Dont know if you have heard, .... it rains a lot here, I was surprised when they lifted, they did have great bite. The F-1's and gmax dont lift in the same conditions. Washington is a good water test site.

 

I have had good success with the Firestone Firehawk and the Bridgestone Ecopia. On another car we are using the Firestone Affinity. However, we don't play in the snow here, but traction and water shedding is good.

 

We get little rain here in the south and very little snow so I'm looking for a really good dry tire I guess. The Michelin Pilot Sports are nice, but damn are they pricey. It'll run me another $150 to go with them over the Conti's...just not sure I can justify that big a difference in price.

 

I live over in birmingham. The quote here is about 523 and tax for four firehawk GT's out the door. Not too bad, but it gives you another measure.

 

I just put Michelin Primacy MXV4s on ... $600 out the door, Costco, lifetime rotation, balance, road hazard.

 

I dont have any experience with any of your the ones listed but I know which one is my next tire for me 2010 HHR SS. The Continental Extremecontact.

This is based on the reviews I have read at tirerack.com.

But this is also if I keep my HHR SS that long. I have very little confidence in the quality of the car at the current moment.

 

I used to live in Washington, but on the other side.... Near Spokane. Just 6+ months of snow there.

From there, went to Montana, not much better.... And I drove a Mustang the entire 13 years.

 

Should I go taller or wider? Looks like I can get rid of about a 1/4" of gap front and back if I go with a 225/50/17 or I can keep the height the same and go with a 245/45/17 and I add 1" of width. I'm leaning toward the 245/45/17...

 

That is completely up to you and your preferance. 245's do look nice under there though....lol

 

I'm leaning toward the 245's...not sure if anyone else has done them on here. I've seen plenty of 225/50's...I like the beefy look for a hot rod look for sure...but I'm going with a little different look on mine.