So I'm in the market for new tires, and I've pretty much set my mind on a set of Riken Raptor ZRs. An inexpensive option for a sportier, grippier tire than I have now, and here in Guam, cold will never be an issue.

My question is whether the differences in side wall will have any negligable affect on handled through corners. I fully understand that I'm in a daily driver, but everyone wants to have some fun every once in a while, or most of the time! Even for those of us who have an under powered, overweight stock 2.4.

I'm looking to change out my stock 215/55r16 with either 225/50r16 (half inch smaller overall height than stock) or 225/55r16 (.4 inch bigger overall height than stock). I will be lowering with Eibach springs and I think the 255 will fill out the wells a lot better (almost a half inch more), but I would like the thoughts of anyone who has switched tire sizes and noticed a difference in handling.

Thanks all for your inputs,

SuKi

 

Stick with stock tire size or get the bigger 17 inch rims with the shorter sidewall. They came on 2LT models with the FE3 suspension. My real suggestion would be to invest in upgraded struts and a Turbo Tech Racing Rear Sway Bar. That rear sway bar alone could give you the difference you are looking for.

 

Agreed, that TTR bar is awesome! I found the Eibachs not firm enough, went with Canucks, they are also a little lower, kept the stock 16 inch tire size, it handles awesome

 

The 225/55R16 is a great tire size... I ran them for 4 years or so before I had to go back to the 17 inch 2LT wheels.


Definitely get a rear sway bar on that thing, and rear leveling springs.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I pulled the trigger on the 255's just now. As far as sway bars, I was hoping to purchase the Eibach pro-plus kit which is springs, front, and rear bar together, but shipping was an issue. I really didn't want to be charged freight along with the fees associated with it. But my TTR bar is on the way. With shipping, it was cheaper than the Eibach. KYB's all around. I also looked into the Canucks, and was on the fence about them, but I chose Eibachs strictly for the fact that Summit Racing was who I ordered from and if I do run into issues with the springs, I know they will back me. Also that the roads are terrible, and a little softer might be better. But anyways, if I don't like them or looking for something better, Canucks I will try. I'm trying not to post preemptively, while waiting on parts, and wait until I do installs. Plus, then I can have pictures :)

SuKi

 

Is the 16 inch rim wide enough to accomodate a 255 tire?

 

According to tirerack as well as many testimonials. Some calculators say 215 Max for 6.5, some say 225

 

OK, there's some confusion here. Suki, you originally mentioned 215s and 225s. Then you said you ordered 255s. I'm thinking you meant 225/55r16. Is this what you meant?

 

Lol, yes RJ. 255 would most definitely not fit on my rim or without modification to the well. Sorry about the confusion, I didn't catch that aradmahogany.