Currently own an 06 WRX and upgrading wheels/tires this spring for summer use only. Already decided on wheel (OZ Racing Ultraleggara) and now looking for tire suggestions. Both tires have received good ratings on Tirerack. Will not be auto-crossing or tracking the car, simply to use for some occassional spirited summer driving. In addition, I am referring to the Yokohamas in 225-45-17, not the stock wrx size of 215-45-17. Any input would be appreciated.

I wanted the Ultraleggeras too, I settled for some used BBS.
Did you look at the Potenza RE050a p.p. on tire rack? Those are what I went with.
No feed back yet.

I wanted the Ultraleggeras too, I settled for some used BBS.
Did you look at the Potenza RE050a p.p. on tire rack? Those are what I went with.
No feed back yet.

I will take a look at those on Tirerack. Are the Potenza RE050a.p.p. more all season tires? Reason being is that I am keeping my stocker wheels on the car with snow tires and going to use these tires for summer use only. Thanks.

The 050 are a summer performance tire. I am going to give them a shot. I am running the same set ups you are, 2 sets.
The 750's are comparable too, though they say they last longer than the 050 and 070 they are a little louder and not as good on the cornering.
This is all what I have read on this site, spoke with a couple "tire guys" and done some research on the web.
Just remember, its your car and your money. Do some research, get some opinions and do what YOU want.

Bridgestone RE070: incredibly grippy in the dry, almost R-DOT sidewall stiff - better in this respect than any other street tire, come stock on the STI for a reason, best tire I've ever driven on in the dry, incredible "feel", noisiest tire I've ever owned, very heavy @ 27lbs if that matters to you, ok to good on damp pavement, very poor in standing water

Yokohama AVS Sport: older design that is totally non-competitive to the RE070 and the other tires listed below. Can't think of a single reason to buy this tire unless they're giving it away real cheap

Bridgestone RE010R: highest dry grip ever in TireRack street tire testing (but they've never tested the RE070), probably better in the wet than the RE070, available in lots of sizes and not just 225/45x17 like the RE070. Sidewalls not as stiff, not as noisy either

Yokohama Advan Neova AD07: best dry braking TireRack has ever seen on a street tire (but again, they've never tested the RE070), posted quicker lap times than the RE010R due to better braking - not quite as much dry grip. excellent wet handling for a dry-biased performance tire, and also got good marks for quiet and smoothness - qualities not usually found on tires of this type and something the RE070 will never be accused of. 50/50 chance of being my next tire.

Bridgestone RE050A Pole Position: a wet-biased performance tire which offers the best wet handling TireRack has ever seen. very good in the dry but not at the level of the three above - that would matter on the track but on the street it's a non-issue. Much better wet performance than any of the above, especially in terms of resisting hydroplaning. smoother ride and quieter too. 50/50 chance of being my next tire

Advan Sport: another wet-biased performance tire, has not been tested by TireRack yet or anywhere else that I've found. If it has the same qualities in the wet that the Advan Neova AD07 has in the dry it will be an incredible tire. OEM on the new Corvette-based Callaway supercar, which probably says something, and also an OEM approved wet-tire for Porsche, which definitely says something. this tire is a real dark horse contender and may be worth waiting for test results

For your intended use, I'd recommend the RE050A PP as the best overall summer tire available right now today that has been tested objectively. If you don't need the ultimate in rain performance, the Michelin PS2's I'm running now are slightly better in the dry and also have an incredible "feel" to them that rivals the RE070 without the stiff sidewalls. The Goodyear F1 GSD3 is also an excellent tire, but the RE050A PP did outperform it slightly both wet and dry. The GSD3 may still be the all-time champ at resisting hydroplaning, however. Waiting for a real wet-test comparison between the GSD3, the RE050A PP and the Advan Sport on a dedicated wet-track (TireRack's wet testing is limited due to its short track and lack of hydroplaning testing)

Of the dry-biased tires, the Advan Neova AD07 is probably the best choice overall for the street, but you'll need to slow down for standing water.

if you're buying the 17x8 Ultraleggeras - great wheel, by the way - why not go for the 235/40x17 size instead? wider and usually lighter than the 225/45x17 size with better dry handling potential. Only the RE070 is size limited to 225/45x17

........id do the re01-r or the re050a pp in a 245/40 if ya lookin at those other 2 tires......assuming you are going to use a 17x8" wheel

I've been looking, but can't find anything so here goes . . . Is there any disadvantage to running the 245/40 as opposed to the 225/45? The only things I can think of is maybe a little more tire roll (does the lower over all height counteract that?) and maybe a little higher possibility of hydroplaning because of the increased surface area. Are either of these issues?

Also, Uncle Scotty, if you're around, any particular reason you like the RE-01R better than the Advan Neova AD07?

I've been looking, but can't find anything so here goes . . . Is there any disadvantage to running the 245/40 as opposed to the 225/45? The only things I can think of is maybe a little more tire roll (does the lower over all height counteract that?) and maybe a little higher possibility of hydroplaning because of the increased surface area. Are either of these issues?

Also, Uncle Scotty, if you're around, any particular reason you like the RE-01R better than the Advan Neova AD07?

...yeah....~50 reasons......as in $50/each...as in cheaper
...and ya would never know the difference

Those tires are all great... but the RE070 wins any comparrison for one reason alone.

SUPER CHEAP TAKEOFFS!!!

You can buy a set of 4 barely used for $350-425 on the forums, and locally too. Whats not to love?

I also recommend RE01R's. They are stickier than RE070s in both wet and dry.

I also recommend RE01R's. They are stickier than RE070s in both wet and dry.

...and the re050a PP is almost as good and should last a bit longer

Thanks a lot guys,

Any downsides to going to 245/40/R17 tires on a bone stock 2005 STi?

Thanks a lot guys,

Any downsides to going to 245/40/R17 tires on a bone stock 2005 STi?

:devil: ...well....a 255 would fit....:devil: