 215 Fleva’s working out ?

They are amazing, I rub very minimally it has to be a harsh bump or super steep curve. They have very nice grip pulling into turns, and of course spirted driving is amazing. It hasn’t rained much since I got them, but when I found myself in the rain they seemed to be great. (only on the interstate)